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HISTORY OF
RICE AND
STEELE COUNTIES
MINNESOTA
COMPILED BY
FRANKLYN CURTISS -WEDGE
ASSISTED BY
Stephen Jewett, Esq.; George C. Tanner, 1). D.; James Dobbin, D. D.; A.
C. Rogers, M. D.; A. E. Haven, Esq.; M. M. Shields, Esq.; A. W.
McKinstry, Esq.; Hon. James Hunter; Prof. Harry E. Whitney; Hon.
D. F. Kelley; Hon. J. C. Couper; Prof. Horace Goodhue; Hon. W. A.
Sperry; B. E. Darby, Esq.; E. E. Bigelow, M. D.; Hon. F. A. Dunham;
W. G. Clarkson, Esq.; Hon. John C. Brainerd; C. C. Campbell, Esq.;
Virgil J. Temple, Esq.; Frank M. Kaisersott, Esq.; J. J. Rachac, Esq.;
Dr. E. K. Clements; Frederick A. Davis, M. D.; Prof. J. H. Lewis; Prof.
Philip J. Kuntz; H. F. Luers, Esq.; L. L. Bennett, M. D.; Hon. J. M.
Diment; William Kaiser, Esq.; J. H Adair, M D; Hon. J. E. Morley, and
many others.
//
Illustrated
VOL. II
CHICAGO
H. C. COOPER, J R., & CO.
19 10
675«.m
CHAPTER XI
IMPORTANT EVENTS
Deaths, Accidents, Crimes, Fires, and Thousands of Interesting
Events Transpiring Between January, 1888, and June, 1910 —
Compiled from Newspaper Files.
The history of the settlement, growth and progress of Steele
county is treated in detail in the various chapters in this history.
In this chapter, it has been the aim of the editors to record, in
chronological order, events transpiring from January, 1888, to
June, 1910, as recorded in the files of the newspapers. But brief-
est mention is given here to each event, and much, especially
relating to matters which received attention elsewhere, has been
omitted. Nevertheless the reader will find here much of interest,
together with thousands of items which may have escaped the
memory of the people of the county and which are here recorded.
1888. January 2, the Church Hotel, owned by Mrs. Abbey C.
Albro, at Owatonna, was burned to the ground, the loss being
$5,000. January 16, the Farmers' Institute for Steele county
opened at Chambers' Hall, Owatonna. February 7, 1888, the city
council of Owatonna voted ?3,000 to be given toward building
a college in connection wath Pillsbury Academy, with the pro-
vision that the fund was not to be used unless a $30,000 college
building should be completed within two years. February 12,
Jacob Olenejeck, night watchman at the Owatonna Packing
House, was murdered during the night, by persons unknown,
being foimd dead the ne.xt morning. February 21, the Owatonna
city council voted to submit to the people at the election to be
■ held March 13 the question of issuing $40,000 l)onds for water-
w''or!«s./, M-'airch 13, the people of Owatonna decided upon the issue
of; bqn'4s, by a majority of eight. Fraud was alleged, however,
atid Ifhii. caused the bonds to be unsalable. June 5, the Southern
M^rittdsota G. A. R. encampment was held at Owatonna. July 4
was-cetebrated with appro])riatc ceremonies at Blooming Prairie
and Medford. September 18 to 21, the General Conference Asso-
ciation of Minnesota held its annual meeting at Owatonna. Octo-
ber 7, Louis Bion, who was a native of Bavaria, Germany, died
at Owatonna. November 16, C. W. Hadley, of Owatonna, in-
vented an autcjmatic grain measure which proved a great suc-
cess. December 7, Roy Garfield Hellway and Frank Dana Mid-
802
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 803
daugh, each eight years of age, were drowned in Straight river
at Owatonna, while skating. December 9, the Steele County
Bible Society held its annual meeting at the Methodist Church.
1889. February 15, at midnight, the Nickerson House at
Owtonna caught fire and burned to the ground in spite of the
gallant efforts of the fire department. The loss was about $3,000.
This hotel had been known as the Tremont House, and belonged
to W. Nickerson, of Dodge Center. The "F"ree Press" of Febru-
ary 15 contained the information that Dr. E. M. Morehouse was
building in Owatonna the finest brick hotel in southern Minne-
sota, outside of the Twin Cities. February 26, a big fire occurred
in Blooming Prairie village, destroying an entire business block.
Fire started in the postofilice building soon after 11 o'clock in the
evening. Nothing was saved in M. Guthrie's store, which con-
tained the postoffice. The store of G. Jensen & Co. speedily took
fire and burned. E. Morton's store and the hardware store of T.
Feeney were the ne.xt to catch fire, and they, in turn, set fire to
the building occupied by Camp's harness shop and Charles
Treat's barber shop. The total loss was $25,500. March 18, the
Steele County Poultry Association was formed. April 10, Dex-
ter Smith died at Owatonna. He was born in Cayuga county,
New York, in 1822. April 16, A. M. Stoughton died at Owa-
tonna, at the age of seventy-four years. He was born in Wethers-
field, Vt., in 1814, came to Minnesota in 18.56, was deacon in the
Congregational Church at Owatonna ; was deputy auditor of
Steele county for many years, and was serving as city treasurer
of Owatonna at the lime of his death. April 27 , William Panzer,
of Owatonna, was struck and killed by a train on the Chicago &
Northwestern Railway tracks. May 10, Frank Chadwick, son
of Judge Chadwick, received an appointment to the Naval Acad-
emy at Annapolis. June 8, the Agricultural and Industrial Asso-
ciation of Steele County was formed. July 4 was appropriately
celebrated at Owatonna. August 30, J. \V. Morford died at
Owatonna. He was born in Oneida county. New York, in 1830,
and came to Owatonna in 1856. September 17-19, a big county
fair was held at Owatonna. Governor Merriam and Hon. George
H. Pillsbury wese present. October 29, Mrs. L. L. Inman, a
prominent member of the W. R. C, died at Owatonna. October
30, a Tradesmen's Carnival was held at Germania Hall, Owa-
tonna. December 3, a new ordinance was passed, granting a fran-
chise to the Owatonna Heat and Power Company to put in an
electric plant before June 1, at Owatonna. December 8, Andrew
Jackson Pettie died at Blooming Prairie at the age of sixty-three
years. He was born in Worcester, Otsego county, N. Y., and
lived in Blooming Prairie twenty-eight years, owning a farm
there before the village was started. December 21, 1889, Chris-
804 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
topher Betts, of Owatonna, shot and killed his wife and then
committed suicide.
1890. January 6, John Hammel died at Owatonna, at the age
of sixty-six years. January 7, the county commissioners can-
celed $41,000 of bonds which had been issued to aid the Duhith,
Red Wing & -Southern Railwa}- Company. January 15, John
Bixby died at Aurora township. He was born in Moretown,
Washington county, \'t., and came to Aurora in 1856, with his
wife and family. February 12, Mrs. jMary Pcavey died at Clinton
Falls. She was born in Canada in 1815, and in 1864 she came
with her husband to Clinton Falls. February 18, the city coun-
cil of Owatonna purchased an artesian well from F. P. Rust, for
$700, to be used in the waterworks system. March 21, Dr. G. A.
Rossback died at Owatonna. He was born in Germany, near
the borders of France, in 1818, served as surgeon in the Union
army, and then came to Owatonna. April 2, the Steele County
Sunday School Association held its first meeting of the year, at
Blooming Prairie. April 8, bids were received by the Owatonna
city council for waterworks contract. It was let to Harrison &
Hawley for ,$28,763. April 10. the annual meeting of the Steele
County Humane Society was held at Owatonna. .April 15, the
city council of Owatonna voted bonds to the amount of $30,000,
for the waterworks system, the bonds to run for twenty years
at 5 per cent interest. May 3, the Bion Ijrewery at Owatonna
was burned, entailing a loss of about $5,000. May 7, an Owa-
tonna Baseball Association was formed. May 26, the Owatonna
Driving Association was formed for the purpose of racing, breed-
ing and training fast horses. May 20, the waterworks bonds of
Owatonna were sold to S. A. Keene & Co., of Chicago, for $30,110.
June 3, the Owatonna city council purchased E. P. Ring's lots
for a standpipe location. June 6, the following census enumer-
ators of Steele county were named: Summit, Jeff Clark; Berlin,
H. A. Finch; Aurora, J. Bucklin; Somerset, J. H. Healey;
Lemond, W. W. Day ; Havana, O. M. Jones ; township of Owa-
tonna, Sanford Kinney ; city of Owatonna. P. Bliss ; Meriden,
J. R. Petrich; Merton, L. H. Lane; Medford, G. H. Butler;
Clinton Falls, Ed. Adams; Deerfield, P. P. Moe; Blooming
Prairie, A. Colquhoun. June, 25, three children, one son and
two daughters of John Ivnjawa, were drowned in the Straight
river, at Medford. July 4, a big celebration was held at Owa-
tonna. July 8, John and William Donaldson, sons of Edward
Donaldson, were drowned in the Straight river at Owatonna.
July 11, the Pierce Brothers began building the Owatonna elec-
tric light plant. July 15, the county commissioners levied $13,500
for a court house, cost not to exceed $40,000. August 4, a severe
wind and hail storm visited River Point. Hundreds of acres of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 805
^rain were destroj^ed. Windows facing the west were all de-
stroyed, hailstones falling as big as teacups. September 16, the
Steele county fair was held at Owatonna. December 3, the
county commissioners awarded a contract to F. D. Allen as archi-
tect for the new court house, his compensation not to exceed
$1,200. December 9, the second annual exhibition of the Steele
County Poultry Association proved a great success.
1891. January 9, Charles Brady died at Deerfield. He was
born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1800, and came to Deerfield
with his wife in 1856. February 13, John C. Olson died at Owa-
tonna, at the age of forty-one years. March 8, Mr. and Mrs.
Cotter, who came to Steele county in 1864, celebrated their six-
tieth wedding anniversary at Havana. April 10, a Knights of
Pythias lodge was inaugurated at Medford, with twenty-five
members. April 13, the State Teachers' Institute for Steele
county met at Germania Hall, Owatonna. May 16, Mayor E. M.
Morehouse, of Owatonna, was seriously injured by falling down
a stairway leading from his bedroom to a basement. He fell
about 12:30 a. m. and was not found until 9:15 a. m., lying uncon-
scious until discovered by his son Martin. May 18, Isaac Watts
Burch died at Owatonna, at the age of fifty-two years. He had
been clerk of the County Court for twelve years, city recorder
for a longer period, and a deacon in the Congregational Church.
May 23, Dr. E. M. Morehouse died at his home in Owatonna
from the results of a fall. He was the first physician in Steele
county. June 20, the old settlers of Steele county met in Owa-
tonna, at Central Park. July 4, the old settlers of Steele county
held a picnic and barbecue at Owatonna. June 25, the corner-
stone of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Owatonna was laid by
the Right Rev. J. B. Cotter, Bishop of Winona. July 6, Rev.
J. C. Ogle, pastor of the Methodist Church at Owatonna, and edi-
tor of a scholarly history of Steele county, died the day after
being stricken in the pulpit by paralysis. He was born in Canton,
Stark county. Ohio, in 1830, and came to Owatonna in 1886.
July 4, Gottlieb Kreisel died at Deerfield, at the age of sixty
j'ears. He came to Meriden in 1866 and moved to Deerfield in
1874. July 13, the county commissioners levied the sum of $9,000
on taxable property for court-house purposes. July 6, W. A.
Dynes was elected mayor of Owatonna, to succeed Dr. E. M.
Morehouse, deceased. August 15, Walter Stcbbins died at Owa-
tonna. He came to Steele county in 1858, and moved from his
farm to Owatonna in 1886. He was deacon in the Baptist Church.
September 3-5. the Steele county fair was a great success. Sep-
tember 7, the county commissioners authorized the chairman and
county auditor to issue court-house bonds to the sum of $30,000.
October 28, these bonds were sold to the Farmers and Mechanics'
806 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Savings Bank, Minneapolis, at par value. November 23, George
W. Kinyon, a farmer of Owatonna township, was shot in the face
by his hired man, Charles Trowe, who then shot himself. Neither
wound was fatal. Trowe was arrested. December 1, the Hast-
ings & Diment flour mill at Owatonna was burned to the ground,
entailing a loss of $30,000; no insurance. Seventeen men were
thrown out of employment. December 2, E. T. Erickson died at
Havana. He was born in Norway in 1854, and came to Havana
in 1864. He served as town clerk and postmaster at Havana.
December 6, the annual meeting of the Steele County Bible Soci-
ety was held at the Congregational Church in Owatonna. Decem-
ber 18, the third annual show of the Steele County Poultry Asso-
ciation was held at Owatonna. December 30, Prof. A. C. Gut-
terson died at Owatonna, at the age of sixty years. He came to
Owatonna in 1866, exerted a wide influence on the musical life
of the community, and served seventeen years as cashier of the
Farmers' National Bank. December 24, Mrs. A. W. Adams died
at Clinton Falls. .She was born in Goshen, Mass., in 1833, was
married in 1854, and came to Clinton Falls the same year.
1892. February 2, the city council of Owatonna voted that
the sewers on Cedar, Main and Broadway be built during the
ensuing season. February 20, Sarah A. Stowers, wife of S. H.
Stowers, died at Owatonna, aged forty-eight years. March 25,
new flouring mill of Hastings, Diment & Co., at Owatonna, was
reported as completed and running, with a capacity of 250 barrels
a day. March 23, the Owatonna city council accepted the bid of
the Clefton Brothers to put in sewers on Cedar, Broadway and
Main, at a cost of $8,592.90. March 28, the State Teachers' Insti-
tute for Steele county was held. June 3, the announcement was
made that George A. Pillsbury would give a music hall to Pills-
bury Academy, cost to be about $18,000. June 15. a destructive
wind and electrical storm passed over the towns of Berlin, Sum-
mit and Blooming Prairie. The Norwegian Church in Berlin
was blown to pieces and the school house on the corner of Hig-
bie's farm was picked up and carried a quarter of a mile. July 4,
a big celebration was held at Owatonna, under the auspices of the
firemen. July 11, the county commissioners met and levied $23,-
000 tax on Steele county property for the ensuing year. August
31, the station of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway
burned at Blooming Prairie, entailing a loss of about $1,500.
September 8, Mrs. C. S. Crandall died at Owatonna, at the age of
sixty years, having lived in Owatonna about thirty-five years. Oc-
tober 7, Mrs. Chas. H. Church died at Owatonna. She was born
in Plymouth county, Massachusetts, and came to Owatonna with
her husband in 1867. September 10, Merritt Webb died at Owa-
tonna. He was born in Jefferson county. New York, in 1828,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 80r
and came to Steele county in 1864. September 22-24, the annual
Steele county fair was held at Owatonna. November 1, John C.
Burke, county auditor, died at Owatonna, at the age of thirty-two
years. November 18, Judge Amos Coggswell died at Owatonna.
He was born in 1825, and came to Steele count}' in 1856. He
was a member of the constitutional convention of 1857, speaker
of the state legislature in 1860, state senator from 1872 to 1873,
and probate judge for one year. November 21, a big Democratic
celebration was held in Owatonna, in honor of the election of
Grover Cleveland as President of the United States. November
23, William Ellis died at Havana. He was born on the water,
son of Captain and Sarah Ellis, and came to Steele county in
1856. December 26, fire destroyed the Music Hall at Pillsbury
Academy. The building was in the progress of construction, and
the loss of $10,000 fell on the contractor.
1893. January 11, J. L. Harrington, M. D., died at Owatonna.
He was born in Jamaica, Vt., in 1840, and came to Owatonna in
1881. February 1, the residence of Hon. W. R. Kinyon at Owa-
tonna was burned to the ground. Most of the furniture was
saved. February 3, the first church ever erected in the town of
Summit was nearing completion. It was of the Danish Lutheran
denomination. February 18, Mrs. Marenda Grandprey, wife of
Joseph Grandprey, died at Meriden. She was born in Alleghany
county, New Hampshire, in 1823. and came to Steele county in
1857. March 1, Mrs. J. Q. Ellis died at Owatonna. She was
born in Oxford county, Maine, in 1831, and came to Steele county
in 1868. March 27-31, the State Teachers' Institute for Steele
county met at Owatonna. April 13, John Cottier died. He was
born on the Isle of Man in 1826, and came to Owatonna in 1865.
May 2, 1893, the city council of Owatonna authorized an exten-
sion of South Oak street for 120 rods, to intersect the Zelinski
road. May 9, Mrs. Catherine Campbell Donaldson died at Owa-
tonna. She was born in Argyle, Washington county, N. Y., in
1829, and came to Owatonna with her family in 1862. She was
the wife of John Donaldson. June 12, 1893, William J. Thomp-
son died at Owatonna. He was born in Ireland in 1813, came to
Somerset township in 1870 and to Owatonna in 1888. June 17,
the Berlin and Summit Creamery carried off highest honors for
dairy products at the World's Fair, Chicago. June 20, the Owa-
tonna city council authorized the park committee to purchase a
suitable fountain for Central Park, at a cost not to exceed $300.
June 23, Richard Evans died at Owatonna, at the age of seventy-
six years. July 4, the old settlers of Steele county held their
annual picnic at Mineral Springs Park at Owatonna. July 12,
E. Y. Hunewill died at Owatonna. He was born in Caritunk,
Me., in 1822, and came to Owatonna in 1856. September 18, the
808 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Columbia Hotel, on West Broadway, was opened by Clay &
Bowen. September 14, 16, the Steele county fair at Owatonna
proved a great success. October 11, Seth Chase died at Owa-
tonna, at the age of ninety-two years. He came to Steele county
in 1865 and at the time of his death he was the oldest man in
the county. October 4, the Seventh Day Adventists held a big
camp meeting at Owatonna. November 4, a fire in Aurora de-
stroyed the store of W. F. Linse. The postofifice, which was
located in the store, was also destroyed. The total loss was
•$3,000. December 1, the county commissioners appointed H. B.
Chambers as overseer of the poor farm. December 8, Henry F.
Hahn died. He was born in Hanover, Germany, and came to
Lemond in 1857. December 19, Emily Stanley Tryon, wife of
C. Tryon. died at Owatonna, at the age of sixty-two years. De-
cember 27 . William Clark McGowan died at Owatonna. He was
born at Alburgh, Vt., December 25, 1815, and came to Owatonna
in 1869.
1894. January 10, George H. Herrick died at Owatonna. He
was born in Chautauqua county, New York, April 28, 1841, and
came to Minnesota as a youth, settling near Le Sueur. He served
in the Civil War, came to Owatonna in 1888, purchased an inter-
est in the drug store of William Gausewitz, and later became sole
owner. He was prominent in the Baptist Church, and was one
of the trustees of Pillsbury Academy. January 13, Henry Schultz
died at Owatonna. He was born in Germany, came to Steele
county in 1861, and to Owatonna in 1882. January 13, John
Mesche died at Rice Lake, at the age of fifty-two. January 15,
Mrs. Thomas Welch died at her home in Summit. She was born
in Ireland and had lived in Steele county twenty-eight years,
attaining an age of eighty years. January 20, Aaron Backus
died at Owatonna. He was born in Putnam, N. Y., and came to
Owatonna in 1875. February 1, Luther Lane, one of the first
settlers of Medford, died at the age of eighty-five. February 1,
J. E. Buxton, for twenty-nine years a resident of Owatonna, died
at Deland, Fla. He was born in New York, August 5, 1823, and
came to Owatonna in 1865. His business was that of farm ma-
chinery. March 16, W. F. Linse, postmaster and storekeeper at
Aurora Station, died. He was born in Germany, March 21.
James Morton, for thirty-two years a Steele county blacksmith,
died at Owatonna. March 27, Joseph Ingraham. father of Prof.
J. L. Ingraham, died in Owatonna, at the age of seventy-eight
years. April 2, Lorenzo Green, the pioneer, died at Owatonna.
He was born in New York state and came to Steele county in
1856. April 14. A. J. Truesdell, editor of the Owatonna "Jour-
nal," died, at the age of thirty years. April 2Z, a Democratic club
was organized in Owatonna. April 28, the Medford Co-operative
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 809
Creamery Association was organized. June 18, Mrs. Abigail
Heath, who came to Minnesota in 1856, died at Medford, at the
age of seventy-six. June 18, the annual encampment of the
Cannon Valley G. A. R. was held at Ovvatonna. June 20, the
roundhouse of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway at
Ovvatonna was entirely destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of
$1,000. June 26, Peter iMcCrady, for many years a justice of
the peace, died at Aurora, at the age of eighty-eight years. June
27, the seventh annual convention of the W. C. T. U., district
No. 2, was lield at the Ovvatonna Methodist Church. July 4.
another big celebration was held at Ovvatonna. June 24, Mary,
the wife of Charles Green, died at Ovvatonna. She was born in
Nobles county, Indiana, in 1852, and came to Ovvatonna in 1884.
July 29, Gordan G. Head died at the home of his daughter, Mrs.
R. G. Nelson, in Ovvatonna, at the age of seventy-two years. He
was born in Vermont in 1822 and came to Ovvatonna in 1884.
August 2, the citizens of Owatonna agreed to bo3'cott the North-
western Railway unless a safe crossing was put in at North Oak-
street. August 5, Louis K. Johnson died. He was born in
Norway and came to Havana township in 1856. August 15, Mrs.
G. W. Chesley died at Ovvatonna, at the age of sixty-two years.
August 16, the Owatonna city council reached an agreement with
the Northwestern Railway in regard to the North Oak street
crossing. The railway agreed to put in a bridge, and the city
agreed to attend to the street grading. August 21, Esther L.
Holmes, a prominent member of the Baptist Church, died at
Owatonna. She was born in New York state and came to Ovva-
tonna in 1875. August 23, Mary A. Gilman died at Medford,
at the age of seventy-six years. September 2, Mrs. Anton Schuldt
died at Meriden, at the age of sixty-four. She was born in Ger-
many and came to Meriden township in 1856. September 6, the
city council of Owatonna appropriated $500 for the benefit of
the sufferers from the Hinckley fire. September 6-8, the Steele
county fair was held at Ovvatonna. September 16, the barn and
outbuildings of Michael Ebeling, at Meriden township, were
destroyed by fire. September 23, Philo Sawyer died in Berlin
township, at the age of sixty-four. October 9. Mrs. George K.
Peck died. She was born in 1846 and married in 1863. Novem-
ber 2, Judge Lorenzo Hazen died at Owatonna. He was born in
New York state. He came to Medford at an early date and to
Owatonna in 1877. He was judge of probate and prominent in
politics. November 24, Fred Kruckelberg died at Aurora, at the
age of sixty-three. He was born in Germany and settled in
Aurora in 1856. November 28, Ludwig Milbradt died at Owa-
tonna. He came to Steele county in 1866. and to Owatonna in
1886. December 8, Mrs. E. H. S. Dartt died at Owatonna. She
810 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
was born in England, August 25, 1843, came to America while
an infant, and married E. H. S. Dartt November 24, 1876. De-
cember 11-13, the seventh annual convention of the Minnesota
State Dairymen's Association was held at Ovvatonna. December
17, the Ovvatonna board of education was authorized to issue
bonds to the amount of S8,000 to build a four-room school house
in the Second ward.
1895. January 11, the Home Rule House burned to the
ground at Owatonna, in the early morning, the loss being over
$15,000. The ground dimensions covered five blocks. February
16, Henry M. Steele died at Merton. He was born in England
in 1828, and came to Steele county in 1858, becoming a prominent
citizen. February 23, Mrs. James Cotter died at Havana. She
was born in Lebanon, N. Y., in 1818, and came to Steele county
in 1865. March 9, two barns belonging to O. L. Knapp, at Clin-
ton Falls, were burned, entailing a loss of $1,500. March 20, the
Southern Minnesota B. Y. P. U. held a big rall}^ at the Owatonna
Baptist Church. March 22, the Riverside roller mills burned in
the early morning, entailing a loss of $14,000. April 2-5, the Steele
County Teachers' Institute was held at Owatonna. April 9, Mrs.
Phoebe Burch died at Owatonna. She was born in Cooperstown,
N. Y., in 1810, and came to Owatonna in 1874. April 14, Mrs.
Mary A. Selleck, wife of Alson Selleck, died at Owatonna. She
was born in New York state, and came to Owatonna in 1855.
May 31, a meeting of the citizens of Owatonna was held to con-
sider the question of a public library. An offer of $10,000 for
this purpose was received from Mrs. E. Y. Hunewill. June 17,
the annual session of the Eighth District Lodge, I. O. G. T., was
held in Berlin. July 4, another big celebration was held under
the auspices of the Owatonna firemen. July 19, C. H. Church,
one of the first settlers of Steele county, and a resident of Owa-
tonna, died in South Dakota, at the age of sixtj-seven years.
August 19, fire destroyed the Winona lumber yard and L. D.
Holden's cooper shop at Owatonna, the loss being about $6,000.
August 29-31, the Steele county fair at Ovvatonna met with much
success. October 11, a horseless vehicle invention by D. J.
Ames and Frank La Bare was made public. October 24, John
Shea died at Ovvatonna. He was born in Joliet, 111., in 1839, and
came to Berlin township in 1856. He was mayor of Owatonna
and served with the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers during
the Indian war. October 31, a session of the State Board of
Charities and Corrections was held at the State school in Owa-
tonna. October 23-30, a religious revival was experienced in
Owatonna. December 10, John W'idrick died in Havana. He
was born in New York state in 1828, came to Steele county in
1861, and served in the Civil War.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 811
1896. James Cotter died at Havana, at the age of eighty-six.
He was born in New York state in 1810, and was among the
early pioneers of Steele county. January 10, Mrs. Mary Kenyon,
an early settler, died at Owatonna. February 4, Hon. Harvey
Hull Johnson died at Owatonna. His biography appears else-
where. February 5, Philo Bliss died at Owatonna. He was born
in New York state, and came to Owatonna in 1858. He engaged
in the book and stationery business, and was a prominent member
of the Baptist Church. March 7, fire destroyed Fisher's laundry
and other buildings, the loss being about $5,000. March 18,
David D. Howe died at Owatonna. He came to Owatonna in
1873, and was a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. May 8,
the Farmers' Elevator Company at Owatonna was organized.
June 6, the annual banquet of the G. A. R. veterans of Company
G, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, was held at Owatonna.
July 2, the corner-stone of the C. S. P. S. Hall, on North Cedar
street, was laid with appropriate ceremonies at Owatonna. July
4, the celebration at Owatonna was under the auspices of the
Elk Bicycle Association. August 13, the Berlin and Summit
Creamery was burned to the ground, entailing a loss of about
$5,000. September 16-18, the Steele county fair was held at Owa-
tonna under the auspices of the Steele County Agricultural Soci-
ety. October 7, the Clinton Falls mill was destroyed by fire,
entailing a loss of over $9,000. November 13, Mrs. H. H. Rose-
brock died at Owatonna. She was born in Germany, married
H. H. Rosebrock in 1864, and came to Owatonna the following
year. December 15, the city council passed a resolution author-
izing the establishment of a public library under the terms of the
bequest of Elizabeth C. Hunewill.
1897. January 4, Sanford Kinney died at Owatonna. He was
born in Vermont in 1836 and came to Steele county in 1862.
February 14, the fifth annual convention of the National Butter-
makers' Association was held at Owatonna, with exhibits from
every state in the Union. March 26, Joseph Kiesel, who came
to Owatonna in 1858, died at his home in that city. He was
born in Germany in 1825. May 2, fire broke out in the general
merchandise store of Twiford, Niles & Co., of Owatonna, entail-
ing a loss of about $6,000. May 14, David Lindersmith died at
Clinton Falls, at the age of seventy-nine years. He came to
Steele county in 1855, and one year later was elected sheriff.
March 31, Emily A., wife of Edgar Cady, died at Merton. She
was born in New York state in 1819, and came to Steele county
in 1859. July 4, the Steele County Agricultural Association had
charge of the celebration at Owatonna. August 7, Harvey Jones
died at Owatonna. at the age of fifty-eight years. He was born
in Pennsylvania. August 11, fire occurred in the store of Evans
812 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
& Ogden at Owatonna, entailing a loss of about $13,000. August
26-28, the annual fair of the Steele County Agricultural Society
was held at Owatonna. September 6, Joseph M. Clark was mur-
dered by Lee Hough. Clark was found in his covered wagon
with his head chopped open by an axe, and died at evening.
Hough, one of his companions was missing, together with $105
and a watch owned by the murdered man. September 17, the
city council of Owatonna empowered the finance committee to
purchase the Graham corner for the site of a library, at a cost
of $3,000. October 4, Cyrus Tryon died at Owatonna, at the age
of sixty-six years. He was born in Cumberland, Me., and came
to Owatonna in 1882. October 7, Frank Pirkle died in Deerfield
township. He was born in Germany in 1825 and came to Steele
county in 1864. October 9, Lee Hough, murderer of Joseph M.
Clark, was arrested at Guthrie, Ky., and brought back to Owa-
tonna, where he confessed his crime. October 28, the eleventh
annual state convention of the Minnesota Y. P. S. C. E. was held
at Owatonna. November 7, the Danish Lutheran Evangelical
Church, on Rose street, Owatonna, was dedicated by Rev. G. B.
Christiansen, president of the United Danish Evangelical Church
of America. November 28, the Deerfield German Lutheran
Church was dedicated, Rev. F. \V. Klein, of Owatonna, conduct-
ing the ceremony. December 7, the district court, in session at
Owatonna, sentenced Lee Hough to life imprisonment for the
murder of Joseph Clark.
1898. January 29, Nathaniel Winship, the pioneer hotel-
keeper, died at Owatonna, at the age of seventy-five years. He
was born in Vermont in 1822, and came to Steele county in 1855.
February 1, the city council of Owatonna adopted a resolution
authorizing the issue of $10,000 bonds for the public library, the
question to be submitted to the voters, in March. March 2, the
library board met at Owatonna and adopted rules and by-laws.
April 25, a big mass meeting was held to discuss the Spanish-
American War. Fifty-two volunteers entered the National Re-
serves. May 7, Dewey's victory was appropriately celebrated.
June 24, the plat of Dartt's addition was accepted by the Owa-
tonna city council. July 2, Otis Lord died at Owatonna, at the
age of seventy-six years. He was born in Vermont and came
to Owatonna in 1866. July 4, a big celebration was held at Owa-
tonna, and the news of Sampson's victory aroused much enthu-
siasm. July 30, the Washington Tool Company was organized
at Owatonna, with a capital stock of $20,00. August 4, death
removed one of the county's most prominent citizens, when
J. B. Soper passed away, at the age of eighty-five years. He w-as
born in Vermont, November 26, 1813, and married Louisa Arnold
In 1836. He came to Steele county in 1862 and settled on a farm
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 813
in Clinton Falls, coming to Owatonna in 1867. He was a suc-
cessful wheat buyer, and amassed a considerable fortune. Sep-
tember 1-3, the tenth annual fair of the Steele County Agricul-
tural Society was held at Owatonna. September 6, the city
council of Owatonna voted to put in the Rose street bridge.
November 25, Capt. C. H. Stearns, of Owatonna, was elected
major of the Third Battalion of the Fourth Regiment, Minne-
sota National Guard. December 17, Mrs. Almira S. Blood died
at Owatonna. She was born in New Hampshire in 1819 and in
1851 married Dr. Solomon Blood, who served as a surgeon in
the Civil War. They came to Owatonna after the war and the
doctor continued in practice until his death, in 1883. December
26, George L. Chambers died at Havana. He was born in Bel-
fast, Ireland, in 1824, and settled in Steele county in 1860.
1899. January 3, H. H. Rosebrock died at Owatonna. He
was born in Germany in 1835, came to Owatonna in 1865, and
served two terms in the legislature. January 11, Airs. Margaret
Stafford Harsha died at Owatonna. She was born in Argyle,
N. Y., in 1835, a daughter of Judge N. M. Donaldson. She came
to Owatonna in 1856. January 16-17, the State Farmers' Insti-
tute was held at the Owatonna court house, with a large attend-
ance from all over the county. February 2, Hugh Mooney died
at Owatonna. He was born in Ireland, came to Steele county in
1856, settled in Alerton, and then came to Owatonna in 1893.
February 6, the library board met at Owatonna and awarded
the contract for a building to tiammel Brothers & Anderson,
for $18,157. February 15 the Twiss block on Broadway, Owa-
tonna, was partially destroyed by fire, the total loss being about
$5,000. April 12, Anton Schmanski died at Meriden. He was
born in Poland in 1818, and came to Steele county in 1875.
May 7, Hon. Hector M. Hastings died at Owatonna. He was
born in 1835, came to Steele county in 1863, just after serving
in the Indian war of 1862. He was the owner and founder of the
Hastings Milling Company. He also served as state senator.
May 11, Mrs. William Thompson died at Owatonna. She was
born in Pennsylvania in 1810 and came to Steele county in 1856.
May 12, the Owatonna city council decided to submit to the
voters the question of issuing $10,000 additional bonds for the
library. May 16, Mrs. Mary Parsons died at Medford. She was
born in England in 1825 and came to Steele county in 1856. July
4, the Steele County Agricultural Association had charge of a
big celebration at Owatonna. July 18, the Owatonna city coun-
cil awarded a contract for the Rose street bridge over the Straight
river to the Gillette-Herzog Manufacturing Company, of Minne-
apolis. July 21, a committee of citizens started an agitation
toward establishing a city hospital in Owatonna. September 16,
814 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Mrs. Abbie Riclimond Holt died at Owatonna. She was born in
New York in 1826 and came to Owatonna in 1867. September
18-20, the Steele county fair was held at Owatonna. October 2,
Hon. Elihu Miles Burnham, of Blooming Prairie, died, at the
age of seventy-seven years. He was born in New York state in
1822, and came to Steele county in 1894. October 21, St. John's
German Lutheran Church was dedicated at Owatonna, in the
presence of over a thousand people. November 8-9, the sixth
annual convention of the Minnesota State Buttermakers' Asso-
ciation was held at Owatonna. December 29, E. Scannel died at
Owatonna. He was born in New York state in 1831 and came to
Owatonna in 1858. December 30, some old wooden buildings on
Bridge street in Owatonna were burned, entailing a loss of
about $3,000.
1900. January 5, the city council granted a franchise to the
Light, Heat and Power Company of Owatonna to erect poles
and wires and also to build a gas plant in the city. January 18,
J. A. Opplinger died at Owatonna. He was born in Switzerland
in 1834, came to Owatonna in 1861, and served as alderman and
mayor of the city. February 20, the city council of Owatonna
decided to submit to the voters the question of issuing $10,000
bonds for the city hospital. February 22, the new public library
was opened at Owatonna. The address was delivered by C. K.
Bennett, in the absence of James VV. Ford, the president of the
board. April 20, the first hospital board organized at Owatonna
and elected S. R. Nelson chairman and George W. Peachy secre-
tary. May 9, the Owatonna hospital board purchased the Op-
plinger residence and two acres for a hospital, at a cost of $6,500.
May 10, the residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Eichholzen burned at
Owatonna. June 19-21, the annual meeting of the Minnesota
State Pharmaceutical Association was held at Owatonna. June
15, the Owatonna city council sold the city hospital bonds to
the First National bank of Owatonna for $10,300. June 8, the
barn of E. Randall at Summit was burned with twenty tons
of hay. July 13, the Burlington. Cedar Rapids & Northern Rail-
road came through Steele county from Albert Lea to Owatonna.
July 15, the barn of J. F. Lonergan was burned at Berlin. July
15, John N. Travis died at Owatonna. He was born in New
London, Conn., in 1826, and came to Minnesota in 1865. Septem-
ber 12-14, the annual county fair was held at Owatonna. Sep-
tember 26, the Forty-sixth annual session of the Minnesota con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal church was held in the
Methodist church at Owatonna, Bishop John M. Walden, of Cin-
cinnati, presiding. October 2, William Jennings Bryan spoke at
Owatonna on his campaign tour.
1901. January 5, the Owatonna City hospital was opened
HISTORY OF RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES 815
for patients. February 4. the W'asliington Tool Company, of
Owatonna, was reorganized, and the capital stock increased to
$50,000. February 29, Mrs. AdaHne Whcelock, wife of Hon.
L. L. Wheelock, died at Owatonna. She was born February
24, 1845, near Pleasant Hill, Indiana, and was married July 24,
1871. She was formerly an Owatonna school teacher. April
12, the Owatonna city council let a contract to \V. J. Wood to
build an addition to the high school building. The council also
voted $625.00 for the purchase of the site of the West Side school
house. Ai)ril 17, Connor's store at the corner of Cedar and Vine
streets, Owatonna, was destroyed by fire entailing a loss of
$55,000. Neighboring buildings were also damaged. May 20,
the Clinton Falls Nursery Company was incorporated with a
capital stock of $50,000. June 25, Mrs. Mary Virtue, wife of
John Virtue, died in Clinton Falls township. She was born in
Ireland in 1836, and came to Steele county in 1859. She was
the mother of Leonard J. Virtue. July 4, the celebration under
the auspices of the Elk Bicycle Association at Owatonna was
saddened by an accident in which S. L. Manhart had his right
hand blown off. July 8, Ellendale was recognized as a village
by the county commissioners and the first election authorized.
July 16, the city council of Owatonna accepted a bequest from
Hon. H. H. Rosebrock, of $5,000 for the establishment of the
city kindergarten. August 31, the thirteenth annual fair under
the auspices of the Steele county Agricultural Association was
held at Owatonna. October 12-15, the Women's Foreign Mis-
sionary Society of Minnesota and the two Dakotas held its an-
nual convention at the Methodist church at Owatonna. October
15-17, the annual convention of the State Federation of Women's
Clubs was held at Owatonna. December 8, Hon. Samuel Bar-
low Williams died at Owatonna. He was born in South Hamp-
ton, Mass., June 26, 1822, and came to Steele county in the six-
ties. He lived for a time in Mower county, but returned to
Steele county in the early eighties and lived on a farm in the
northern part of Owatonna township up to within a short time
of his death. He was a grain and lumber dealer and served
in the legislature in 1879. December 17, the Sacred Heart
Catholic church at Owatonna burned to the ground. December
30, Mathilda E. (Robinson), wife of William Gamble, died at
Owatonna. She was born in Canada in 1839, and settled on a
farm in Lcmond township in 1866.
1902. January 3, the old II. R. Moore building, occupied by
the dry goods store of Charles L. Gray, was almost destroyed
by fire. Stock damaged to the amount of $26,000 and adjoining
property, as well as the offices in the ujjper floor were injured.
The total loss was about $30,000. January 2~ , the residence of
81G HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Henry Koch, at Owatonna, was burned, tlie loss being about
$2,000. February 12, Judge Buckham handed down a decision
unfavorable to the city in the case of the City of Owatonna vs.
Rosebrock in the Rosebrock $5,000 Kindergarten bequest case.
April 10, the C. W. Hadley building, occupied by J. A. Soper,
electrical and plumbing supplies, was damaged by fire entailing
a loss of $8,000. May 17, the Norwegian Independence day was
celebrated with appropriate ceremonies at Ellendale. June 11,
the Owatonna Woodmen entertained the Woodmen of the state.
Governor Van Sant and Senator P. McGovern made speeches.
June 17, Ellendale voted $5,000 school bonds. June 18, the State
Universalists held a big celebration at Owatonna. July 5, a big
wind storm did considerable damage to the property in Steele
county. July 14, the Methodist church at Ellendale was dedi-
cated with appropriate ceremonies. July 15, another wind storm
visited the county. July 22. Ellendale voted $6,000 bonds for
water works. July 25, a rainstorm did considerable damage
throughout the county. August 18, Ellendale people held a
big Harvest festival celebration. August 30, a Northwestern
passenger train was blown from the tracks by a cyclone, four
miles west of Owatonna. Several passengers were killed and
many injured. October 5, Charles Adsit died at Owatonna. He
was born in Oneida county. New York, April 29, 1833, and came
to Aurora township in 1856, being one of the first party to arrive
there. In the fall of 1895 he retired and came to Owatonna.
October 12-17, the Baptist state convention was held at Owa-
tonna. October 17, Charles Schoen, a wagonmaker, died at
Owatonna, at the age of 74 years. He was born in Prussia,
and came to Owatonna in 1862. October 20, Mrs. Elizabeth M.
Schaefer died in Owatonna at the age of 79 years. She was
born in Germany and lived in Owatonna about twenty years.
October 25, Mrs. Nathaniel Winship, formerly Emily P. Moul-
ton, died at Owatonna. She was born in Cabot, Vermont, in
1833, and was married in 1851. She and her husband came to
Owatonna in 1855 and opened the first hotel. Her husband
died in 1898.
1903. January 23, the city of Owatonna won its suit against
Carl J. H. Rosebrock and secured the $5,000 left by his father,
H. H. Rosebrock, for kindergarten purposes. January 31, E. H.
S. Dartt died at Owatonna. He was born in Vermont in 1824
and came to Owatonna in 1869. He was prominent as a horti-
culturist and originated several varieties of apples. February
17, the county commissioners met and awarded the jail contract
to Hammel Brothers & Anderson, the bid being $3,238. Harry
Herman Krier, of Owatonna, was murdered by Henry and
Charles Nelson and William Sutton and robbed of $76, while on
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 817
his way to tlie home of Jacob Glaeser to pay his rent. May 15,
it was reported that dogs had killed eight deer in the state school
park since January 1. May 20, the St. Hyacinth Catholic church,
of Owatonna, was dedicated by Bishop Joseph B. Potter, of
Winona. May 21, the Sacred Heart Catholic church was dedi-
cated at Owatonna b}- Bishop Joseph B. Potter, of Winona.
June 3-6, a big street fair and carnival was held at Owatonna
under the auspices of the Owatonna Fire department. June 24,
Charles and Henry Nelson, murderers of H. Krier, were sen-
tenced to be hanged. William Sutton was sentenced to life
imprisonment. July 1, Nancy R. Twiford, wife of Dr. W. H.
Twiford, died at Owatonna. She was born in Ohio in 1825
and came to Steele county in 1865. July 20, Orlando Linder-
smith died at Clinton Falls. He was born in Ohio in 1843 and
came to Steele coimty in 1855. July 6-August 1, the Summer
Training school for teachers was held at Owatonna with great
success. August 4, the farmers organized the Steele Center
Rural Telephone Company to conduct a telephone line through
the townships of Owatonna, Somerset and Summit. October
15-17, the Eleventh Annual meeting of the Minnesota State
Library Association was held in Owatonna. October 30, City
Attorney C. J. O'Brien died at Owatonna. He was born near
Faribault, Minn., and came to Owatonna in 1899. Thomas Stock-
well died at Owatonna. He was born in England, in 1830, and
came to Steele county in 1877.
1904. Willis E. Dunbar, a former member of the state legis-
lature, died at Owatonna at the age of 67 years. January 16,
Connor's New Store Company, which conducted at Owatonna
the largest retail store in the county, was adjudged bankrupt.
January 25, the main building of the State public school at
Owatonna was gutted by fire, the loss being about $75,000.
That the damage was not greater was due to the heroic work
of the firemen. February 2, the city council of Owatonna decided
to submit to the voters the question of issuing $15,000 bonds for
water works. February 5-6, the Minnesota State Farmers' Insti-
tute was held at Owatonna. Feljruary 8, Cyrennus B. Pettie
died at Blooming Prairie. He was born in New York state in
1834 and came to Steele county in 1856. February 25, the store
of E. C. Duncan at Havana was burned to the ground entailing
a loss of about $6,000. February 23, the Steele County Butter-
makers' Association met at Owatonna with about 300 in attend-
ance. April 7, County Commissioner M. II. Coggins died at
Aurora. He was born in Wisconsin in 1861 and came to Steele
county in 1869. April 19, the city council of Owatonna voted
to pave Cedar street from Broadway to Rose. May 3, the Owa-
tonna Canning factory was started for the purpose of canning
818 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
sweetcorn. June 7, the city council of Owatonna voted to open
up a new roadway to the mineral springs along Maple creek.
July 4, a big celebration was held at Owatonna with over 20,000
persons in attendance. August 8, Hon. Mark H. Bunnell died
at Owatonna. He was born in Maine in 1823, and came to
Owatonna in 1867, serving with distinction in the state legis-
lature and in congress. August 31, Thomas R. Symcs, of Bloom-
ing Prairie committed suicide by hanging. September 21, John
Kasper, of Somerset, committed suicide by shooting himself
in the head with a shot gun. He was born in Havana in 1867.
December 9. the state board of health notified the city council
of Owatonna that the city must put septic sewer tanks in the
west side sewer or risk a condemnation of the sewer there.
1905. January 24, Judge Buckham appointed a charter com-
mission for the city of Owatonna as follows : — Carl K. Bennett,
Thomas E. Cashman, Charles S. Crandall. James M. Diment,
Louis B. Fenner, John L. Gibbs, William Gausewitz, Patrick
J. Kiernan. Harlan E. Leach, William F. Sawyer, Wesley A.
Sperry, Herman Schmidt, Albert L. Sperry, John Smith
and Lewis L. W'heelock. March 10-11, the Seventh annual con-
vention of the South central Minnesota Teachers' Association
met at Owatonna. March 14, the Steele County Farmers' Insti-
tute was held at EUendale. April 11, the board of education
of the city of Owatonna was authorized by a special election
of school district No. 1, of Owatonna, to issue $8,000 bonds to
build a modern school house in the fourth ward. April 25-27,
the Forty-seventh annual convention of the Minnesota Sunday
School Association was held in Owatonna. May 12, Sheriff
F. C. Chambers shot and killed Ivan Tomas, a robber, who
was seeking to escape arrest. The coroner's jury exonerated the
sheriff. June 19, Mrs. Charles Pegg died at Owatonna. She
was born in Meriden township in 1856 and was married in 1876.
July 3, the Steele county training school for teachers opened for
a four weeks' course. July 6, the city council of Owatonna
decided to submit to the voters on September 19, the cjuestion
of issuing $15,000 bonds for a new city hall. July 9, Silas An-
derson died at Owatonna. He was born in New York state
in 1832 and came to Owatonna in 1864. July 20, Hon. B. S.
Cook committed suicide by shooting himself through the head
with a rifle. At one time he was mayor of Owatonna. August
12, Wilda Johnson, of Havana, was bound over to appear in
the district court on the charge of poisoning J. L. Johnson's well
with paris green. September 12, August Voelker, of Owatonna,
died. He was born in Germany in 1841 and came to Steele
county in 1884. September 20, the barn of Ray Lindersmith
was destroyed by fire at Clinton Falls, entailing a loss of $4,000.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 819
September 26, at a special election the voters of Owatonna
authorized the city council to issue $15,000 bonds for a new city
and fire hall. The vote stood 323 in favor and 208 ap^ainst.
October 12, the county commissioners decided to issue bonds to
the amount of $3,500 for the purpose of constructing judicial
ditch No. 2. November 12, the new Universalist church was
dedicated at Owatonna, free from debt. The sermon was deliv-
ered by Dr. Fisher, of Galesburg, 111. November 19, the store
of Parrott & Smith Inirned to the ground at Owatonna, entailing
a loss of about $41,500. The loss to the hardware company was
$35,000, to Dr. Theo. Hatch, $1,500; to Dr. C. H. Stearns, $2,500,
and to Yerke & Sweeney. $1,500. Wilda Johnson, of Havana,
was acquitted of poisoning the well of J. L. Johnson. December
20, Elling Largeson, died at Berlin township. He was born
in Norway in 1824 and came to Steele county in 1876.
1906. A big meeting was held in the court house at Owa-
tonna to consider the adoption of a new city charter. January
30, a special election held in the city of Owatonna to consider
the new city charter resulted in its rejection by a vote of 200
for the charter and 581 against. February 23, the district court
decided in the case of James Peachey vs. the city of Owatonna,
that the election held to vote on the $15,000 bond issue for the
new city and fire hall was defective and illegal. March 28, the
Owatonna Metropolitan opera house caught fire, but was saved
by the fire department. The damage was covered by $11,000
insurance. April 4, Governor John A. Johnson visited the state
public school, and expressed his satisfaction with the institution.
April 11, Patrick Brennan died at Owatonna. He was born at
Waterford, Ireland, in 1835 and came to Owatonna in 1866.
June 18, at a special meeting of the hospital board, the contract
for a new addition to the hospital was awarded to the Hammel
Brothers & Anderson, the bid being $7,545. June 19-21, the
forty-first annual convention of the Minnesota Universalists was
held at Owatonna. July 9-14, a big mid-summer carnival was
held at Owatonna. July 17, the city council awarded the contract
for building the new city hall to Hammel Brothers & Anderson,
bonds to the amount of $15,000 having been authorized at the
election in March. The bid was $19,643. July 24, fire destroyed
a barn owned by \V. S. Reynolds at Owatonna. Two other
barns and the Winship hotel were damaged. July 29, Mrs.
Maria Gross, the first centenarian in Steele county reached her
hundredth birthday at her home in Owatonna. August 14, the
city council of Owatonna granted a new gas franchise to the
Owatonna Gas, Electric and Heating Company, to run for
twenty years. August 21, Captain L. G. Nelson died at Owa-
tonna. He was born in Norway, was captain during the Civil
820 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
war and came to Steele county in 1893. August 26, Henry M.
LaBare died at Owatonna at the age of 71 years. He was one
of the older settlers of the city. September 8, the corner stone
was laid for the new city and fire hall at Owatonna, Judge
Littleton being the chief orator. Chief Twiford read a history
of the department. September 13-15, a big street fair was held
at Owatonna, with some excellent agricultural exhibits. Sep-
tember 25, Governor Johnson spoke in Owatonna at a big Demo-
cratic political meeting. September 28, a big street fair was
held at Ellendale. with about 4,000 in attendance. November 6,
the new Firemen's hall was opened at Owatonna with a big ball.
December 3. Judge B. F. Hood, of the municipal court, died at
Owatonna. December 22, John Schweiso died in Summit town-
ship. He was born in Germany in 1818, and came to Steele
county as a young man. December 28, the county commissioners
set ofi" a new school district known as district No. 90 in Berlin
township. December 30, Emma Chambers died at Havana. She
was born in 1842, in New York state, and came to Havana town-
ship in 1857. Death was the result of an accident in falling
down stairs.
1907. January 18. William H. Burdict died at Owatonna.
He was born near Burlington, Vt., in 1834, and came to Ov/a-
tonna in 1864. He was a carpenter and erected many of the
older buildings in the city, including the old high school which
was destroyed by fire, the First Methodist church, the pumping
station and the old Hastings' mill. January 22-24, the State
Dairymen's Association met at Owatonna. February 3, the store
of Blume Brothers, general merchants, was burned to the ground
at Bixby, entailing a loss of about $5,000. February 7-10, the
State Y. M. C. A. convention was held at the First Baptist
church, Owatonna. March 9. J. D. Gordon died at Owatonna.
He was born in New York state in 1823, came to Steele county
in 1857 and settled on a farm near Beaver Lake. He came to
Owatonna in 1880. March 14, the Blooming Prairie Farmers'
elevator was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $7,000. April
4, a big public meeting held at Owatonna favored the granting
of a franchise to the Dan Patch Air line. A committee was ap-
pointed by Mayor Green to secure a right-of-way. April 26, the
franchise ofl^ered the Dan Patch Air line was accepted by the
company. Jime 1, Hon Lewis L. Wheelock, of the law firm of
Wheelock & Sperry, died at Owatonna. His biography appears
elsewhere. June 5, Samuel W. Farmer died at Owatonna. He
was born in Redfield, N. Y., October 7, 1837, and came to Owa-
tonna in 1857. He was a prominent member of the Methodist
Church. June 26, the State Dairymen's Assocation held a picnic
at Beaver Lake. July 4, a big county celebration was held at
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 821
Blooming Prairie. July 31, the Public Service Operating Com-
pany finished its gas plant and started supplying patrons. Sep-
tember 12-14, the Steele County Agricultural Society held its
annual street fair at Owatonna. October 5, the Firmen's hall
was opened and dedicated with a concert, ball and banquet.
October 12, a festival was tendered the Junior Civic League by
the Owatonna Civic League. December 24, O. M. Jones died
in Havana township. He came to Steele county in 1857. Dec-
ember 27, Judge Buckham rendered a decision favoring the con-
struction of the Crane creek ditch.
1908. Judge Jacob Newsalt died at Owatonna. He was born
in Germany in 1838 and came to Owatonna in 1878. He served
the city as municipal judge. January 24-29, the first show of the
Owatonna North Star Poultry Association was held at Owa-
tonna. February 8, Mrs. Amanda J. Munson Clefton died at
Owatonna. She was born in Manchester, April 1, 1831, and was
married in 1847 at Mukwonago, Wis. For the last fifteen years
of her life she lived with her son, Claude J. February 20, Hon.
S. T. Littleton died at Owatonna. His biography appears alse-
where. February 26, the county commissioners appropriated
$225 for the purpose of purchasing a piece of ordnance under
the auspices of the G. A. R. for the court house grounds. March
31, Judge Buckham made a final order establishing the Crane
creek ditch. The April term of the Supreme court reversed this
decision. June 20, a wind, rain and hail storm did much damage
in Ellendale and vicinity. June 21, Michael J. Toher died at
Owatonna. He was born in Ireland in 1829 and came to Owa-
tonna in 1866. He was a prominent railroad man, and ranked
high in the Democratic party, serving as a member of the state
committee at one time. He served as a member of the Owatonna
city council and the Owatonna hospital board. During Cleve-
land's second administration he was postmaster at Owatonna.
From 1868 to 1876 he was sheriff of Steele county. July 5 to 11,
a street carnival was held at Owatonna under the auspices of
the fire department. July H, the National Farmers' bank moved
into its new quarters, at Owatonna. August 6, the annual meet-
ing of the Southern ^Minnesota Medical Association was held at
Owatonna. September 7, the Owatonna Eagles held a labor picnic
at Diment's park, Owatonna. September 8, the barn and outbuild-
ings with a considerable amount of hay and grain of S. Szmanski.
in Deerfield, were burned to the ground, entailing a loss of .$4,000.
September 10-12, a street fair was held at Owatonna, under the
auspices of the Steele county Agricultural Association. Septem-
ber 26, William H. Taft passed through Steele county and spoke
a few words at Owatonna from the rear platform of his car.
October 22, August H. C. Hanson, of Owatonna, was given a
822 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Carnegie Bronze medal and $2,000 for heroism in saving Bertie
Borden and Hazel Sliaw from drowning in Straight river. Dec-
ember 11, William H. Kelley died at Owatonna. His biography
appears elsewhere.
1909. January 11. Ludwig C. ^\'elk died at Owatonna. He
was horn in Germany in 1824 and came to Steele county in 1867.
January 22-23, the Southern Minnesota Horticultural Society
held its si.xteenth annual meeting in Owatonna. January 26,
Judge Buckham of the district court decided that the Creamery
Package Company of Owatonna had violated the anti-trust laws
of Minnesota. The company was therefore prohibited from doing
business in the state of Minnesota. February 4, Frank Steele
died in Berlin. He was born in Bunker Hill, Penn.. in 1853 and
was brought to Steele county by his parents when a small child.
February 5, Judge Buckham rendered his decision in favor of
the Crane creek ditch known as judicial ditch Xo. 1. March 17,
Mrs. Zeda Marie Janssen died at the age of 84 years. She was
born in Germany and came to Steele county in 1868. She took
up her residence in Owatonna in 1885. March 20, Adolph Knob-
black, Sr., committed suicide by hanging. He was born in
Germany in 1831 and came to Steele county in 1861. March 28,
Mr. and Mrs. Xels Xelson died in Havana. They came to Steele
county in 1864. May 7, the Supreme court sustained Judge
Buckham's decision ordering the construction of the Crane creek
ditch. May 13, James A. Cotter died in Owatonna. He was
born in Walworth cotnity. Wis., in 1849, and came to Steele
county in 1864. June 31, the third annual meeting and picnic
of the Minnesota State Dairymen's Association was held at
Beaver Lake in Berlin township. July 5, the Eagles were in
charge of a celebration in Owatonna. August 12, the store of
Frank J. Kubicek, of Summit, was struck by lightning and
burned, causing a loss of $2,000. August 13, Owatonna suffered
from a severe storm. Bridges and many culverts were washed
out. The house of Rev. Klein was struck by lightning. Sep-
tember 16-18, the Steele county fair was largely attended at
Owatonna. September 29, a big street fair was held at Ellen-
dale. October 8, the house of J. E. Cady was burned at Medford,
loss about $2,500. December 28, James Peachy died at Owa-
tonna. He was born in England in 1823.
1910. This year the city council of Owatonna was largely
occupied with tlie matter of the lighting franchise. This is
treated elsewhere. January 5, George Coward died at Owa-
tonna. He w^as born in England in 1840, and after living in
various places in America came to Owatonna and engaged in
the coal and wood business. March 14, Edward P. Morton died
at Owatonna. He was born in Maine in 1845, served in the Civil
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 823
war and came to Owatonna in 1870, engaging as a contractor
and house builder. April 26, Mrs. Clara Amelia, wife of S. J.
Zaml)oni, died at Owatonna. She was born in Merton town-
ship in 1881 and engaged as a school teacher until her marriage
in 1904. She was a prominent society and church worker. April
23, Andrew J. Thamert died in Owatonna at the age of 80 years.
He was born in Prussia in 1829 and came to Steele county in
1876, locating in Owatonna in 1900. May 24, Judge Hosea F.
Luce died at Owatonna. He came to Owatonna in 1877 and
served a number of terms as municipal judge. May 30, was cele-
brated at Owatonna with appropriate services in charge of the
G. A. R. June 20, Owatonna was designated as one of the cities
to have a $58,000 post-ofifice building, in a bill passed by con-
gress. June 31, the Farmers' elevator was burned to the ground
entailing a loss of about $20,000.
CHAPTER XII.
DAIRY INTERESTS.
Early Attempts at Cheese Making. — Individual Ownership of
Gathered Cream Plants. — Introduction of the Co-operative
Creamery Plan. — Individual Ownership Vanishes. — Number
of Creameries Multiply. — Importance of the Industry. — Vol-
ume of Output. — Conclusions. — By. Hon. John R. Morley.
In giving a brief history of the creamery industry of Steele
county it is necessary to go back to the early history of the
county and thereby get a knowledge of the various attempts
at factory manufacturing of dairy products. Everything goes
to show that while the early attempts at factory manufacturing
were fairly satisfactory nothing seemed to be on a permanent
basis until the farmers built and operated their own creameries
on the co-operative plan.
In 1869 a cheese factory was built at Owatonna by a gentle-
man from New York, who furnished the farmers, when desired,
with money to purchase cows provided they delivered the milk
to his factory ; charging them 12 per cent on the money, and
giving them time to get the proceeds from the sale of cheese,
many farmers who had not the means to purchase cows took
advantage of this opportunity to stock up with milch cows, and
some went quite extensively into the cheese-making business.
This was probably the first cheese factory built in Minnesota,
and the first attempt at commercial dairying. It proved a good
thing for the county as it demonstrated the fact that dairying
could be profitably conducted in our state. Prior to this time
it had been thought that wheat raising was the only branch
of farming that could be profitably conducted in Minnesota. The
results were very satisfactory and a good grade of cheese was
made in paying quantities, notwithstanding the fact that wild
grass was entirely relied upon both for pasture and hay. The
factory was well patronized from long distances, and the results
were quite satisfactory to the farmer from a financial standpoint.
Heretofore the only outlet for the milk of the herd was the linnie
making of dairy butter which was sold to the nearby grocer in
exchange for groceries for family use. This factory was run
successfully until some time during the later seventies when it
was abandoned.
824
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 825
A cheese factory was built by Orlando Johnson at Medford
in 1872. This was run profitably both to Mr. Johnson and the
farmers in that vicinity until the year 1890, when the farmers
conceived the idea of organizing a co-operative creamery and
manufacturing their own product, following the example of
other localities in the county farther south. Mr. Johnson at this
time retired from the business, but not until he had planted the
seeds of good dairying in that locality. This creamery is now
running and has always been profitable.
Further attempts at cheese making were made at Owatonna
in 1882 when Dr. L. L. Bennett, president of the Farmers' Na-
tional bank, built a cheese factory at Owatonna. There was also
built and put in operation in the spring of 1883 a gathered cream
plant at Owatonna, which sent out wagons through the territory
to obtain cream of the farmers, buying the cream by the inch.
An inch of cream in a can of the desired size was supposed to
equal a pound of butter fat. The cheese factory built by Mr.
Bennett was subsequently sold to the Potter Lucas Company
and run for a time as a combination butter and skim milk cheese
plant. Potter Lucas Company installed a centrifugal cream
separator and made both creamery butter and cheese. This
plant was run on this plan until the winter of 1893. It had then
become unprofitable on account of territory being restricted
by the building of co-operative creameries in different directions
from Owatonna.
In 1891 Pratt Creamery Association was organized and a
creamery built at Pratt station. In 1892 the Golden Rule Cream-
ery was built five miles west of Owatonna and in 1893 the Clinton
Falls creamery was built at Clinton I'alls five miles north of
Owatonna.
In P'ebruary of 1893 the farmers in the vicinity organized a
co-operative association called the Farmers' Gilt Edge Creamery
Association, and purchased the Potter Lucas plant, and com-
menced operations immediately on the co-operative plan. The
first officers of this association were, president, E. P. Norton;
secretary, Wm. T. Glasgow; treasurer, C. P. Sahler. It became
necessary at this time for the gathered cream plant then owned
by Mr. McKinstry, of Winnebago City, to discontinue business
as the milk all went to the farmers' creamery. The run was
very small and many predicted the enterprise would be a failure.
But to the contrary, the Gilt Edge creamery is now the second
largest creamery in the county, exceded only by the creamery at
Blooming Prairie in amount of business, paying to the farmers
upwards of $6,000 per month for butter fat for the months of
May and June, 1910. C. P. Sahler is the present president and
manager, J. R. Morley, secretary, and R. A. Pratt, treasurer.
826 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
A fourth cheese factor}- was built on section 19, town of Mer-
ton, in 1890. Various attempts had been made to organize the
farmers in this town and build a co-operative cheese factory prior
to this time, but the attempts had been unsuccessful. In this
year Messrs. J. Virtue, W. H. Wilson, D. E. Virtue and X. O.
Partridge built the cheese factory, giving the patrons the privi-
lege of buying it at any time. July 7, the building was completed
and they commenced to make cheese. During that year 272,880
pounds of milk was received. In January, 1893, they changed
it to a creamery, and during that year made 1,363 tubs of butter.
In March, 1894, the farmers organized and bought the creamery
and commenced operation on the co-operative plan. This was
the last of individual ownership of creameries in Steele county.
In the year 1909 it received 3,083,874 pounds of milk and made
130,000 pounds of butter. The first board of directors were X.
O. Partridge, president ; E. J. McGrath. vice president ; F. C.
Carlton, secretary ; Alfred ^\'ilson, terasurer. The Mertoii
creamery is now making very fine butter and is one of the best
in the state for quality.
So far we have given the history of the proprietary plants,
and the way they were gradually absorbed by the farmers.
And all due credit should be given these early pionceis in the
dairy business, the last one disappearing when the farmers
bought the IMerton creamery. But the history of co-operation
in the county begins in the southern part.
No proprietary plants were ever built there, but a co-operative
creamery was built at Coolyville on the town line between Ber-
lin and Summit townships in 1890 and was called the Berlin
and Summit Creamery. This is now known as the Ellendale
Creamery. The following year, 1891, the Pratt Creamery was
built. Subsequently the old building was replaced by two new
brick structures of the most modern type, Creamery A located
at Pratt station and Creamer)' B five miles east. Following the
building of these two creameries came others in the southern
part of the county. The Berlin Creamery built near the Berlin
post ofiice. H. A. Finch was the first manager. The Lemond
Creamery, built in Lemond township, Lemming Hansen, was the
first secretary and manager. Somerset has two creameries at
River Point and Steele Centre. Oak Glen Creamery at Bixby has
a fine brick creamery. In the centre of Blooming Prairie town-
ship is the Union Creamery, organized on the co-operative plan.
Nels Nelson was the first manager. Blooming Prairie village
has the creamery doing the largest business in the count}'. E.
Morton is the president. Summit Creamery is in the town of
Summit, Mr. Kubicek, manager. Midway Creamery at Hope
station, J. B. Pike, manager. Southwest of Owatonna, five miles.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 827
is the Crown Creamery. This completes the list in the south
part of the county.
West of Owatonna on the C. & X. W. Ry. is Mcriclen Creamery
at Meriden station. H. J. Rosenan has been butter maker since
the creamery started and has been one of Minnesota's best
butter makers. In the northwest part of the county, in Deer-
field township, is the Deerfield Creamery. A brick creamery has
recently been Ijuilt.
Havana Creamery, live miles east of Owatonna, was organized
in 1893. _U)hn Morton was the first manager, the farmers buying
the old plant of L. A. Disbrow. This was subsequently de-
stroyed by fire and immediately rebuilt. The Moland Creamery
was built in the extreme northeast part of the county and in the
town of Merton. H. Ruen is the present manager.
The county is now thoroughly organized so that every farmer
in Steele county has easy access to a co-operative creamery.
And while there is no parent organization which covers the
whole sj'Stem, the creameries of Steele county are working in har-
mony and all practically working on the whole milk plan and
making a uniformly good quality of butter.
The work along co-operative lines in Steele county, when we
take into consideration the past attempts at factory manufac-
turing by individuals, have proven the means of building up the
dairy industry, until Steele county ranks as one of the first
in the state both as regards quantity and quality of her product.
She has twenty-three prosperous co-operative creameries, the
output of which in 1909 was upwards of 3,000,000 pounds of
butter and sold for $716,000. No other one source of income
is so great as that from the sale of butter. Credit must be given
to the farmers for the building up of the co-operative creameries.
The results in every case have been due to the individual and
collective efforts of the farmers, and in no case has outside
business men or men of other pursuits invested any money in
the capital stock of these creameries.
The co-operative creamery as well as the dairy industry have
come to stay. The original first plants are being replaced with
modern, fire-proof buildings. Nothing has added so much to
the permanent prosperity of Steele county as the building of
the co-operative creameries. With the advent of dairying came
diversified farming and uniformly better crops. And no one
thing has contributed so much to bring about these results
as co-operation among the farmers.
J. R. Morley.
CHAPTER XIII.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY.
State System Inaugurated. — First School House Erected in
Steele County. — Other Schoolhouses Soon Built. — Word
Picture of Pioneer School. — First County Superintendent
Appointed. — List of His Successors. — Owatonna Schools. —
Early Meetings of the Board. — Grammar School Established.
— High School Course. — Modern Modifications and Addi-
tions.— Present Buildings, System and Officers. — List of
City Superintendents. — Contributed by Professor Philip J.
Kuntz.
In treating the subject of education, or of the public schools
of Owatonna, but little more than half a century of time is in-
volved. While nothing pertaining to the long ago will be
really necessary, still, in order to lay a good foundation for our
work, it will seem best to consider a wider field than even
Steele county.
At the formation of the union, and later, when the federal
government was established, there was no definite line of action
as to public education, although at the same time that the Con-
stitution was adopted the last session of the Continental Con-
gress was being held in the city of New York, and the Ordinance
of 1787 was passed, regulating the aflfairs pertaining to the North-
west territories, including a portion of Minnesota, that portion
hnng east of the Alississippi river. In this Ordinance much
attention was given to tiie question of education, and of pro-
viding a means for public education, by giving one section in
each congressional township for educational purposes. Later,
when the purchase of Louisiana was effected, and Minnesota
sought admission into the union, still further provision was
made for education by giving two sections in each congressional
township for such purposes. This gave impetus to the natural
tendency toward educational matters, and we find that one of the
first efforts in the new settlements was to prepare to educate
the children. The church and the school building, when not one
and the same, were practically always found side by side. The
' hardy pioneers of the Great Northwest — of which Minnesota
was a part — did not wait even for a territorial government,
but set to work at once to establish schools. The first one in
828
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 829
Minnesota, for the education of white children, was organized
by Dr. Williamson, at the present site of the city of St. Paul.
We are told that investigation demonstrated that there were
about thirty-six children in the settlement, who might attend
a school. A log house, 10x12 feet, covered with hark, and
chinked with mud, previously used as a blacksmith shop, was
secured and converted into a school house, and taught by Miss
Bishop. Here, then, while the United States troops were gaining
such signal success in the war with Mexico, was begun the
system of education which has become one of the best in this
great nation. In this same little school house in November,
1849, was held a meeting for the purpose of establishing a system
of public education, based upon the congressional act of March,
1849, establishing Minnesota territory. Alexander Ramsey, of
Pennsylvania, was appointed governor, and proceeded at once
to assume the duties of his office. In his first message to the
territorial legislature, in the fall of 1849, he emphasized the need
of wise measures looking to the establishment of a system of
public education in these words: "The subject of education,
which has ever been esteemed of first importance in all new
American communities, deserves, and I doubt not, will receive
your earliest and most devoted care. From the pressure of other,
and more immediate wants, it is not to be expected that your
school system should be very ample, yet it is desirable that what-
ver is done should be of a character that will readily adapt
itself to the growth and increase of the country, and not in
future years require a violent change of system."
In response to this appeal for legislation in school matters
we find that a committee on education was appointed, and a
very able report was made by the chairman, Hon. Martin Mc-
Leod. This report was formulated into an act relating to public
schools in Minnesota, which act was passed on the last day of
the session, November 1, 1849. It organized the territory into
districts, of which the township was the unit, and provided that
if a township had within its limits five families it should be
considered as one district, but if it contained ten families it
should be divided into two districts. Tax levy was provided,
and a system of management arranged. The first superintendent
of common schools for the territory was Rev. E. D. Neill, who
served till 1853. His salary was one hundred dollars a year.
About 1853 we find the first authentic record of people com-
ing into what was afterward called Steele county, and the first
settlements were made near Medford and on the present site
of Owatonna. Not until 1855 did there seem to be a sufficient
number of children to begin educational work, and then the
present Steele county, and a portion of what is now Waseca
830 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
count}', constituted one township, according to the meaning of
the territorial plan. During the summer of 1855 a few of the
settlers got together and built a kind of shed, and covered with
boughs, on the present Albertus site on North Oak street, which
was the first schoolhouse, and which school was taught by
Helen Holbrook. Two of the student children in attendance
upon this school were the mother and aunt of Grace Farmer,
at present a teacher in the Lincoln school, Owatonna. The
next year a log house was built, and served as a school house,
church and general meeting place for public business. This
building was erected near the present Lincoln school Iniilding.
Here we find the cliildren of the hardy pioneers attending school
and receiving their first, and in many cases, their only educational
training. At about the same time that these events were tran-
spiring in Owatonna other settlements in Steele county were
establishing schools. In the same year, namely, in 1856, Medford
built a school house, and there began a kind of rivalry between
the two places, with the odds for some time seemingly in favor
of Medford. Clinton Falls and Havana followed in rapid suc-
cession, and it soon became necessary to plan a county system
of education. Permit me here to present a picture of a winter
day, say in 1858 or 9, at school. (This is a reproduction, so
far as I can remember, of the school as given me by a dear
departed friend, A. W. Jones.) A log school house, with an old
Franklin stove set in a box of brick in the center of the room,
door at one end, and two windows on each side, chinking of mud
between the logs, the master's desk in one corner of the room,
home-made desks for about fifteen to twentj' children around
the outside of the room, the dinner baskets on the floor in a
corner most distant from the stove, wraps hanging about the
room, and a rousing wood fire in the stove. At 9 o'clock the
master calls school by rapping on the window sash and giving
expression to the then commonly used expression, "Books." Then
the work of the day begins.
The organization of the school system of the county, accord-
ing to the territorial plan, was to have as its head a county
superintendent of schools, and in the election of 1856 we find
that Ezra Abbott was elected to that office. The number of
school districts in the county then was thirteen and the number
of teachers was fifteen. Following is the list of county super-
intendents, beginning with 1864, the period between 1862 and
1864 being under a different plan. (The legislature changed the
system in 1862, dividing the county into three districts, in each
of which the county commissioners were to appoint a super-
intendent.) The following persons were appointed: R. G. Lin-
coln, first district: Harvey Chapin, second district: Dv^-ight Gor-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 831
den, third district. In 1864, the law being changed back to
county supervision, the county commissioners appointed A. A.
Harwood county superintendent and fixed his salary at $200 a
year.
Mr. Harwood was succeeded by Hon. A. C. Hickman. F. J.
Stevens succeeded him in 1868, and Mr. Stevens was succeeded
by O. A. Tiffany. The terms of service are not given for the
reason that no record was available. Rev. G. C. Tanner was the
next county superintendent and held the office until 1887, when
he resigned. J. D. Brown was appointed to fill the vacancy and
held office till 1890, when E. G. Adams was elected, and held
office for four years. In 1894 C. L. Whitman was elected, and
served but one term. In 1896 Frank Carleton was elected, and
served one term, when W. V. Kasper was elected and served two
terms. In 1902 A. E. Kenyon was elected and in 1904 C. L.
Davis was elected, serving two terms. In 1908 Steele county
for the first time in its history elected a lady to the office of
county superintendent, in the person of Grace G. Randall, who
occupies the position at the present writing.
OWATONNA SCHOOLS.
About 1860 or 1862 the settlement of Owatonna had suffi-
ciently increased to call for a larger building, and a frame school
house, with two rooms, was built by Elder Towne, which
building was used until removed in 1902, and is now changed
into a dwelling house on East School street. As teachers for
this school Katherine Adair, sister of the present (1910) high
school principal, Esther E. Adair, was one of the teachers. A
picture of these two teachers, and their children is at present
in possession of Esther E. Adair.
In 1865 a special charter was granted to the city of Owa-
tonna, making the territory of the city of Owatonna in the
county of Steele, to constitute one school district, and under the
control and direction of a board of education. As members of
this board of education the following persons were elected, as
per record, now in the possession of the board of education :
A. Towne, term three years, second ward ; S. Hotchkiss, term
three years, first ward; D. W. Burch, term one year, third ward;
D. S. Harsha, term one year, at large; C. L. Tappan, term two
years, at large.
April 10th, 1865, the meeting for organization "met according
to law, in the principal school house of said city, and organized
by electing Rev. A. Towne, president, and Rev. C. L. Ta])pan
clerk, by ballot."
These minutes, and the minutes from that day to this.
832 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
are complete and continuous, and well kept. At this first meet-
ing it was decided to have three terms of school during the
year, of three months each, and that they employ two female
teachers for the first (summer) term.
"Adjourned for 5 minutes, by order of the president, to read
the local news, at the expiration of which time business was
resumed."
It was also voted that school commence the first Monday in
May, 1865. April 20, 1865, another meeting was held, and Mary
E. P. Smith was elected at $7 a week, and Mary E. Blair, at $6
a week. May 25, 1865, another meeting was held and this
record is found :
"In view of the crowded state of our schools, it was voted
to open another department, viz. : grammar department, and
Messrs. Towne and Harsha were appointed a committee to pro-
cure a suitable room for the same and report next Monday
evening." At the appointed meeting the committee reported that
they were unable to procure a room. At this meeting they
"voted to hire the Baptist church, if it can be obtained, for the
grammar school." June 1st. 1865, a meeting was held, and the
following appears : "Voted to hire C. T. Andrews to teach the
grammar department in the Baptist church, 7 weeks, beginning
next Monday, and to pay him $60 for the same. Messrs. Burch
and Tappan were appointed a committee to hire Mr. Andrews
and grade the schools. Mr. Burch was appointed to procure
pail, dipper and broom."
The fall of 1865 the schools began the first Monday after
Thanksgiving, and later it was found that a fourth teacher was
necessary, and the same was provided to begin in January, 1866.
At a meeting of the board held January 8, 1866, I find the first
record of rules and regulations to govern the schools, which are
as follows: 1st, The schools shall be divided into three depart-
ments, styled the primary, intermediate and grammar depart-
ments, and the studies pursued in each shall be uniform. 2nd,
Every pupil in the intermediate and grammar departments of
the school shall be required to read and spell at least once each
day. 3d, There shall be no profane or indecent language used
by any pupil in attendance at the schools. 4tli, There shall be
no rude or boisterous play in the school rooms and no marring
or defacing of either school room or furniture. 5th, Every
pupil in the grammar and intermediate departments who shall
be tardy or absent shall be required by the teacher to bring
a written excuse from parent or guardian, and no pupil shall
be dismissed during school hours without a written request
from parent or guardian. Provided further, that whenever such
excuses and request shall number five, the teacher shall report
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 833
said pupil to the board, and refuse to admit him to school until
he present a written statement from some member of the board
entitling him to admission. 6th, Composition and declamation
shall be maintained in the grammar department, and declamation
in the intermediate department every week. 7th, Any pupil wil-
full)^ violating, or refusing to comply with any of these rules,
shall, upon due proof being given, be expelled or not, at the
option of the board, during the remainder of the term in which
such offense is committed."
It is quite noticeable that much time, during these earlier
years, was spent by the board in employing teachers, as they
were almost entirely employed for a term of three months, when
they were either reemployed or others employed to take their
places.
May 5, 1866, a district meeting was held for the purpose of
voting $2,500 worth of bonds "for the purpose of purchasing
sites and building two school rooms in the district." The bonds
were voted. And from half the issue the minutes show the
purchase of the Baptist church. September 14, 1867, an ad-
journed meeting of the qualified voters of the district was held,
which meeting was addressed by Mark H. Bunnell, state super-
intendent of public instruction. At this meeting it was voted
to bond the city of Owatonna, school district number one, to the
amount of $20,000, for the purpose of purchasing a site for, and
the erection of, a central school building. The bonds were voted
to be issued at 10 per cent, but later I find another meeting
called for the purpose of authorizing the payment of 12 per cent,
as no money could be procured at 10 per cent. The change was
voted, but a change in amount was also made, to $15,000. Feb-
ruary 17, 1868, at a meeting of the qualified voters, the site
for a central school building was selected, which was the present
site of the high school building, and on March 2, 1868, the board
resolved to build a central school building on the site previously
selected. The building was to be of red brick, and three stories
high, with nine foot basement. Plans and specifications were
prepared by I. I. Fuller, for $100. Contract for building was
given to I. W. Dresser and D. Marble, April 27, 1868, for
$14,419.
August 27, 1868, the board, at a regular meeting, elected
Wm. L. Butts principal of the schools at a salary of $1200 a year.
Up to this time C. T. Andrews seems to have been the principal.
In the reelection of Prof. Butts for the fourth year, June 3, 1871,
he was elected principal and superintendent. This is the first
time the title of superintendent is aj^plied. Prof. Butts was at
head of the schools until 1873, when he was succeeded by C. W.
Hall, of Mankato, who occupied the position for two years,
834 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
when C. \V. Clinton was elected, and served for three years.
On the official record I find the following interesting item : "The
night of January 7, 1873, and the day following are recorded
as having experienced the most severe and destructive storms
that have been known in the history of Minnesota. At about
3 o'clock in the afternoon the wind changed from the south to
the northwest and continued increasing in power until it became
one of the greatest electrical storms ever known in the North-
west. So much so that messages were readily sent after the
batteries had been disconnected from the wires. The loss of life
along our northern and western frontier has been terrific ; over
200 persons are known to have perished during the storm.
Comparatively few lives have been lost in the southern and east-
ern portions of the state. The air became so filled with drifting
snow that it was impossible to distinguish objects at more than
ten or twelve rods distance, and often not more than four rods.
Mercury going no lower than 18 degrees below zero."
At a meeting of the board September 5, 1876, Prof. Clinton
presented the following high school course of study, which was
the first on record, and, as the record shows, was adopted, after
some discussion :
"High school course of study, 1876. — First year, first term:
Arithmetic, practical and mental; reading; physical geography:
United States history: grammar; spelling: language lessons;
drawing (optional) ; penmanship. First year second term : Arith-
metic, practical and mental; reading; United States history;
algebra, to factoring; grammar; language lessons ; physiology;
drawing (optional); spelling; penmanship. First year, third
term : Arithmetic, practical and mental ; language lessons ; draw-
ing (optional ) ; algebra, reviewed ; spelling; penmanship: read-
ing; United States history, completed ; grammar. Second year,
first term: Algebra, continued; word analysis: penmanship;
school composition; United States constitution; drawing (op-
tional); natural philosophy ; spelling; general history. Second
year, second term : Algebra, completed ; word analysis ; penman-
ship ; school composition; United States constitution; drawing
(optional); natural philosophy ; spelling; general history. Sec-
ond year, third term : Algebra, reviewed ; word analysis ; pen-
manship ; natural philosophy, completed ; United States consti-
tution, completed; drawing (optional); school composition:
spelling ; general history. Third year, first term : Geometry ;
English literature; chemistry; rhetorical exercises; political
economy ; analysis of English language. Third year, second
term: Geometry; geology; chemistry, completed; rhetorical
exercises; analysis of English language; English literature.
Third year, third term: Geometry, completed; elements of bot-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 835
any; elementary astronomy ; rhetorical exercises ; English liter-
ature; analysis of English language."
August 29, 1879, Prof. J. C. Bryant was elected superintend-
ent, Prof. Clinton having resigned. Before the opening of school
for this fall, the above course of study was slightly modified,
principally by the addition of Latin in the second and third year.s.
The rules and regulations were also changed, rather brought
down to date, and were in much the form and sentiment as at
present in force. The course of study was changed at dififerent
times, making it stronger with each change, and also making it
harmonize with the work in other high schools and enabling the
graduates from this high school to enter colleges and universities
upon their credentials and without examinations. Not until after
1890 was the course extended to a full four-year high school
course, with four years of Latin offered, and two years of Ger-
man offered. Changes have been a necessity in later years in
order to add to the work the special lines, and give our young
people an opportunity to secure the varied lines offered to young
people in other communities and cities. Thus in 1901 music and
drawing were added as a regular line, in charge of a special
teacher. In 1907 manual training and mechanical drawing were
added, and are in charge of a special teacher. During this same
year the kindergarten was opened as a part of the public-school
system of the city, in charge of a teacher and one assistant. This
addition to the public-school system was made possible by reason
of a perpetual endowment in the sum of $5,000, left for that pur-
pose by Hon. H. H. Rosebrock, a public-spirited and philan-
thropic citizen for many years. In 1909 the line of work was
further extended by the addition of home economics, in charge
of a special teacher. One further addition, that of agriculture, is
being planned, and it is expected to put into operation a special
course in agriculture, in charge of a trained person in that line of
work.
The first class to graduate from the high school was in the
spring of 1877, and consisted of seven young people, four boys
and three girls, two of whom are at present citizens of Owatonna,
viz.: Alice L. Hold (Mrs. George R. Kinyon) and Charles L.
Pound. Since that time, with the exception of 1878 and 1881,
graduation exercises have been held, and classes have increased
in size until the present class numbers forty-nine. The manage-
ment of the school has been f|nite uniform and successful, the
ruling principle being to maintain a high standard, and give the
young people of Owatonna the benefit of the best that can be
provided. Tenure of superintendents and teachers has been
based upon the principle that successful individuals should be
retained as long as possible. Fewer changes in supcrintendencies
836 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
have been made than in most places. Mr. Bryant left in 1882
and was succeeded by Hon. George B. Aiton for many years,
and at present state high school inspector, who remained but
two years. A. W. Rankin was elected in 1884, and remained
until 1889. Mr. Rankin is at present professor in the College of
Education at the state university. G. F. Kenasten was here from
1889 to 1892; B. T. Hathaway, from 1892 to 1893; L. il. Ford,
from 1893 to 1899, since which time the writer has occupied the
position.
At the present time there are, including the Kindergarten
building, which is famous for having been Steele county's first
court house, five buildings : The high school building, erected in
1883, to take the place of the one erected in 1868, and burned to
the ground in 1882; the McKinley building, erected in 1895 and
1899, corner of Rose and Grove streets; the Lincoln building,
erected in 1885 and in 1902, on the original school site ; the Jef-
ferson building, on the west side, corner of Bridge and State
streets, erected in 1904, and the Kindergarten building, above
mentioned. The entire number of teachers employed, including
the superintendent, is thirty-five. The board of education con-
sists of one member from each ward (five) and two at large, mak-
ing it consist of seven members. The levy for school purposes
is $20,000. To this is to be added the state appropriation,
amoimting to over $4,000, and the state high school aid, which
now is $1,750 annually.
The enrollment has reached 1,275, of which number 260 are
enrolled in the high school. The class of 1910 consisted of
eighteen young men and thirty-one young ladies — forty-nine in
all — the largest class so far graduated from the schools. The
board of education at present consists of: George Parrott, presi-
dent; W. C. Zamboni, secretary; W. W. Kinyon, treasurer;
R. H. G. Netz, Guy B. Bennett, M. R. Cashman, Anton Seykora,
Jr.; P. J. Kuntz, superintendent, ex-ofificio member.
CHAPTER XIV
MILITARY HISTORY
Steele County in the War for the Preservation of the Union —
First War Meeting Held — Company Marches to Faribault
and Is Mustered in at St. Paul — Enlistments and Bounties —
Military Districts — War Record of Those First Enlisting —
Names of the Soldiers from this County — Grand Army Or-
ganizations— Old No. 5 Post — McPherson Post — James A.
Goodwin Post and Corps — By E. E. Bigelow, M. D.
The county of Steele, which was organized in 1855, and in
1860 had a population of but 2,863, was only six years old, and
the state scarcely three years old, when the pioneers were called
to the defense of their flag and nation, then threatened through
the secession of the Southern states from the Federal union, and
the dogs of war were let loose by what had, during the winter
months of 1860-61, developed into a confederacy of the Southern
states, and an open rebellion to the government at Washington,
which was ushered in by a direct attack by armed forces upon
Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. At this time Alexander Ramsey,
governor of Minnesota, chanced to be in Washington, and imme-
diately sought Secretary Cameron, and in writing tendered 1,000
soldiers from Minnesota in defense of the government, which
offer was presented to the president and by him accepted. The
governor telegraphed the same to the adjutant general of the
state, with orders to make a call for troops. On receipt of the
news of the call at Owatonna, although Steele county was but
sparsely settled, its citizens loyally responded, and immediate
steps were taken for the enlistment of volunteer soldiers for the
ninety-day service.
At a war meeting called at the old Morford Hall, the room
was packed by a crowd of enthusiastic men and women. Among
the patriotic speakers was Lewis McKune, of Waseca, who had
come over to Owatonna for the occasion, and who added greatly
to the enthusiasm of the meeting through an eloquent arraign-
ment of the rebellious states. At the close of his address he
stepped forward and headed the enlistment roll, which was in
quick succession signed by Samuel Dwight Morford, Anton
Schimek, Andrew Collyer, Merritt B. Patten, Alvin Phelps, Ed-
ward Phillips, 0.scar Gross, Henry Borchert, George W. Crooker,
837
838 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Fredelin Bool, Merritt B. Case, \\'illiam N. Card, U. M. Curtis.
Frank Dickenson, Charles E. Davison, James L. Dubois, Jerome
Farensworth, George J. Hopkins, Anthony Jones, Francis F.
Livingston, Irvin W. Northrup, Martin Patterson, Walter S.
Reed, George P. Sawyer, James T. Sawyer, John E. Strothman,
George Thorn and Theodore Williams, making an honor roll of
twenty-six able-bodied men. These men marched, under the
strain of martial music furnished by David Lindersmith as fifer
and Elder Thomson as drummer, to Faribault, where they were
joined by other contingents from Faribault, Waseca, Dundas
and Northfield, and organized into a full company, with Lewis
McKune, captain; Nathan S. Alessick, first lieutenant, and Will-
iam E. Smith, second lieutenant. The company went immedi-
ately to camp at St. Paul, and was mustered into the service of
the United States as Company G, First Minnesota Volunteer
Infantry, April 29, 1861. just seventeen days after Fort Sumter
was fired upon and fourteen days after the president made his
first call for 75,000 ninety-day men, the First Minnesota having
the honor to be the first regiment mustered into service on that
call. Before leaving the state a request was received from the
president that a re-enlistment of the regiment be made for a
period of three years or during the war. which was vmanimously
responded to by the regiment, and it went to the front as such.
not having to be remustered into service at the expiration of
the ninety days. Considering that this regiment of men either
came from the farm or from one or another branch or trade or
profession, and that all contingencies had to be provided for,
there probably was not another regiment during the war's con-
tinuance so quickly organized and taken to the scene of military
activity as this one. During the continuance of the war Steele
county made a record for promptness in furnishing her quota of
soldiers at every call from the president which she can justly feel
proud of. Considering that the population of the county at the
breaking out of the rebellion numbered only 2,863, all told, and
that 412 of her able-bodied young patriots volunteered and gath-
ered at rendezvous, leaving their all at home, either in the care of
wife or aged parents, freely jeopardizing their lives upon the altar
of their country, all old as well as new comers into the county
should look back to those early days of the county's efforts with
great satisfaction. As the census figures would show, 75 per
cent of the able-bodied men of the population of the county went
out to defend Old Glory and what she represents.
During those "times that tried men's souls." the "copperhead"
element in Steele county was not sufficient to become very
noticeable, except in a very few instances, when the ofifender
was given twenty-four hours to move out of the county or to be
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 839
moved from eartlil_v strife altogether — a warning he learned to
heed.
In its official capacity, too, considering the stringency of
money matters in those early days of Western pioneering, Steele
county was magnanimous in the provisions made for supplying
bounties to her volunteer soldiers, and in addition to which nearly
every township in the county provided a special bounty as a
sort of emergency relief work. On August 4, 1862, President
Lincoln made his fourth call for additional troops. Reliance for
providing bounties in Steele county had to a great extent been
placed upon private subscriptions, which had become inefficient,
and there had been no provision on the previous tax assessment
roll for war purposes. Consequently, on August 12, 1862, Alex-
ander Chambers, then chairman of the board of county commis-
sioners, convened the board in special session. Of the three
members of the board. Mr. Chambers and Benjamin F. iVIelvin
were present, Hiram Fredenburgh not being able to come from
Summit. At this meeting of the board, the sum of $50 was
appropriated for each volunteer who should enlist in answer to
the call and be mustered into service, and it was ordered that
the bounties should be paid in installments of 10 per cent of the
whole amount to the married men at the end of each month
thereafter until the whole amount had been paid ; single men
to receive one-half of the full amount at the end of six months
and the balance at the end of the first year of service. At a sub-
sequent meeting of the board, held on September 12, 1862, the
full membership being present, a change in the manner of the
payment of the bounties was made, in which it was ordered
that the 10 per cent payments upon the bounties appropriated
should be made at the end of each month, and the county treas-
urer was instructed to call upon all persons who had subscribed
to the bounty fund and solicit their subscriptions, that the
monthly payments could be met when due. On January 9. 1863.
at a regular meeting of the full board of county commissioners,
the county treasurer informed the board that there was no
money in the treasury with which to meet the monthly install-
ments then due volunteers. The board instructed the county
auditor that upon the presentation of an order upon the treasurer
by any volunteer, there should be issued to him the amount of
the installment due him, in county scrip, bearing 10 per cent
interest.
On April 8, 1863, at a special meeting of the county board,
called for that purpose, the county was divided into districts
for the election of officers for military purposes; each district
to have one captain and one first and one second lieutenant, the
districts being arranged as follows: The First district was to
840 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
include Aurora and Dover (now Havana), and the meeting and
election was to be held at the residence of A. B. Clark; the Sec-
ond district was to include Somerset and Summit, the election
to be held at the school house near Mr. Bills' house ; the Third
district was to include Berlin and Lemond, election to be held
at the residence of J. \V. Crosby ; the Fourth district was Owa-
tonna, election to be held at the school house; the Fifth district
was Merton, election to be held at town meeting place; the Sixth
district was to include Clinton Falls and Aledford, election to
be held at residence of David Sanborn; the Seventh district
was to include Meriden and Deerfield, election to be held at the
school house near John O. Waumumetts' residence.
December 19, 1863, at a meeting of the board, a resolution
was passed stating that the majority of the taxpayers of the
county wished the bount}- to be raised to $100 for volunteers.
In accordance therewith, B. F. Melvin was instructed to ascer-
tain where, and on what terms, the county could secure a loan
that would be sufficient to meet the claims of the volunteers. In
January, 1864. he reported to the board that Dr. McCutcheon,
of Faribault, would take $3,000 of the bonds at par value, but
stated that he was informed by the doctor's attorney that the
commissioners had no legal right to issue such bonds.
It being found that the bonds were illegal, and not negotiable,
the legislature, then in session, was asked to authorize the issue
of $6,000 in bonds, out of which each volunteer who should enlist
and be accredited to Steele county should receive $100, as soon
as the money could be secured. On February 12, 1864, the legis-
lature passed an act authorizing Steele county to issue the $6,000
in county bonds, to draw 12 per cent interest, one-half to be paid
at the expiration of two years, and the balance in three years.
Alexander Chambers was appointed to negotiate the loan, and
it was provided that the volunteers should be paid their bounties
in the order in which they enlisted, until all should have been
paid, or all of the amount of the money secured had been paid
out; the instructions being that veterans who should re-enlist
would not receive any portion of the bounty thus provided for
the new enlistments.
Of the soldiers who went to the front with the First Minne-
sota Volunteer Infantry, Captain McKune was killed in battle
at Bull Run, July 21, 1861. Samuel Dwight Morford was
wounded at tlie battle of Gettysburg, and was in the hospital sick
when the regiment was mustered out. Anton Schimek and An-
drew Collyer were both killed at Bull Run. Merritt B. Patten
was killed at Bull Run. Alvin Phelps was discharged for dis-
ability. Edward Phillips was promoted to a corporal and mus-
tered out with his regiment. Oscar Gross met a severe bullet
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 841
wound through tlie elbow joint in his right arm at Bull Run and
was discharged, permanently disabled. Henry Borchart was
transferred to the United States Cavalry, October 25, 1862.
George W. Crooker was wounded at Bull Run, and discharged
for disability. Fredelin Bool remained the full term of enlist-
ment and was mustered out in Alay, 1864. Merritt B. Case was
wounded at Bull Run and discharged, to be promoted major of
a colored regiment. William Card died at Fair Oaks on June 2,
1862. M. M. Curtis was discharged for disability January 26,
1862. Charles E. Davison was wounded at Bull Run and died
November 6, 1862, at New York. James L. Dubois was wounded
at Bull Run and discharged July 6, 1863, for disability. Frank
Dickinson, corporal, was promoted to company sergeant and
mustered out with the regiment. George J. liopkins was
wounded at Gettysburg; further than this, the rolls do not
record what did become of him or that he was ever mustered
out of service. Anthony Jones was wounded at both Bull Run
and Gettysburg, and finally discharged for disability. Francis
F. Livingstone held the position of division wagon master during
the term of his enlistment, and was mustered out in May, 1864.
Martin Patterson was discharged for disability January 7, 1863.
George P. Sawyer was killed at Gettysburg. James T. Sawyer
was severely wounded at Antietam and not accounted for. John
E. Strothman, corporal and musician, was killed at Gettysburg.
George Thom was mustered out at expiration of enlistment, May,
1864. Theodore Williams died September 24, 1862. Walter S.
Reed was wounded at Bull Run and Gettysburg and transferred
to the First Battery. Irvin W. Northrup, sergeant, died July
14, 1862, of disease.
Did time and space j^crmit, the writer would be glad to give
the full roster of service performed by the individual volunteer
soldiers from Steele county, but it has been deemed sufficient to
give here the record of those on the honor roll from the county —
that is, those who went out with the first company.
It is well to mention here a rather interesting incident con-
nected with the wound received by Oscar Gross and the writer.
After passing through the operation for relief of the wound, and
his allotted time under the surgeon's care in the army hospital,
Mr. Gross was discharged from the service, and through a fail-
ure to discover a part of the bullet that had become imbedded
in the joint of the elbow, he had carried the same during a period
of twenty-six years, with two open discharging outlets, one on
either side of the joint, which caused the destruction of the use-
fulness of the joint and the withering of the whole arm, making
it comparatively useless, besides a constant source of pain and
anxiety to him, needing during this whole period to be dressed
84:2 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
and cared for, till January, 1887. My attention was called to
the shattered arm, and upon investigating the diseased joint,
located the portion of bullet, and removed it, after which he was
relieved from his suffering and became a more useful man. Had
the army surgeon attended to his duty, this man would have
escaped many years of suffering, and have had the use of his
right arm.
The following is a list of the soldiers who answered their
country's call and enlisted from Steele county, as taken from the
records in the adjutant general's office:
Aurora — Levi Annis, Jacob Berg, J. S. Bixljy, George H.
Curtis. Henry Lopping, William Green, Felix Myers, Patrick
Morin, Dennis Morin. George A. Fling, William J. Snider, R. C.
McDaniels, Nils P. Thimson, John L. Roberts, William J. John-
son, Samuel Howe, Chris. Dickenson, Samuel B. Olmstead,
David Pettie, C. B. Pettie, G. C. Pettic, Albert T. Cook, James
L. Roberts. Clark Weed, Halleck Siverson, Alonzo Richards,
Arthur H. Danchey.
Berlin — Levi Chase, Dudlet Chase, Timothy Chase, William
Hanson, Eli F. Pitcher. Isaac Reese, Francis Grow, Eugene W.
Roberts, William Wilson.
Dover (now Havana) — Frank Chambers, Manley M. Curtis,
James L. Dubois, George W. Emery, Anthony Jones, Anthony
W. Jones, Isaac W. Jones, Martin Patterson, J. E. Strotham,
Oscar Tiltany, John W. Warfield, John Willis, Joseph R. Web-
ster, W. H. Buns, Gilbert W. Elliot, John McCaslin, Richard S.
Bailey, Henry Bloomer, Henry F. Minthorn, Allen Hart, John
Anderson, Charles Hudson, Charles Jones, S. F. Giles.
Clinton P'alls — Osias B. Baker, William Barnhard, James
Barnhard, John H. Bortley, R. W. Cressey, Thomas Curtis,
George W. Green, Andrew M. Hunt, Sanford E. Hays, William
E. Morrison, Thurman E. McXitt, Henry Parsons, B. C. Sanljorn,
D. W. Williamson. Joseph Richie, Sanford H. Mclntire, Samuel
Morrison, Martin Warner.
Deerfield — Demster L. Winchell, Patrick Condon, Benjamin
Gypson, William Hodgson, Samuel Lilly, Henry N. Morse,
William Rosenthal, William Star, Charles H. Williams, Henry
G. Carter, William W. Arnold, Cyrus M. Huston, Newton
Parker, Joseph Fleury.
Lemond — Samuel B. Beach, Aaron S. Bragg, Joseph Tatro,
John Tatro, Thomas Fluston, Nelson Johnson, Nevvcomb Kin-
ney, Stillman Kinney, Daniel Tasker, Samuel Gould, Henry W.
Bragg, Edward Davis, James Gibson, Ingbert Sorenson.
Medford — John L. Barney, Clavin G. Bliss, Warren P. Bis-
sell, John L. Davis, Thomas E. Davis, Richard M. Drake, Adoni-
ram Eastman, Albert B. Francis, Francis W. Fowler, Loren
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 843
Fowler, Samuel M. Freeman, Samuel M. Guile, Augustus Has-
kill, Isaac P. Heath, John A. Heath, Charles Jeffery, George
Kendig, John H. King, James S. Stodard, Nelson McClure, Will-
iam W. W'ilkins, August. A. Lincoln, Ambrose Moore, William
McCrory, Albert McKinney, F. L. Melvin, M. D. L. Miller, Elias
G. Pike, Charles Pomeroy, William Pasco, Eugene P. Ring,
Jotham Shaw, M. L. Strong, George B. Sawyer, H. N. Thurston,
John W. Wcntworth, W. W. W'heeler, W. W. Wilkins, Lewis
M. Howard, Moses Hoit, James H. DeReenier.
Meriden — Henry Bradley, William Bradley. Charles Fitz-
simmons. Lewis F"itzsimmons, L. J. Green, William S. Tuthill,
Byron J. Williams, Asa Mosher, Samuel W. Baker, Thomas
Cooney, Henry Ritchie, James R. McNitt, John A. Teed, James
W. Kern, Cornelius F. Ross, Francis H. Carr, William McCabe,
James Bradley, Anthony J. Jordon, John D. Tuthill, Charles
S. House, Philo Hawes, John L. Anderson, William H. Kidney,
V. V. Middaugh, William A. Harris. Lewis Jacob, Adelbert
Smith.
Merton — James H. Adams, James J. Barnes, Norman Mosher,
Willard E. Marlin, Alvin Burns, Charles B. Baker, Joseph Car-
penter, Samuel J. Curtis, Patrick Conden. Thomas Carpenter,
A. R. Eastman, Levi Flake, Michael W. Henry, Miles Henry,
Frederick J. Irvin, Henry B. Jones, Oliver T. Jones. Frank L.
Kendall, John Lane, Michael McAndrews, Wilmot H. Pinnick,
Robert Thom, Patrick McAndrews, Sewel P. Norton, George
Naylor, James Naylor. Andrew W. Reed. Franklin Thompson,
Emmons P. Taylor, Theodore Williams, George H. Willey, Mel-
vin H. Welch, Lawrence W. MoUey, Warren Barnard, Daniel
Dodge, Jr., Smith Casler. John W. Curtis, Henry L. Curtis, Ter-
rence O'Toole, Thomas J. Conlin.
Owatonna — R. C. Ambler, E. M. Arnold, Fredolin Bool, John
D. Burr, P. D. Barnett, Michael Barney, Hugh Burns, L. F.
Babcock, Murdock P. Burr, M. B. Case. George W. Crooker,
Andrew H. Colyer, D. L. Coverdale, J. T. Carter. J. W. Craw-
ford, O. S. Crandall, Simon Case, Dexter Carlton, F. A. Conwell,
Oliver Lindcrsmith, Ebcnczer La Gro, S. D. Morford, C. F.
Moessner, George M. Mills, Joel G. Morford, Orlando S. Moore,
T. C. S. Minthorne, W. W. Ernest, Jeremiah Elliot, E. D. Fill-
more, Harvey Fletcher. J. N. H. Flinn. Norman T. Foster, Wal-
ter Gordon. James A. Goodwin. John Grear, James F. Hall,
J. R. Hooker. J. A. Madley, Jacob W. Hess, Asa S. Haynes, Will-
iam Ilartz, Charles F. Hammond. Thomas Kelley. E. M. Ker-
rott, Frank Livingstone. Richard A. Pasco, William Presley.
W. H. Russell. Andrew J. Rideout, James T. Sawyer, Austin E.
Schimek, W. H. Sherman, Smith II. Stowers, Richard Miles,
John Morris. E. W. Northrop, Jacob Nichols, John B. Norman,
8-14 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
G. W. Odell, E. P. Phillips, Alvin Phelps, AI. B. Patten, Adison
Phelps, Fred. Parsons, Horace H. Phillips, Zeus S. Yearley,
Thomas Thompson, Henry D. Brigham, Samuel S. Epla, C. E.
Howard, Samuel Bettig, Jr., George \V. Crooker, John D. Coon,
Hiram Harsh, Ebon Hullett, Hiram Robinson, George W. The-
nig, Allen S. Vail, Joseph Young, John F. Lipsey, John M. Rock.
]\Iethia Sweatt, Jacob W. Walrod, John C. Wickham, John
Young, Edwin P. Buck, Thedoriorus J. Andrews, William B.
Scott, George Thorn. Daniel G. Towie, H. R. Thompson, James
Syhomas, Julius A. Town, Willard Wheaton, Alanson B. Wood,
Nathaniel Winchell, William Webster, William B. Winchell,
Marcus Ware, William Bradley, O. Lindersmith, Jacob Peebles,
Benjamin Siars, Daniel L. Tasker, Oscar Tiffany, Ezra A. Tyler,
Erin II. Ameigh, George W. Brooks, William H. Clark, Charles
Giles. Charles A. Jones, John Jepson, William B. Lyons, D. P.
Marshall, George N. Hopkins, Russell Chase, Solomon Mid-
daugh, James M. Sherpy, George Chambers, Nathaniel Ramsey,
John Wilcox, Joseph Euny, Franklin K. Hicock, Michael McPelt,
Daniel R. Morrison, Wesley W. Pitch, John Wildrich, Melvin
B. Slocum, Isaac Reecc, Joseph E. E. Peggs, Charles W. Gard-
ner, Steven Lafayett.
Summit — Jeremiah Fredenburg. John I<'arrell, James Smith,
George Winchell, Benjamin S. Wheeler, Harvey Benedict, Jr.,
Hanson B. Davis, Alvin Fredenburg, Archibard Colanhour, Fre-
born L. Austin, Roswell F. Heath, David V. Smith, William T.
Scram, Isaac S. Barrett, Mortimer R. Ellis, Daniel A. Loomis,
Adolphus C. Work, John Warner.
Somerset — Henry Borchert, Ferdinand Borchcrt, William N.
Card, Charles C. Curtis, Oscar Gross, Arza B. Thompson, Will-
iam N. Breidenstein, Thomas G. James, John Lunn, Joseph
Buckner, Albert Bailey, Charles Ellison, Gilbert Gross, Thomas
E. Kinyon, William W. Hanson, George Mitchell, David L.
Mainard, Frank Sekora, James S. King, James B. Smith, Philo
Sawyer, Charles A. Steele, Ole Onficleson, Byrum Powers,
Henry A. Pitcher, Stephen Carvey, Hermon Johnson, Charles
R. Knowlton, Lafayette Howe, Silas Anderson, Theodore Wal-
cott.
GRAND ARMY ORGANIZATIONS.
On the evening of November 30, 1867, several honorably dis-
charged soldiers of the Civil War of the L^nited States, having
received a dispensation from the department headquarters of
the Minnesota Grand Armj' of the Republic to establish a post
of that order, it was organized by Comrades O. M. Knight,
(Col.) H. J. Lewis, E. H. Allen, E. P. Phillips, A. S. Chase,
T. H. Kellcv, Dr. Solomon Blood, T. W. Hanks, M. P. Maine,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 845
J. II. Daniels (Major) M. A. Dailcy, A. F. Lewis, Eli I. William-
son and C. Chamberlain. The following officers were elected :
Col. H. J. Lewis, post commander; E. W. Allen, S. V. P. C. ;
E. P. Phillips, J. V. P. C; A. S. Chase, P. Adjt.; P. H. Kelley,
Q. M. ; Dr. S. Blood, P. Surg. The organization was named
Post No. 5, Department of Minnesota, Grand Army of the Re-
public, and held its meetings first in the Good Templars' Hall,
then for a while, by invitation, in the Winona and St. Peter
railroad depot, and finally, during the last months of its exist-
ence, in the old Dresser Hall. From the date of its organization
up to September 24, 1869, sixty additional comrades had been
added to its ranks, making a total membership of seventy-three.
In August, 1869, orders were received from headquarters to
reorganize the post under the new system that had been inaug-
urated at the grand encampment of the G. A. R., at Cincinnati,
Ohio, on May 24, 1869. In compliance with this, the then com-
mander of the local post. R. C. Olin, and his quartermaster,
M. E. Billings, having been mustered at headquarters, mustered
the officers of the old organization into the new one, and at sub-
sequent meetings mustered Comrades R. E. Bailey, (Dr.) S.
Blood, T. H. Ferrel, Andrew Fisher, F. S. Furman, H. J. Lewis,
E. S. Paddock, A. B. Webber, W. S. Wilson, Ethan W. Allen,
Julius F. Young, John T. Carter, John Middagh and E. H.
Kennedy. Notice was served upon the comrades that they would
be allowed only till the last meeting in September to be remus-
tered and to retain membership in the order. The post drafted
a new set of by-laws, named the organization McPherson Post,
No. 5, G. A. R., rented a hall from the Y. M. C. A., over the
Harsha drug store, now the Deviny Building, and held its last
meeting on September 24, 1869, as per adjutant's last reports on
file. No doubt the reason for this abrupt ending of the reorgan-
ized post was that the members of the original organization
could not at the time be induced to be remustered.
James A. Goodwin Post, No. 81, G. A. R. The first meeting
which was held for the purpose of organizing the post was at
the Knights of Honor Hall over the old D. O. Searl hardware
store on Cedar street, with L. L. Wheelock in tlie chair. Mr.
Wheelock announced the presence of the vice <loi:)artnicnt com-
mander, R. A. Becker, with Comrades Zigbaum, Leibold and
Waffle, of St. Paul, to assist him in tlie organization, and pro-
ceeded to muster in the following as charter members: E. A.
Tyler, W. A. Dynes, C. W. Hadley, John Helwig, Oscar Gross,
J. W. Burch, Frank L. Mclvin, L. L. Inrnan, John Ryan. L. L.
Wheelock. J. C. Barncard, S. N. Lund, Dr. W. H. Twiford, W.
W. Day, George E. Sloan, Dr. E. E. Bigelow, David Curtis, Dr.
J. L. Harrington, Oscar Murphy, R. H. Reynolds, Aaron Heming-
846 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
way, E. P. Norton, F. M. Bautcr, Eli 1. Williamson, C. M. Will-
iamson, William Gamble, C. W. Wilkinson, J. D. Backus, J. E.
Teed, D. W. Williamson, D. O. Searl, H. J. Robinson, Jerry Fre-
denburg, Horace Smith, J. D. Holden and Orlando Lindersmith.
An election of officers resulted in choosing L. L. Wheelock,
P. C; E. A. Tyler, S. V. P. C; D. O. Searl, J. V. P. C; H. J.
Helwig, adjutant ; \V. A. Dynes, O. M. ; J. L. Harrington, P. S. ;
Rev. J. Newton Brown, chaplain; J. Z. Barncard, O. D. ; E. P.
Norton, O. B.; C. B. Wilkinson, S. M. ; J. D. Holden, Q. M. S.
Among the many names presented to be considered from
which to select a name for the post was that of James A. Good-
win, in memoriam of the late James A. Goodwin, a pioneer busi-
ness man of Owatonna, who was enlisted as a sergeant of Com-
pany E, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in the fall of
1861, and was immediately taken with his regiment into active
service, was promoted to the second lieutenancy of the company,
and at the battle of luka. Miss., on September 19, 1862, lost one
of his legs, and died in the hospital at St. Louis, Mo. This name
was selected, and James A. Goodwin Post, No. 81, gained very
rapidly in numbers. In August the hall became too small for
quarters, so that the hall over the postofifice building was secured
and fitted up by dividing it into two parts, making accommoda-
tions also for the James A. Goodwin Relief Corps, No. 31. This
hall was occupied by the two organizations in August, 1887, the
post at that time numbering 136 members. After occupying
these quarters for ten years, the post and relief corps moved to
the more roomy and commodious quarters in the Knights of
Pythias Hall, where they still hold their meetings. Although at
one time numbering 235 members, the membership has dwindled
by transfers, removals, deaths and other means till at the present
time there are only ninety members remaining, sixty-one com-
rades having died since the organization of the post.
The purposes for which the Grand Army of the Republic was
organized are to inculcate and preserve fraternal feelings and
interests in one another's welfare; to strengthen tliat bond
which so strongly bound soldiers together in field and camp
duties ; to perpetuate the history and memory of those who have
passed beyond; to render needed assistance to unfortunate com-
rades during their declining years, and to help and protect and
assist in alleviating the hardships of the widows and children
of those who fell while in the service. Another great aim of the
G. A. R. is to teach patriotic thought and principles to the j-oung
and rising generations by encouraging a lasting love for the flag
of our country as the great integral part of government influ-
ence; to always love, reverence and be ready to defend it.
Among the results to-day, a flagstaff, provided with Old Glory,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 847
is attached to every school house in our country, and pupils are
taught to reverence it. Politically, the G. A. R. is non-partisan,
no politics being allowed at the meetings.
The present officers of the local post are : T. H. Kelley, P. C. ;
Dr. E. E. Bigelow, S. V. P. C. ; A. A. Farrensworth, J. V. P. C;
Dr. J. Palmer Johnson, adjutant; Wilford Vinton, Q. S. ; Julius
F. Young, surgeon ; Joseph Cobb, chaplain ; R. P. Pike, O. D. ;
Aaron S. Bragg, O. G. ; Andrew Read, sergeant major; A. M.
Kinyon, quartermaster sergeant. The post holds its meetings
at the Knights of Pythias Hall, on the first and third Fridays of
each month, at 8 o'clock in the evening.
James A. Goodwin Woman's Relief Corps, No. 31, was organ-
ized May 11, 1887. The first officers were: Mrs. Maria Kinyon,
president ; Mrs. Ilattie Barncard, senior vice-president ; Mrs.
Sarah Sterns, junior vice-president; Mrs. James Dennis, chap-
lain ; Miss Helen McGowan, secretary ; Mrs. Rosalia Young,
treasurer; Mrs. Dora Helwig, conductor; Mrs. Mary Gross,
assistant conductor, and Mrs. Nellie Berg, guard. Besides the
officers chosen, the following charter members were mustered
by the department deputy president : the Mesdames Mary Stark-
weather, Sophia Sheldon, Mary Burlingame, Elsie Kelley, Lizzie
Cruckshank, Phoebe Burch, Anna Austin, Frank G. Odell, Sarah
Norton, Emma Hough, Ella Williamson, Sabra Jones, Maria
Kinyon, Annetta Farmer, Addie Wheelock, Katherine Harring-
ton, Cora E. Banter and Ellen E. BufTum. The Woman's Relief
Corps has always since its inception held its meetings in a room
adjoining the G. A. R. hall and is an indispensable help in carry-
ing out the plans for the annual Memorial Day observance. The
ladies also figure prominently in the social functions, which are
solely conducted by them, making their good cheer constantly
felt and appreciated by the veteran soldiers of the post. The
Woman's Relief Corps membership is not confined exclusively
to the Grand Army of the Republic women, but is open to all
those desiring to aid in the work of the corps. The present offi-
cers are: President, Mrs. Mary Gross; senior vice-president,
Mrs. Bell Thompson; junior vice-president, Mrs. Lizzie Cop-
dell; secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Lamp; treasurer, Mrs. Ettie Nel-
son; chaplain. Mrs. Maria Kinyon; conductor, Mrs. Addie Van-
wagoner; guard, Mrs. Sarah Wammett ; assistant conductor,
Minnie Purfurst ; assistant guard, Mrs. Rosa Schmuck ; color
bearers, first. Miss Ellen Young; second, Mrs. Margaret Boll;
third, Ellen Campbell ; press correspondent, .MVs. Charlotte
Kinny; patriotic instructor, Mrs. Nellie Berg; musician, Mrs.
Rosalia Young. The corps has a large membership, and holds
its meetings at Knights of Pythias Hall, on the first and third
Friday evenings of each month.
CHAPTER XV
COUNTY BUILDINGS
Property Owned by the County — Lot Purchased for Court
House — Cost and Description — Steele County Jail — Old
Building Erected in the Seventies — Modern Structure Com-
pleted in 1903 — County Alms House — Buildings and Farm.
Steele county has three county institutions — the court house
and the jail at Owatonna and the county farm. The court house
and the jail are substantially and economically built, and are
p-leasing to the eye at the same time that they serve their pur-
pose of utility. The alms house, where the deserving poor are
cared for, is also conducted along modern lines, and in a credita-
ble manner.
STEELE COUNTY COURT HOUSE
The Steele county court house affords a splendid illustration
of the enterprising and progressive spirit of the citizens of this
county. No other county in the state can boast of a similar
building that more nearly fills the needs of the community.
From and even before the time of the purchase of the site
from Marvin A. Daley, September 30, 1881, it was felt by all
the leading citizens that the county should have a building for
its ofificial business worthy of its sound financial standing. Noth-
ing was done, however, until July 15, 1890, when the county com-
missioners made a levy of $13,500 for the express purpose of
building a court house. On December 2, 1890, plans were sub-
mitted by various architects, those of T. D. Allen, of Minneapo-
lis, being accepted. Bids were received for the erection of the
court house, in accordance with the specifications, from fifteen
different firms, that of Leek & McLeod, of Minneapolis, for
$39,391, receiving the acceptance of the board, February 13,
1891. Work was commenced the following spring. The con-
tract for the installing of a heating system, all the structure to
be heated by a hot-water radiating system, with the exception
of the court room, which was to be heated by a hot-air furnace,
was let to Middlemist & Earle, the consideration being $3,350.
Clefton Brothers, of Owatonna, were awarded the plumbing con-
tract—$985— the same day, March 24, 1891.
848
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 849
The last session of the legislature had authorized the com-
missioners of Steele county to issue $30,000 in bonds for the
purpose of erecting a court house, and 5 per cent bonds to that
amount were duly issued and sold at par to the Farmers and
Mechanics' Savings Bank of Minneapolis, October 31, 1891. This
$30,000 was the total amount of the indebtedness incurred.
March 14, 1892, the court house was officially accepted by
the commissioners, the building being found satisfactory in every
way and in accordance with the contracts after a thorough
examination.
The general style of the structure is Romanesque, being built
of brick, faced with Austin faced brick and trimmed with Lake
Superior brown stone. The rich brown color of the stone arches,
caps, sills, cornices and trimmings contrast pleasingly with the
deep red of the pressed brick, the latter being laid in red mortar.
The entrances at each end of the building are in the form of
Romanesque arches, flanked and supported by polished granite
columns. Over the main door, at the north end, there is a
niche supporting a group of three figures representing Mercy,
Law and Justice. The main tower, located at the northwest
corner of the building, is a beautiful piece of architecture, embel-
lished with circular minarets and gables. It is provided with
one of the finest tower clocks in the state, being furnished by the
Howard Clock Company, of Chicago, at a cost of $1,090. At the
northeast corner is a circular tower, which rises just above the
main roof, and is surmounted by a flagstafT. There is also
another tower, square in form, situated at the southwest corner,
in which are entrances. This tower rises one story above the
main building. The roofs are covered with slate and all cornices
are of metal. The large semi-circular windows on the east and
west ends of the court room are of leaded glass in colors, with
the state coat of arms worked in.
The interior of the building is admirably adapted for the
various uses to which it is put, and is fitted and furnished in
the most modern style throughout. The first floor is given to
the offices of the diflferent county officers, all being provided with
a fireproof vault and steel shuttered windows. The second story
contains one of the model court rooms of the state, also judge's
chambers, jury rooms, consultation room and waiting rooms.
The total cost of the building was $53,500, exclusive of the
$5,000 expended for the site.
The beautifully kept grounds, set with cannons, flower beds
and trees, add much to the dignified and stately appearance of
the structure.
The county is deeply indebted to its loyal and faithful com-
missioners, during the year 1891, who made this court house
850 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
possible, and tlirougli their careful supervision saved the com-
munity thousands of dollars. Especial credit is due Herman
Schmidt, chairman. He was ably assisted by the other commis-
sioners, Theodore Chambers, Frank Carlton, Robert Crickmore
and Fred Ahrens.
STEELE COUNTY JAIL
The building of the first Steele county jail dates back to the
early sixties, when the county was yet in its pioneer days. With
numerous changes and additions at the times progressed, this
structure gave good service for many years, until about 1900,
when the question of the building of a modern and up-to-date
bastile began to be discussed, the old jail having met with the
disapproval of the state authorities.
November 25, 1902, the first steps were taken, the county
commissioners issuing 5ilO,000 in bonds for the erection of a
new jail, shortly afterwards selling them at par to the local
banks. A month or two later a contract was signed with the
Pauly Jail Building & Manufacturing Company of St. Louis for
the plans and furnishings of a strictly modern jail, not to exceed
$15,000 in cost. The plans were submitted, and February 17,
1903, the contract for the removal of the old building and the
erection of the new structure was awarded to Hammel Brothers
& Anderson, the consideration being $3,238. Work was started
the following spring, and the jail building itself concluded during
the late summer of the same year, though the installation of the
steel cells and other equipment by the Pauly company was not
completed until some time later.
The total cost of this structure for the promotion of the
peace and welfare of Steele county was something over $15,000,
every dollar being expended to the best possible advantage.
Four double cells and three single, all representing the latest
ideas in that class of construction, provide ample facilities for
the accommodation of the opponents of law and order.
The commissioners of 1903, I''. C Schuman, chairman ; M. H.
Coggins, N. O. Partridge, John Smith and C. H. Wilker, ren-
dered invaluable service in protecting the interests of the tax-
payers, and securing the erection of a model jail.
STEELE COUNTY POOR FARM
The history of the county poor farm begins October 16, 18f^0,
when the commissioners purchased the property of D. C. TifTany.
It consists of 120 acres of good land, located five miles east of
Owatonna, and a half mile north of Havana station. The build-
ings are well suited for their respective purposes, the houses
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 851
being capable of accommodating twelve or thirteen inmates com-
fortably, and the barn and outbuildings of ample size and well
constructed. During the last fifteen years several additions and
some remodeling has been done. In 1905 an apple orchard of
150 trees was set out, which is promising abundant returns.
L. L. Inman was the first overseer who held office for any
length of time until 1888, when Horace Chambers assumed
charge and remained up to January 1, 1895. He was succeeded
by Joseph Fisher, who was very successful during all his ten
years of management. Anton Stancel was the next overseer,
serving three years, and turning over the office to his successor,
Samuel Pichner, January 1, 1908. Mr. Pichner is the present
incumbent. Commissioner F. G. Schuman, as head of the poor-
farm committee since 1898, has done much in the way of looking
after the best interests of the county and the inmates. At pres-
ent the farm has eight inmates.
CHAPTER XVI
OWATONNA AS A HAMLET
First Settlement — Pettit and Cornell — First House Built— Influx
of Population — Bridge Constructed — Hotel and Stores
Opened — Activities of the Early Days — Business Houses of
1867 and 1887— First Events.
The first settlement on the present site of the city of Owa-
tonna was made by William F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell, in the
summer of 1854. About the middle of Ma}' of that year William
F. Pettit, George F. Pettit, A. B. Cornell and F. Wilbur Fisk
left Sparta, Wis., for a visit to the tar-famed prairies of Minne-
sota. George F. Pettit had been at Faribault some time pre-
vious, and made such a glowing report of the country that
those who had families took them along, determined to make
their homes on the sunset side of the Mississippi. Seven wagon-
loads of people, furniture, supplies, etc., set out, and were four
weeks in reaching Faribault — a long journey, attended with toil,
discomfort and fatigue, and one that none but strong, brave
hearts would undertake and successfully accomplish. George
F. Pettit settled at Faribault, F. W. Fisk on East Prairie, and
William F. Pettit and A. B. Cornell located on the present site
of the city of Owatonna. Mr. Cornell made his claim on the east
side of the river and Mr. Pettit on the west. Cornell built a
somewhat primitive dwelling, which was constructed of poles
covered with prairie grass, but it was sufficient to protect them
from the storm and the scorching rays of the sun, and they were
all content to wait patiently till a more commodious house could
be erected. This was the first residence and the first building
erected within what is now the city limits. Mr. Cornell soon
commenced putting up a log house, just north of where the
bridge now stands, and had the logs raised ready to put up on
the roof, when he sold his claim to Mr. Pettit, who had, in the
meantime, disposed of his owm on the west side of the river to
a Mr. Crehore. Some time in August, Mr. Pettit had contracted
with Mr. Cornell to build a house for him, similar to the one
he was building for himself, but when he purchased Cornell's
claim the contract was annulled and another made that he could
finish the one already commenced. We give the contract in full,
as it is probably the first ever made in the county. It is as
follows :
852
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 853
"It is hereby agreed by and between \V. F. F'ettit and A. B.
Cornell, that A. B. Cornell shall, previous to the twentieth day
of October next, build for said Pettit a log- dwelling house on
the foundation said Pettit has already commenced; said house
to be 22 feet long and 18 feet wide; puncheon floor below, two
doors and five windows, shingled roof, logs hewn inside up to
beams and mudded on the outside; also a cellar 14x18 feet, dug
so as to be 6 feet from bottom to sleepers ; said house to be one
and a half stories high and put up similar to said Cornell's, and
the said Pettit is to furnish all nails, glass, sash, putty and lum-
ber for doors and the upper floor so as not to delay said job and
to pay for said building $75. \V. F. Pettit. A. B. Cornell.
August 3, 1854."
These movements gave a material start to the growth of the
embryo city. The first track made across the prairies is the
pioneer of civilization, and forerunner generally of a crowd of
immigration, and this was no exception to the general rule.
Others followed the lead of Messrs. Pettit and Cornell, and
several houses were built that fall (1854). Hon. G. W. Green,
of Beaver Dam, Wis., commenced the erection of a house which
was raised on October 2, all the settlers in the vicinity assisting.
Interesting articles, written by both Judge Green and A. B.
Cornell, and giving a detailed account of the experiences of each,
will be found in this work. In the winter following (1854-55)
J. W. Park and S. B. Smith erected a log cabin near where the
Milwaukee Railroad tracks are now located.
These were dreary, lonesome days to the settlers; far from
friends, marts and posts of trade, with no one save themselves
to commune with, their lives must indeed have been "hermit-
like." Sometimes, too, a little fear of what the Indians might
(To crept into their minds to disturb their tranquillity, yet the
Indians were at peace with the whites, and at that time con-
sidered them their best friends. But at times circumstances
would occur to arouse the suspicions of the people to a high
pitch. The following instance of this was related to a historian :
The first year of the settlement (1854) all the provisions and
supplies of all kinds were brought from St. Paul, and at one
time Mr. Cornell went with his team to that town to bring a
load of provisions, etc., and was absent about a week, leaving
Mrs. Cornell with only her children and a boy to keep her com-
pany. During his absence a party of Indians, a hundred or more,
encamped for a time near Mr. Cornell's shanty. Yet they were
very respectful and civil to the white lady, and did not venture
into her house. One evening they gathered material and lighted
huge bonfires a little back of the shanty, and commenced an
Indian dance with all its wild accompaniments of songs and
8bi HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
shouts, making the night hideous -with their antics and howl-
ings. Just at tliis time Mr. Cornell, with his load, reached the
hill about two miles north of the town, and, as he gained the
summit, he saw the flames of the fires, and the dusky redskins
dancing in the lurid glare of light. liis wife and children! Had
they become victims of the savage thirst for l^lood? The thought
came crashing through his lirain with the rapidity of lightning.
He did not stop long to gaze, but, unhitching his team, he
stripped the harness from the fleetest horse, and, mounting him,
rode at the top of his speed, resolved to know the worst and
save his loved ones or perish with them. Reaching the ford,
his eyes were made glad at seeing his wife on the opposite bank,
awaiting his return, who assured him that all were well and glad
to see him return as safe as they were. Thankful that he was
the only one victimized, Mr. Cornell returned and got his load
of provisions.
When spring opened, in 1855, the settlement continued rap-
idly. During the spring and early summer the following named
all came, many accompanied by their families: Addison Phelps,
Nelson Morehouse, B. L. Arnold, Joel Wilson, Dexter Carlton,
Parker Carlton, Alson Selleck, N. Winship, John Wilcox, two
Schimeks, David Lindersmith, Leonard and Simeon Case, Bazi!
Meek, Obed Gaines, Miner Prisby, Adolphus Town, Philo San-
ford, Charles Ellison, John H. and Ezra Abbott, C. G. Haynes.
John Moon and Mr. Ward. Possibly there were a few others.
All of these parties settled within a radius of a mile or two of
the present center of the city. Many at once erected cabins,
while others selected claims and returned for their families. The
only sign of business here was at the residence of A. B. Cornell,
where the traveling public was fed and lodged. Early in May
of this year (1855) Smith & Park began keeping a few groceries
and provisions at their cabin near the present railwaj' depots.
About the first of July, N. Winship commenced hauling logs for
his hotel. They moved into it on August 4, and it was opened
for the accommodation of the traveling public. This was the
first hotel erected here, and, in fact, was the first building upon
what was then the village plat. In later years, however, the plat
has extended so as to take in the site of Cornell's first cabin. In
September, 1855, John Sweat put up a little cabin and opened a
blacksmith shop near where Deeg's wagon shop now (1887)
stands. Later he sold to Joel Wilson, and left. In October,
1855, J. W. Park and S. B. Smith erected a log house just north
of the Winship House, on Oak street, and filled it with a stock
of goods which proved of great convenience to the pioneers.
Quite a number of young men came this year, who only remained
a short time.
HISTORY OF RICE AxND STEELE COUNTIES 855
In the summer of 1855 Mr. Pettit sold liis claim to John H.
Abbott, and soon afterward bought an undivided half of Mr.
Cornell's claim, lying immediately south of the one just sold.
All hands at once went to work to build up a first-class town.
Roads and bridges, for the purpose of communication with other
sections of the country, were the first things to be attended to,
and with willing hearts and stout hands they went to work and
opened up the roads, bridges the sluices and water courses, and
soon had the satisfaction of knowing that at least an important
thoroughfare was opened through their town. Mr. Cornell, with
true Western energy and perseverance, built a bridge across the
Straight river, and travel was seemingly nearly constant. Not
infrequently were there from twenty to thirty or forty emigrant
teams in the streets at the same time. Business flourished.
Every settler whose house was large enough to accommodate
more than his own family had all the spare room occupied with
strangers and those seeking homes. Cornell, also, made several
extended trips in advertising this locality. A village was platted,
streets and lots marked out and speculation in city property was
very active. In the autumn of 1855 the county was organized
and Owatonna was made the county seat. A postofifice was
opened this fall ; mail routes were established, and stages were
shortly afterward put on. In September, Mr. Cornell and John
H. Abbott laid out the town site, comprising about 120 acres,
about sixty acres on each of their claims. In November they
went to Winona and pre-empted the land, and on December 26,
1855, filed the town plats in the ofifice of Charles Ellison, register
of deeds. A very respectable log school house was also built this
fall, though the first school had already been taught. The old
log school house performed a somewhat important part in the
early history of the place. Schools were held in it during all
school terms ; each of the denominations used it in turn as a
house of worship. All the political meetings and elections were
held there; singing schools, lyceums and prayer meetings occu-
pied the evenings, so that it was kept in almost constant use
until it was removed and torn down. The town pro])rietors
donated about forty lots to those who would erect substantial
and useful buildings. During this summer (1855), Mr. Pettit
built the first frame house in the countr}-, on the hill in the
eastern part of the city. He was obliged to haul part of the jiine
lumber from Red Wing, with which to complete the house,
which cost $107 per thousand, and the roof boards, jM-ocured at
Faribault, cost $60 per thousand. Such wore the advantages
under w-hich the ])ioneers had to labor.
With 1856 came renewed activity in a business way as well
as in emiiiTation, and the little settlement on Straight river
856 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
increased rapidly. The winter had been a severe one, but had
not depressed the spirits of the colonists. In April of this year,
Messrs. Pettit, Abbott and Cornell bought of Park & Smith 500
acres of land lying on the north side of the town, for $8,000.
This was afterward known as the "Five Hundred Acre Tract."
Early this year B. L. Arnold put up the Eureka House, the first
frame hotel erected in the county. Philo Sanford during the
same summer and fall put up what was then called the American
House — now (1887) the Central. Elder Town, who had bought
out Smith & Park, erected a small building on Bridge street,
and moved his goods into it. Nathaniel Winship built an addi-
tion to his hotel. John Dingman came and put up a building
near where Rosebrock's furniture store is now (1887) located,
and J. W. Morford, who arrived at about the same time, opened
a stock of goods in it. A hardware stock was established by a
couple of young men, who after a few weeks, sold to E. Y. Hun-
newill. Business took long strides forward. In July of this
year J. W. Morford and John Odell opened a store on Bridge
street, and somewhat later in the season Dr. Harsha and Judge
Donaldson a drug and general provision store. Potwin & Stough-
ton — A. N. Stoughton and George Potwin — opened business on
Main street. J. B. Crooker came this year and a few years later
opened a general store. Among those who came were M. A.
Dailey, J. M. Sheetz, Willard Wheaton, Harvey Beardsley,
Joseph Webster, James Moore, George Oulton, Rev. H. Chapin,
D. Potwin, the Odells and others.
During this year (1856) Town &: Burch (Loren Town and J.
W. Burch) were engaged in the general merchandise trade. In
the following year Mr. Burch sold his interest to A. Town, who
afterward secured the whole business, and finally closed out the
stock.
In the spring of the same year (1856) Ezra Abbott. J. W.
Park and S. B. Smith brought a steam saw mill from Walcott,
where it had been in operation for a year or so, and this was set
up just north of the bridge on the east side of tlie river. Build-
ing operations were greatly accelerated. The common lumber
for most of the new buildings was manufactured by it. This
mill was in operation here for about three years, Mr. Abbott in
the meantime having purchased his partner's interests, and it
was then sold and removed to Faribault.
In the fall of 1856 Nelson Morehouse erected a building and
put a saw mill into operation on the water power on the west
side of the river. He operated this for a number of years, and
it was finally remodeled into a flouring mill. A live western
newspaper was established in 1856, that did much toward mak-
ing known to the outside world Steele county's advantages
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 857
During the same summer Melbourne Burr opened a cabinet shop.
In 1857 the growth was not so rapid as it had been the pre-
ceding year; considerable railway agitation was had, although
not more than had been the case in 1856. During this year
(1857) G. W. True and Mr. Potwin brought a saw mill here
from Mount Vernon, Ohio, a bonus being raised to secure it.
The mill came in the name of True, although Pettit and Abbott
were interested in it. It was set up just west of the Winship
House. Machinery for a grist mill was also brought here,
although this was never set up. The saw mill was run for sev-
eral years, and it was finally removed to Morristown.
In 1857, the first millinery store was started by Mrs. Lam-
bert, in a building where the Brooks bakery is now (1887)
located. Mrs. Magoon also started a millinery establishment
at an early day.
N. Squires established a meat market this year. William
Wadsworth started a jewelry store on Main street, where the
jail is now (1887) located. The Sherwood Brothers opened a
saloon. Mr. Coburn started a general store, trusted the railway
contractors, and it soon ended in bankruptcy.
In 1858 and 1859 the financial depression which had com-
menced with 1857 was severely felt here. Business development
was at a standstill. Money was very close; paper money was
almost worthless, and every one demanded gold or silver. The
bank issue, based upon railway securities, also hurt tliis country
sadly, and it is a truthful saying that a hatful of $100 bills of
such currency would scarcely buy a meal of victuals.
J. B. Crooker established a general store in 1859 and among
other business interests which in early days clustered here
should be mentioned : The tailor shop started by Dresser &
Goodwin, in a building nearly opposite Hunnewill's hardware
store; the general store started at an early day by Bascom Bros.,
in a building where Greeley's pump factory is now (1887)
located.
The same state of affairs, financially, continued through 1860
and 1861, while in the latter year the breaking out of the war
made matters still worse. A great many of the able-bodied
young and middle-aged men left during '61 and went into the
service.
In 1862 business began to pick up a little. The Indian mas-
sacre drove many from the homes west of here, and Owatonna,
being upon a main thoroughfare, and the first fcasifjle stopping
point, again became a scene of activity. The soldiers going
through, and fleeing settlers, besides tlie fact that the soldiers
in the army began to receive their pay at about this time, made
858 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
money matters easier, and its effect was soon felt in tlie channels
of business.
From 1863 to 1867 the city grew rapidly, and many substan-
tial improvements were made. Two lines of railway reached
the city in 1866. as is detailed elsewhere in this volume, and this
added new life to the growth, although, to a great extent, the
impetus to business development given by railway connections
had been anticipated, and the growth caused by it really began
in the summer of 1865. From that time until 1867-68, many
fine business buildings were erected, among them being Dresser's
block, Kinyon's building, Kelly block, Abbott block, Wadworth's
building, Crooker's residence ; Crooker, Kelly, Bixby and Dr.
Morehouse erected the row of bricks on the south side of Bridge
street: Dr. Ilarsha, the First National Bank building; Odell &
Pott's building, Wadworth put up a brick building, Hunnewill a
hardware store, and Soule erected the north sixty feet of the
II. R. Moore & Co. block. The Arnold and Park hotels, Howe's
foimdry and machine shops and other buildings erected and
enterprises inaugurated.
The business boom of these years was almost without paral-
lel in the history of Minnesota. The population of the city
more than doubled, increasing from a village of 600 or 700 to a
city of 2,000 during the yeafs 1866 and 1867. Since that time
the growth has been more gradual, but of a permanent and bene-
ficial character.
BUSINESS MEN IN 1868
As a matter worthy of preservation, we here present a full
business directory of Owatonna in 1868: Attorneys — Amos
Coggswell, A. A. Harwood, Searles & Hickman, Delos Higbee,
Kinyon & Wheelock, M. A. Dailey, J. J. Aiken, X. M. Donald-
son (judge). Agricultural Implements — Lowth, Howe & Co.,
Allen & Dearborn, Fisk & Medal, G. \V. Payne, J. E. Buxton,
Wm. Scruby. Boots and Shoes — Chase Bros., Lord Bros. & Co.,
Cooper Bros., Morford, Willsey & Co., G. F. Albertus, J. Loner-
gan, Frank Yaneck, J. E. Griggs. Books and Stationery — C. E.
Seaton. Bankers — Easton & Kinyon, S. Mills, Jr., & Co. Bar-
bers— Jerry Pope, J. A. Pierce, Louis Teabean. Bakeries — Mrs.
J. G. Cochran, George Chapman, M. J. White. Blacksmiths —
F. H. Cooper, M. S. Ouiggle, P. Schuster, C. Hanson, Hiram
Cartwright, Sherman, King- Brewery — Mace & Co.
Clothing — J. G. Denerline, Friend & Newsalt, G. F. Albertus,
Soule Bros., Armstrong & Cottrell, J. E. Griggs, Marble & Co.,
Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros. Cooper Shop — Peter Hanson.
Dry Goods — Lord Bros. & Co., Cooper Bros., Arnston & ConnelU
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 85!)
Morford, Willsey & Co.. Armstrong & Cottrell, Sicbold & Horts-
man, Soule Bros., L. Andrews, G. F. Albertus, Jo. Wilson. Den-
tists—G. J. Cole, Miss Kellogg. Drugs— Harsha & Donaldson,
L. Bixby, Bennett & Hubbard. Eating Houses — Railroad Eat-
ing House, C. F. McNamara, Mitchell Bros., Hiram Cartwright,
Mrs. Cochrane, W. C. Bosworth, George Chapman, M. Lent.
Earthenware Factory — C. C. Cornell. Express Offices — Merch-
ant's Union and American. F\irniture — J. F. Hanna, H. & J.
Hickox, Chas. Schoen. Flour and Feed Stores — Farmer Brothers,
Kelly & Tyler, Marble & Co., J. P. Requa, T. J. Clark, Arnston
& Connelly, Newton & Gross. I'-oundry and Machine Shops —
Lowth, Howe & Co. Groceries— Kelly & Tyler, S. S. Russell,
Soule Brothers, G. F. Albertus, Joos & Boll, L. Andrews, Sie-
bold & Hortsman, Morford, Willsey & Co., Armstrong & Cott-
rell, Arnston & Connelly. Cooper Bros., T. J. Clark, William
Cleator, J. Chambers, H. Cartwright. Hardware — Cottrell &
Hunkins, J. E. Buxton, Thomas & White, E. Y. Hunnewill.
Harness Shops— O. M. Hammond. O. A. Albee, A. Burch. Ho-
tels— Winship House, Barker's Exchange, National Hotel, Am-
erican House, Arnold House, Scandinavian Hotel, Steele Center
House, Tilden House, Owatonna House. Hoopskirt Factory —
W. Holt. Jewelry— Ezra Abbott, J. F. Young, J. Hough. Lum-
ber Dealers— Crooker Bros. & Lambareaux, S. B. Washburn,
Backus Bros., Sterling & Searles, Dean & Co. Livery Stables
— Twiss & Christie, C. W. Hastings. Millinery— Mrs. L. H.
Kelly, Mrs. Magoon, Mrs. White. Mrs. W. Holt, Mrs. M. J.
Myrick. Meat Markets— J. A. Oppliger & Co.. Kowietz & Rie-
don, Truax & Savage. Physicians and Surgeons — E .M. More-
house, L. H. Kelly, Dr. Blood. L. L. Bennett, D. Bodle, D. S.
Harsha, J. G. Gilchrist and W. A. Ware. Photographers— G. W.
Chesley, Mrs. J. P. Briggs, A. F. Simons. Painters— Hall, Beors
& Co. Planing Mill— Lamonte Gilbert. Real Estate Dealers—
W. H. Kelley. B. ]'". Melvin, John H. Abbott, Ezra Abbott,
Searles & Hickman, Kinyon & Wheelock. Tailors— John Cot-
tier, J. G. A. Denerline, Christopher Fahriess, D. B. Marble &
Co. Telegraph Offices— A. H. Lee, operator at C, M. & St. P.
depot; G. H. Merrill, at W. St. P. depot. Wagon Shops— P.
Schuster, Sherman &. Brown, Brown, King.
BUSINESS HOUSES OF 1887.
The general business of Owatonna. in tlie various lines of
trade, was represented by the following-named gentlemen and
firms: General Merchandise — G. F. Albertus, J. Oppliger &
Co., A. Ka.sper, Soukup Bros., Nelson & Jefts, J. C. Jahreiss,
Petrich & Speckeen, M, Leary, T. H. Kelly & Co. and \V. Holt.
860 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Exclusive Dry Goods — H. R. Moore, Jr., & Co. and J- L- Saxton.
Groceries — Twiford & Sperry, E. Downie & Co., A. Mudeking,
\Vm. Davidson, E. W. Piper, E. W. Clarke, Stowers & Jefferson,
E. F. Requa. Clothing — John Shea, H. Katz & Co. and J. Schu-
lein. Hardware — E. Y. Hunnewill, Thon Bros.. Crandall & Nel-
son, Parrott & Smith, A. Knobloch and N. C. Larson. Drugs —
F. M. Bauter, Wm. Gauswitz & Co., C. Peterson and Luers &
Luers. Boots and Shoes— William Mork, Nichols & Hall, Weber
& Son and J. A. Butsch. Jewelry— Henry Birkett, Julius F.
Young and C. F. Warner. Lumber — Laird, Norton 8z Co.
(George Clark, manager), J. Z. Barncard & Co. and Wisconsin
Lumber Co. (Mclndoe Alexander, manager). Saloons — Emil
Theimer. J. Gleaser, Chas. Kenmoth, Joseph Hoffman, T. Fed-
der, Bion & Hoffman, W. Watovva, Joseph Kubat, M. R3'an,
Mrs. Bartsch, Anton Belina and Thompson & Wightman. Flour
& Feed — J. W. Gillett. Nearly all of the grocery stores also
handle flour and feed. Marble Works — Webb & Henningway,
Byrne & McDonald and A. Meyer. Agricultural Implements—
Buxton & Jones, McLaughlin & Larson, R. H. Chapin, M. S.
Quiggle, Crandall & Nelson, Virtue & Co. and Hotchkiss & Co.
Pump Factory — Orrin Greeley. Diamond Feedmill Manufac-
turers— McLauglin, Sheldon &: Co. Blacksmith Shops — Brown
& McRostie. Homer Wardwell, C. Zannetti, Ben. Meixner, R.
Deininger, H. Cartwright, C. Hanson, M. S. Quiggle and C. F.
Smith. W'agon Shops — C. Schoen, Ben Meizner, John Deeg, R.
Deininger and H. Cartright. Livery — Fred Rosskopf and R. H.
Chapin. Confectionery — Chas. Chenoweth, W. Dennis. Bakeries
— C. Chenoweth and Mr. Brooks. Harness Shops — H. F. Luce &
Son, O. Butsch, Meyer Brothers, C. Bowers and O. M. Ham-
mond. Shoemakers — J. Lee, O. Searle, J. R. McLeod and J.
Bartosch. Merchant Tailors — John Cottier, N. W. Hanson and
D. Banks. Barbers — Jerry Pope, Parker Brothers, Boggs &
Essex, N. G. Frisco and Andrew Sanderline. Books and Sta-
tionery— A. M. Kinyon. Several drugs stores also handle a light
stock of this line of goods. Grain — Pratt & Co., Soper & Son,
J. S. Austin. Photographers — G. W. Chesley and IT. Muller.
Dentists — Doctors Medd, Searle and Stearns. Real Estate —
B. S. Cook. Meat Markets — Owatonna Packing Company,
Charles Meschke, Gus Schwanke, Boice & Forsyth and John
Stranski & Co.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first white child born in what is now Owatonna was
George K., a son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Green, which occurred
on April 6, 1855. Dr. W. W. Finch attended and went from
Judge Green's house to that of A. W. Adams in Clinton Falls
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 861
township, where Frank, a son of A. W. Adams, was horn. The
first death at Owatonna occurred in August or Septemher, 1855,
and was a child of Miner Prishy. The remains were buried in
the woods north of town. The first marriage of residents took
place at Faribault in the summer of 1855, the contracting parties
being John Wilcox and Clara Brooks, the ceremony being per-
formed by Elder Town. The event was heartily celebrated by
the pioneers, especially the young people. The first building
erected upon the original town plat was the Winship house,
built in July, 1855. The first building put up within what now
constitutes the incorporate limits was A. B. Cornell's log cabin.
The first store was opened by S. B. Smith and J. W. Park in the
spring of 1855. The first blacksmith shop was started by John
Sweat. The first frame building was W. F. Pettit's residence.
The first brick building was erected by William Wadsworth in
1863. It was built for a store, but is now used as an engine
house.
CHAPTER XVII.
MODERN OWATONNA.
"Beautiful Owatonna". — The City of Beautiful Homes. — Ideal
Situation. — Public Facilities. — Educational Institutions. —
Parks and Trees. — Sidewalks. — Business Advantages. —
Public Buildings. — Contributed by Hon. F. A. Dunham.
Beautiful Owatonna ! Built on verdant hills,
Stretching o'er the landscape, the vale and valley fills.
The river, parks and woodlands enhance her beauty rare.
With civic pride we call her the fairest of the fair.
Beautiful Owatonna! With the quaint old Indian name,
Fairest of Minnesota's cities with ever widening fame.
Beautiful Owatonna, witli her schools and charming homes;
Once seen, she's ne'er forgotten, however far one roams.
Beautiful Owatonna! Here rear the stately walls
Where gather youth and maidens to learn in classic halls.
From village, city, prairie, they come to seek and find
Equipment for life's service. Go forth to bless mankind.
Beautiful Owatonna! Home for the homeless child;
Brought from the teeming cities, brought from the prairie
wild.
Here Minnesota gathers her wards from far and near
In Beautiful Owatonna, the orphaned ones to rear.
Beautiful Owatonna! Her sons are widely known
In halls of state and nation, their worth and wisdom shown.
Forth at their country's bidding in times of direst need
They passed through death and carnage, that the suffering
might be freed.
Beautiful Owatonna! Hence, sons and daughters go,
On missions of peace and mercy their Master's love to show.
Forth to haste the coming of the millennium to be
To distant western Mesa, to lands beyond the sea.
Beautiful Owatonna ! In mill and shop are made
Her products eager sought for, in all the marts of trade.
862
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 863
The name of Owatonna is known the world around,
It speaks for lightened labor where toiling ones are found.
Beautiful Owatonna ! Her name unsullied be,
Synonym for virtue, for culture broad and free.
Beautiful Owatonna! Her citizens' joy and pride;
Their lives extend her glory, her fame spread far and wide.
Owatonna has long been known as "the city of beautiful
homes," and although the name is very true and appropriate
it fails to convey a proper and complete idea of the beauty, ex-
cellence, prosperity and life of the city. "The city of happy
homes and prosperity" would be much more appropriate. The
site for the city was selected by men of excellent judgment
and foresight as is apparent to the most casual observer. The
business part of the city and all connections with railroad de-
pots is on level ground, with a gravel sub-soil, surrounded on
all sides by low-lying hills, just rolling enough to give the resi-
dence district a beautiful appearance and good drainage, without
any blufifs or steep grades to inconvenience vehicles or pedes-
trians. The name of the city is of Indian (Sioux) origin and
signifies "straight." The proper pronunciation being "Woo-
tonna."
The electric lighting plant, gas plant and central heating
plant are owned by a private corporation, which furnishes elec-
tric light and gas to the greater part of the city and the hot
water central heating plant furnishes heat to most of the business
houses and a great many dwellings, without the inconvenience
and filth attendant on private heating plants.
As the population of the city is mixed it naturally follows
that there are a great number of religious organizations in the
city and a great number of fine church edifices and dwellings.
I will mention the different denominations without regard to
the number of members or the excellence of church edifices or
dwellings. First Baptist; Catholic (three parishes) Bohemian,
Polish, Irish and German ; First Congregational ; St. Paul's Epis-
copal; Lutheran (three parishes), St. John's German Lutheran,
St. John's Evangelical and Danish Lutheran; First Methodist-
Episcopal ; German Methodist-Episcopal ; Seventh Day Advent-
ist; First Presbyterian and First Universalist.
The educational system of the city is unexcelled and as each
institution will be treated in detail elsewhere in this history a
brief mention will suffice for the present. Pillsbury Academy is
a denominational school of Baptist persuasion, for both sexes
and has a main school building and auditorium, two dormitories,
a gymnasium and armory, and a music hall. It is a high class
864 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
preparatory school and is widely and favorably known through-
out the Northwest. The Owatonna public school system is one
of the very best in the state and is well equipped with all modern
appliances and departments. Besides the high school building
there are three ward school buildings and all are fine modern
brick and stone structures. The Academy of the Sacred Heart
is a Catholic school for girls and is the usual high grade school
of that class and in connection therewith is a parochial school for
children. Canfield Business College, as the name indicates, is a
school of business and is one of the best in the state. The
State School for Indigent Children, with its fine buildings and
beautiful grounds, is justly one of the show places of the city.
It has a capacity of two hundred and fifty inmates and poor
children are sent here from all parts of the state to enjoy the
care and protection provided for them by the state of Min-
nesota.
Owatonna is the principal city and county seat of Steele
county, one of the very best dairy and diversified farming dis-
tricts in the United States, and as a result of the prosperous con-
ditions existing very generally throughout this region, the city
is prosperous. Not with the transient prosperity of a boom,
but with steady, normal and healthy business conditions, that
will prevail as long as Mother Earth continues to produce, and
that is one of the reasons, among a number, that causes this
city to be an absolutely safe place to make an investment.
Great quantities of sand and gravel are available for street
use, and, as a result of the continued and systematic use of
such material, the fifty miles of streets within the corporate
limits are uniformly in good repair. On all of the residential
streets are to be found great numbers of beautiful trees, of
every known variety, thus making of the city, especially in the
summer time, a veritable forest and giving the whole residence
district the appearance of a beautiful park. In this parklike
region are a great number of elegant modern homes, few of
which are imposing or ornate, few are old or dilapidated, thus
producing a uniformity and symmetry in the dwellings that is
very pleasing, and would lead a person to believe that all of the
buildings had been designed by some competent architect. The
general condition and appearance of the homes denotes very
accurately the financial condition of the citizens generally, there
being few very rich and few very poor people in this city.
For several years the city has required the use of stone, brick
or cement in the construction of sidewalks, and as a result, the
thirty miles of sidewalk in this city is fully 95 per cent of such
material and in connection therewith there are miles and miles
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES SG5
of well-kept boulevards with neat stone or cement curbing and
cement or cobble stone gutters.
Owatonna is peculiarly well situated from a business stand-
point, being located in a prosperous region and having excellent
railroad facilities. It is located at the junction of three great
railway sytsems, viz. : Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific ; Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul and the Chicago & Northwestern lines,
sixty-seven miles south of St. Paul, and with forty trains daily
has direct, ready and convenient connection with all points north,
east, south or west. On account of the location, railroad facili-
ties and good homes, a great many traveling salesmen make this
city their home. Straight river runs through the city and is a
beautiful little stream. It is not large enough to be of any
material advantage for power purposes but furnishes ample
drainage facilities.
In the population of 6,500 to 7,000 people may be found a
wonderful mi.xture of races with no one nationality predominat-
ing, thus causing a natural rivalry of races that makes for the
success of any community.
The business part of the city resembles somewhat the form
or shape of a hand ax. Broadway and Bridge streets, each of one
solid block, being the blade, and Cedar street, of four blocks,
being the handle, with Central Park as the eye of the ax,
as it is the eye of beauty of the city. In the retail business sec-
tion are one hundred and four retail business houses, of which
ninety-eight are of stone, brick or cement, and of which four-
teen are double store buildings. In addition there are twenty-
two retail business places which are usually found in frame
buildings in an)- small city, being the lumber yards, blacksmith
shops, coal and wood yards, etc.
Practically all of the retail business buildings are modern
and in good repair and many are deserving of special mention.
The National Farmers' Bank building is one of the very best
in the Northwest. The Kelly building; the Parrott & Smith
building; the Owatonna Hotel; the Auditorium building and the
Crandall building are all fine three-story brick and stone build-
ings of more than ordinary excellence.
The city is provided with all modern conveniences usual to
a city with a much greater population. The water system is the
property of the city and has proven to be a paying investment.
The profit therefrom being about two thousand five hundred dol-
lars annually, besides furnishing all the water for city use without
charge or tax. thus making a total saving of about eight thousand
dollars annually to the city. With fifteen miles of water mains
and twelve miles of sewer mains the greater portion of the city
is supplied with water and sewer service.
866 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
Owatonna is justly proud of its parks, and Central Park,
located in the center of the city, adjacent to the business dis-
trict, is the subject of favorable comment from all who see it and
is indeed "a thing of beauty." Mineral Springs Park, located
within a mile of the city, was beautiful in nature, but owing to
the care and attention it has received it is now a beauty spot
far surpassing most public parks.
The public buildings of the city are an expression of the
general desire of our citizens to have the best things obtain-
able for home or public use. The Steele county court house is a
fine three-story brick and stone building surrounded by a beauti-
ful lawn and many fine shade trees. The Steele county jail and
sheriff's residence is a modern brick structure containing all
modern conveniences. The city hall, fire station and firemen's
hall is an elegant three-story brick and stone building equipped
with modern fire fighting apparatus, convenient city offices and
the third floor, devoted to the use of the Firemen's Relief Asso-
ciation, finished and furnished by such association, is the most
beautiful and well appointed hall in the state. The Owatonna
public library, an elegant brick building, surrounded by a wide
lawn, is a handsome structure, the city hospital has an ideal
situation and surroundings, while the churches are all notable
examples of ecclesiastical architecture, the Universalist church
being especially notable for its pleasing design.
CHAPTER XVIII.
OWATONNA COMMERCIAL MEN.
Coming of the Railroads. — Race for Supremacy. — Owatonna Be-
comes a Pioneer Distributing Point. — Traveling Men Begin
to Settle Here. — Reasons for Their Choice. — Social and
Municipal Advantages. — Owatonna Council, No. 85, United
Commercial Travelers. — First Officers. — Prominent Mem-
bers.— Contributed by W. B. Clarkson. — Owatonna Hotels.
— Old Winship House. — Pioneer Hotel. — Central House. —
American House. — Old Owatonna House. — Norsk Hotel. —
Scandinavian House. — German Hotel. — Arnold House. —
Tremont House. — City Hotel. — Peachey House. — Robinson
House. — Merchants' Hotel. — Commercial Hotel. — Church's
Hotel. — Kaplan House. — Owatonna House. — Smaller Hos-
telries.
The month of August, 1866, saw the beginning of a new
era for the village of Owatonna, that being the year when the
Winona & St. Peter, and the Minneapolis & Cedar Valley rail-
road construction crews were pushed to their limit of speed in
a race for the crossing at Owatonna. Tradition has it that the
first named crew hauled materials and laid a long stretch of
track in the blackness of a dark night without the aid of artificial
lights. So quietly was the work performed tliat the opposing
crew knew nothing about the o])eratioiis until the morning light
of the following day revealed their rivals in possession of the
coveted ground, and it is stated that for several days the oppos-
ing camps maintained a continual warfare until the matter was
finally settled by the principals getting together in an agree-
ment. This incident is related to mark the beginning of Owa-
tonna as a popular headquarters for commercial travelers. From
this point they pushed out across the vast wilderness to the west
and northwest, taking orders for goods and supplies at the vari-
ous settlements and trading posts, and these goods were shipped
from the trade centers of the east by rail to Owatonna where
they were transported to destination by wagon and team.
In the spring of 1867 the Winona 6L- St. Peter railroad was
completed to St. Peter, and later the Minneapolis & Cedar Val-
ley was absorbed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul system
and completed southward, but Owatonna continued to hold its
867
868 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
position as a popular headquarters for the pioneer travelers of
that day, primaril}' because of its fortunate position at the junc-
tion of these railroads. It soon became apparent, however, that
for other and more weighty reasons the travelers selected this
city as a permanent headquarters, and Owatonna has continued
to increase in importance as a traveling men's home.
The traveler is in a large measure a roving free lance as re-
gards his home, and this is more from business necessity than
from choice. When a change of territory requires him to select
a new place of abode for his family, where they may be in reach
of his business operations, he proceeds to consider the relative
attractions of the various towns in his route. If he is to make
weekly tri])s in covering his territory, the matter of adequate
railroad facilities is perhaps of first importance in his thoughts,
in order that his outgoing and homecoming may be as easy as
possible. But even in this case, and especially when longer trips
are made, the vital matter of accessibility sinks into secondary
importance when considered in connection with the all important
question of public health and morals, which is irrevocably bound
up in the matter of a healthful location, added to the important
question of a wise and farsighted civic government, good schools,
and church, and a clean social atmosphere. These are of vital
importance in the upbuilding and future contentment of any
citizenship.
Fully 90 per cent of the commercial travelers of today are
heads of families, and with these it may be truthfully stated that
among no class of men are these questions held to be of greater
importance. Owatonna is extremely fortunate above many other
places in its possession of all of these attractions to a marked
degree, thus it is easy to find the reasons why it is attractive to
the traveling fraternity as a home or headquarters town. Situ-
ated as it is, on high rolling ground, gently sloping each way
from a valley through which Straight river wends its course to
the northward, the site on which the city is built is ideal, and the
wisdom of its founders has been well demonstrated by the lapse
of time. On a stretch of table-land to the east of the river
stands today the business section of Owatonna, with the main
residence district occuping ground to the east and south, which
gradually rises until it reaches an elevation which averages about
fifty feet above the level of the business district, and seventy-
five feet above the river bed. Across the river immediately west
of the business section of the city is a level stretch of land a
few feet above high water mark, occupied by the depot and
yards of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad, and just
west of the depot is a rise of perhaps forty feet sloping upward
to the west until it reaches State avenue where the ground
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 869
stretches away in gentle waves of rolling green. Here is found
another beautiful residence district where many fine homes are
located, bounded on the north by the splendid grounds of the
state public school, and on the west by magnificent lands occu-
pied by the Clinton Falls Nursery Company, one of the largest
business enterprises of its kind in the world.
From the foregoing description one can see that a perfect
sewerage system may be built and maintained at a minimum
cost, and this has been an accomplished fact for many years.
The surface soil of the city is a fine mixture of clay, sand and
gravel, in just the right proportion to form a solid surface for
the streets, (which are all of good width,) and each heavy rain
that comes washes the streets clean, thus insuring perfect clean-
liness, that is unknown where deep mud abounds after the rains.
Beautiful shade trees line the avenues everywhere, and the city
water supply comes entirely from deep wells which have been
sunk to a depth of about seventy-five feet to a rock foundation,
giving forth an abundant supply of pure soft water, sufficient at
all times to maintain a population many times the present size
of Owatonna. Located just outside the corporate limits is the
Springs park where the famous Owatonna vichy water bubbles
out of the ground in an inexhaustible supply which is bottled
and shipped in large quantities.
When it is stated that the sewerage tax of Owatonna is one
mill, from which a fund is raised to maintain the system, be-
sides providing a sinking fund with which to replace or add to
the sj^stem as needed, and the further fact that the present extent
of the system is twelve miles, and that the city charter limits the
levy for all municipal purposes to twelve mills, (and this has
been found to be fully ample to cover the needs of the city,) it
may be seen that this place will appeal to the average traveler
as an ideal spot in which to make his home. These, in fact, are
some of the reasons why Owatonna has always been popular
with the travelers, and the continued increase of this class of
its population is the best evidence of its superior advantages.
One of the first travelers to cover this territory is the present
postmaster of Owatonna, James M. Diment, who first came to
this country thirty-eight years ago, and continued in this voca-
tion for many years, until he became associated with others in
the Owatonna Flouring mills, when he discontinued his road
work and permanently identified himself with the future destiny
of Owatonna, in the development of which he has been one of
the leading factors. That Mr. Diment ably filled his place as
a public-spirited citizen is well attested by his present popularity
and the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens. Mr.
Diment states that thirty years ago Owatonna boasted of hav-
870 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ing from 125 to 150 traveling men among its citizenship, many of
whom have since become prominent elsewhere, but where one
has moved away, two have taken his place, until at this time
there are approximately 250 to 300 men who make this city
their home and whose vocation leads them out on the highways
of commerce.
This chapter would not be complete without mentioning the
existence in Owatonna of Owatonna Council No. 85, United Com-
mercial Travelers of America, which is a branch of the strongest
fraternal traveling men's order in existence. This order was
founded at Columbus, Ohio, in 1888, and its rapid growth is
evidenced by its present membership of over 60,000, with grand
councils maintained in nearly every state in the union and the
provinces of Canada. The present membership of Owatonna
Council No. 85 is one hundred and fifty-five, and when it is un-
derstood that the constitution of the order limits its membership
to commercial travelers, city salesmen and merchandise brokers
selling articles of merchandise at wholesale, and e.xcludes all that
large class of men who are engaged in selling insurance in its
various forms, buyers, canvassers, peddlers and many other
traveling vocations too numerous to mention here, it can be
seen that the membership of this order can only represent about
50 per cent of the total population who follow the vocation of
traveling in all its forms.
At the present time there are about five hundred local coun-
cils of the Order of United Commercial Travelers of America
scattered about throughout this mighty nation and the Dominion
of Canada, at all of the principal trade centers and many of
the smaller towns where travelers are making a home or head-
quarters in any considerable numbers, and Owatonna has the
distinction of being the city in which the largest local council
membership in proportion to the total population of the city, is
maintained, in comparison with all other towns in which councils
are located, and this is in addition to the fact that it was the
sixth council instituted in the Northwest, being preceded only
a few months by the councils of Duluth, St. Paul, Minneapolis,
Grand Forks, Fargo and Winona.
The Grand Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas was insti-
tuted September 24, 1894, and Owatonna Council No. 85 the
next year on December 28. This will indicate the relative im-
portance of Owatonna in this regard and it is worthy of note
that this relation is still maintained.
The charter list of Owatonna council contains thirteen well
known names of prominent salesmen, one of whom still makes
his home here. The charter list reveals the names of R. O. Phil-
pot, who was in the employ of a Chicago concern ; J. E. Shipman,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 871
who traveled for C. Gotzam & Co., of St. I'aul ; G. E. Hunkins,
in the employ of Dunham & Eastman ; F. M. Crum, who for
many years has been the representative of Selz, Schwab & Co.,
of Chicago, one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the world ;
M. Forde, in the employ of C. Gotzam & Co., of St. Paul ; R. E.
Looker, with J. S. Smith & Co., of Chicago ; S. F. McClane, with
the Owatonna Nursery Company; C. M. McLean, with the Peco.s
Valley Water Elevator Co., of El Reno, Oklahoma ; F. II. Ellis,
traveling for the Milwaukee Harvester Co. ; A. J. Katz, with
Ginterman Bros., of St. Paul; C. M. Irvin, with McKibbin & Co.,
St. Paul ; E. M. Smith, with Page Fence Co., of Adrian, Mich.,
and A. A. Snell, with the McCormick Harvester Company, of
Chicago.
The first officers selected to manage the affairs of the council
were the following, J. E. Shipman, senior counselor ; R. O. Phil-
pot, past counselor; A. A. Snell, junior counselor; C. M. Irvin,
secretary and treasurer; F. M. Crum, page, and A. J. Katz,
sentinel. That the foundations of this local council were laid
broad and deep, and its early finances handled wisely is evi-
denced by its present position and influence, and to these, the
founders, a large measure of credit is due, and also to the many
men upon whom the later burden was laid. The present officers
of the council are as follows, Senior counselor, William Gause-
witz; junior counselor, N. S. Jacobs; past counselor, O. A. Ku-
bat; secretary-treasurer, A. L. Smith; conductor, Cline A.
Tincher; chaplain, G. J. Anderson; page, Jud. A. Morgan; sen-
tinel, A. J. Koob ; executive committee, H. K. Tompkins, M. J.
Parcher, C. F. Hanson and P. J. Willctts.
The membership roll reveals the names of many men who
are among the most prominent in the state, in business, social
and political affairs. Among whom ma}^ be singled out for
prominent mention is Anton Schaefer, who has always been an
indefatigable worker in the U. C. T. organization, for many years
the very efficient secretary and treasurer of Owatonna Council
No. 85, being relieved from that office after the last election by
his own urgent request. Mr. Schaefer is active in the aflfairs
of the grand council and holds the important position of chair-
man of the grand executive committee which he is filling with
great honor and wisdom.
Mr. Schaefer in politics is a consistent Democrat, and was
placed on the state ticket of his party nearly six years ago as
the candidate for railroad and warehouse commissioner. Later
he was appointed as the state public examiner by Governor John-
son, which position he is filling at the present with great credit
to himself and satisfaction to all the people of the state, as he
872 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
is universally regarded as one of the most efficient and conscien-
tious public officials in the state.
The second name to be mentioned is that of Thomas E. Cash-
man, a past senior counselor of Owatonna council and a man
who at all times ma}' be depended on to advance the welfare
of the order to the best of his ability; an alert, active business
man, at the head of the Clinton Falls Nursery Company, as be-
fore stated, one of the largest concerns of its kind in existence,
always a busy man, he still is finding time to work for his fellow
man in whatever way his efforts may seem to best produce
results, the present state senator from Steele county who has
given such universal satisfaction to his constituents that his
return is predicted by an increased majority; just appointed
president of the State Horticultural Society which greatly en-
larges his sphere of usefulness to society; an ex-mayor of his
home city with a record for enforcing civic righteousness that is
one of the high marks in the history of Owatonna — this is
Thomas E. Cashman as seen by his neighbors.
William Gausewitz, the present energetic and efficient senior
counselor of Owatonna Council No. 85, is the third man worthy
of special mention in this class, a man who stands high in the
business circles of Owatonna, an ex-state senator who filled that
office with great credit and left a clean record as a public servant,
ready at all times to do his part, and more, in the service of his
fellow man. These are notable examples of the personnel of
Owatonna council and stamps it as one of the organizations
that must be reckoned with in the future of the city.
W. B. Clarkson.
Note — The important part that Mr. Clarkson, himself, has
taken as a citizen and as a commercial traveler, is related else-
where in his biography. — Editor.
OWATONNA HOTELS.
Not only has Owatonna, since the early days, been the home
of many commercial men, as related by W. B. Clarkson, in the
above article, but it has also been the stopping place of hordes
of travelers, both commercial and social, since the first settle-
ment. It has therefore been deemed wise to note here, the
history of the various hostelries of the city, past and present.
It might be mentioned in this connection that the Owatonna
House, which is one of the finest hotels in this part of the state,
is regarded as home by many commercial travelers who do not
maintain residences in the city of Owatonna.
Pioneer Hotel. The first hotel in Owatonna was the Winship
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 873
House, which was opened by N. P. Winship in 1855, on the site
which the building still occupies. The structure then was a log
cabin, twenty-two by sixteen feet in size, and from the travel that
passed thruuj^ii here, this little hostelry became one of the best
known landmarks of southern Minnesota in early times. In
1857, an addition, twelve by twenty-two feet in size, was erected.
N. P. Winship remained in management til 1894, when his son,
Ernest T., became the owner of the property, a Mr. Slonaker
conducting the place, as agent, for the next three years. Mrs.
Susana Deutschman (widow) then purchased the property, and
later rented it to John Vollerson, subsequently assuming man-
agement herself. Mr. Healing was the next renter of the prem-
ises, being followed a few months later by Otto Stahmer, and
then Mrs. Deutschmann conducted the establishment for a
period, thereafter letting the place to Hubert Rockwood for
several years, subsequently taking charge in person for a short
while. Otto Stahmer, the present owner, was the next occupant,
coming in in 1905 and purchasing the property the following
year. In 1907, he gave the hotel its present name, and has since
added many modern improvements and remodeled the building
throughout.
Central House. Late in 1855 a hotel was opened in A. B.
Cornell's log cabin, by Philo Sanford. It was located on the
bank of the river, near where G. F. Albertus' residence now
stands. In 1857, Mr. Sanford erected what was then known as
the American House, and later as the Central House, which
stands just west of the Morehouse block, on Broadway. After
a year or two A. Town purchased the property, and it has
since changed hands a number of times. M. A. McAndrews
became proprietor of the place in the late eighties, and it was
later sold to James E. Mooney, who discontinued its use as a
hotel after a short experience in that line of business.
Owatonna House (former.) The one time Owatonna House
was built and opened during the war by George Leick. Several
years later, it was purchased by Mr. Engel, and at the time of
his death he was succeeded by his son, William Engel, who car-
ried on the business for a number of years, and then disposed
of the property to Harry Conklin, ending its history as a hotel.
Norsk Hotel. The Scandinavian House, now known as the
Norsk Hotel, was built in 1866 by John M. Joos. For a number
of years it was rented, and finally came into the possession of
Ole Elton, who conducted the place for a good many years, ably
assisted by his wife. Mrs. Elton has had entire charge for the
last twenty years or more.
German Hotel. In 1866, John Bartsch erected and opened
the German Hotel near the depot. He ran it until the time of his
874 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
death, whicli occurred in November, 1881, and his widow con-
ducted the business for some time afterward, subsequently sell-
ing out to John Roach, who continued the hotel until about 1900,
when the building was almost totally destroyed by fire. Shortly
afterwards, the Washington Tool Company purchased the site
and erected the factory they still occupy.
The Arnold House was erected in 1866 by B. L. Arnold.
Mr. Arnold sold to Charles Hastings, who conducted it until
1882, when the property was purchased by C. Tryon. Under
his management the hotel acquired a large and well deserved
custom. After his death, about 1890, his widow conducted the
business for a year or two, and then married G. Bronson, who
was very successful in the management of the hotel, and built
up an extensive patronage. In July. 1901, a fire wiped out over
half the building, and it has never been entirely rebuilt. After an
interval of a few months, Mr. Bronson opened again, but shortly
afterwards let the establishment to a Mrs. Smith, who remained
as a proprietor three or four months, Mr. Bronson then taking
charge for a short period, and subsequently selling to Charles
Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler operated the hotel for a little less than
a year, and then disposed of the property to D. W. Douglas,
who a year later, in 1905, sold to Charles Green, Jane E. Green,
Mr. Green's sister, becoming proprietor and remaining as such
till the early part of 1910, when the property passed into the
hands of the Minnesota Park Association, of Minneapolis, the
present owners. The premises were immediatel_v rented to Mrs.
John Parcher, the present proprietor.
The Tremont House was built in 1867 by Mr. Cory. He
sold to John Parcher, and later it passed into the hands of J.
Oppliger, who used it as a dwelling house for a time. In 1876,
W. Nickerson purchased the property and operated it as a hotel
under the name of the Nickerson House, being succeeded by his
son Charles, who was in turn succeeded by William Snyder.
About 1890, the building was almost totally wrecked by a terri-
fic windstorm, and further damaged by lightning. Shortly after-
wards the site was purchased by the Catholic church and the
present St. Joseph's cathedral erected.
City Hotel. In 1868, O. H. \\'ensell and Oliver Nelson erected
and opened a house which they christened the City Hotel. A
year later it was purchased by E. B. Crooker, and in 1870 he
sold to Appleton Hale, who conducted the business for the next
five years, and then disposed of the property to James and
George Peachey, the place becoming known as the Peachey
House. In 1880, George Peachey bought out his brother's
interest and remained as sole proprietor till 1890, when G. J.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 875
Kaplan acquired the property, and after a year or two discon-
tinued its use as a hotel.
The Robinson House, tiien known as the American House,
was built in 1875 by James Connell. After changing hands
several times the property came into the possession of L. Robin-
son about 1880, who conducted the hotel, together with his
wife, until his death in 1897. Since that time his wife, Mary
B. Robinson, has carried on the business very successfully.
In 1901, a disastrous fire destroyed over half of the building, but
Mrs. Robinson immediately rebuilt, enlarging the old structure
and adding modern improvements throughout, hot water heat,
electric lights and other conveniences.
Merchants' Hotel. In 1880, Dr. E. M. Morehouse erected a
three-story brick building, which was opened as the Commercial
Hotel in 1884, by Elmer E. Cane. Two years later, W. D.
Snyder became proprietor, remaining as such until about 1891,
when he was succeeded by O. E. Edson, who changed the name
of the place to the Merchants' Hotel, and conducted the business
for a little over a year. In 1892, the use of the property as a hotel
ceased, though five years later a portion of the upper story
was fitted and has since been used as an addition to the present
Owatonna House.
Church's Hotel, at present known as the Winona Hotel,
was built and opened by John Church in 1885. Shortly after-
wards, F. D. Albro became proprietor, and in 1890 G. J. Kaplan
entered into possession, and the place became known as the
Kaplan House. Shortly afterwards he rented the property to
John Church, the former owner, and after passing through the
hands of several renters — all the time being conducted as a hotel
— the premises were sold to Frank W. Steinbauer, who gave the
place the name it now bears. April 15, 1909, Jacob Weiler pur-
chased the property, which he still owns. Fred Austin is the
present occupant, but conducts the establishment as a rooming-
house only.
Owatonna House. In the summer of 1887, Dr. E. M. More-
house began the erection of a magnificent four-story brick block,
now widely known as the home of the Owatonna House, one of
the most popular hotels in this section of the state among
travelers who appreciate the hosjMtality of the highest type of a
modern hotel. The house was thoroughly furnished and fitted in
the most up-to-date and palatial manner during the year 1893,
being opened with appropriate ceremonies and splendor January
1, 1894. by J. \V. Gill, who conducted the business very success-
fully until 1898, when he was succeeded by Frank E. Grove.
He was followed a year later by the Foster Brothers, who
remained until 1900, when the hotel came under its present
876 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
management of Morehouse Brothers and J. W. Adsit, T N.
Morehouse acting as proprietor up to 1905. Since that time J.
W. Adsit has been in charge, and has continued the progressive
methods of his predecessors, firmly establishing himself in the
hearts of the traveling public. New improvements have been
added from year to year, and the equipment is always main-
tained in the highest state of efficiency. The new dining room,
added in 1908, ranks with the best in the Northwest in appoint-
ments and general arrangement. As evidence of the favor with
which this hotel has met, it may be noted that scarcely three
years after its beginning, its increasing patronage compelled
the opening of a part of the old Merchants' Hotel as an addition.
Depue and Wood. In 1895, David Depue and A. E. Wood
opened a hotel on West Broadway, almost directly across from
the Owatonna House. They continued in business as joint
proprietors — their establishment being simply known as the
"Depue and Wood Place" — until 1904. when Mr. Wood retired
from the firm. A year later Mr. Depue removed from the prem-
ises, ending their use for hotel purposes.
The Farmers' Hotel was erected and opened by Peter An-
derson about 1895. He sold in 1903, to N. P. Christensen, which
ended the use of the property as a hotel.
CHAPTER XIX.
OWATONNA OFFICERS.
Incorporated as a City. — Minutes of First Council Meeting. —
Changes in City Charter. — City Limits. — Officers of the City.
— City and School Bond Issues.
Owatonna's transition from a hamlet to a full-fledged city was
made February 23, 1865, when the state legislature passed a bill
giving it a charter. George B. Hall, W. R. Kinyon, A. M. Kinyon,
Judge N. M. Donaldson, Dr. David Harsha and J. W. Morford
were chief among the leading citizens who were instrumental in
bringing tliis about. Section one of article one, reading as follows,
best describes the territory included in the incorporate limits:
"That all that district of county situate in the county of Steele
and state of Minnesota, known and described as sections three,
four, nine, ten, fifteen and sixteen, and the west one-half of sec-
tions number two, eleven and fourteen, and the east one-half of
sections number five, eight and seventeen, in township one
hundred and seven north, range number twenty west, shall be
a city by the name of Owatonna." During the next twenty years
various amendments were added from time to time, those of
1868, providing more specifically as to the election of the city
officers and their terms, and entrusted the appointment of a city
surveyor and attorney to the council. The year 1875 saw the
next changes, the entire charter appearing to have been re-codi-
fied, but nothing seems to have been materially changed. An
amendment of March 7, 1878, re-divided the city, making four
wards of it in place of three, and a year later the boundaries
of the wards were placed as they were up to the time of the
adoption of the present charter. The special laws of '79 gives it
as follows : "The said city is hereby divided into four wards,
as follows : By a straight line running from the north to the
south limits of said city, drawn through the center of Cedar
street, intersected by a straight line ruiuiing from the east to the
west limits of said city, drawn through the center of Bridge
street, and said wards shall be numbered and designated as fol-
lows: The southeast division siiall be lumibered the first ward.
The northeast division shall be numbered the second ward. The
northwest division shall be numbered the third ward. The south-
west division shall be numbered the fourth ward." February 10
877
878 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
and 13, 1885, amendments were passed by the state legislature,
amending the charter of the city of Owatonna by giving the
school board the power to submit estimate of money needed
for coming year for school purposes, and to have this amount
levied. A municipal court was established in Owatonna March
7. 1889. taking the place of the court presided over by tlie city
justice. The same year the council was authorized to assess
part of the expense of laying water and sewerage property against
abutting property. No other charges of any consequence have
since been made, the present charter adopted at the March elec-
tion of 1909 remedying all evils thought to be in the old.
The first steps were taken toward the securing of a new
charter in 1906, when application was made to the district court
for the appointment of a charter commission to draw up a
charter for submission to the people under the home-rule law
of 1896. Carl K. Bennett, Thomas E. Cashman, Charles S. Cran-
dall, William Gausewitz, Patrick J. Kiernan. Harlan E. Leach,
Willis F. Sawyer, Wesley A. Sperry, Lewis L. \\'heelock. John
Smith, John Lynard, Albert L. Sperry, Rasmus G. Nelson, Louis
F. Hammel and Benjamin E. Darby were appointed as such
commission, and immediately proceeded to draw up a charter
which was submitted to the voters at a special election held
January 30, 1906, but failed to secure the necessary four-sevenths
vote. Another charter was then drafted which met with the
approval of the people at the regular March election of 1909.
This charter is still in force and has seemed to meet the needs
of the city. Another ward was added, making five, only one
alderman is elected from each ward in place of two under the
old charter, but two are elected at large for a term of four years.
The aldermen from the wards are elected for two years as
previously. No constables or justices of the peace are provided
for. All other officers are elected for two years, excepting the
municipal judge who has a four-3'ear term. The city attorney,
assessor, engineer, and weighmaster are now appointed by the
council. The engineer attends to the duties of the old street
commissioner and city surveyor, and is a member of a Board of
Public W'orks, created by the charter and consisting of the
mayor, clerk and engineer, which supervises all expenditures
of money and has charge and control of the water and sewer
systems and other public utilities. Under the present charter
the power to grant an exclusive franchise is not given the coun-
cil ; no land owner can get land taken out of the corporate limits
by petition to the district court, and no person can bring an
action for damages against the city for injuries caused by a
defective sidewalk unless they have given the council notice of
the condition of the sidewalk at least five days previous to the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 879
accident. Another important provision in the present charter
gives the council the right to regulate the rates of corporations
dealing in public utilities.
Section three of chapter one of the charter best gives the ter-
ritory included in the respective wards. "The city shall be div-
ided into five (5) wards, as follows: The first ward shall in-
clude all that portion of the city lying east of the center line
of Cedar street and south of the center line of Main street and
south of the center line of what is known as the Rice Lake
road east of the point where said Rice Lake road intersects said
Main street.
"The second ward shall include all that portion of the city
lying east of the center line of Cedar street, north of the center
line of Main street and the center line of the Rice Lake road east
of the point where the said Rice Lake road intersects said Main
street, and south of the center line of Rose street.
"The third ward shall include all that portion of the city
lying west of the center line of Cedar street and north of the
center line of Bridge street.
"The fourth ward shall include all that portion of the city
lying west of the center line of Cedar street and south of the
center line of Bridge street.
"The fifth ward shall include all that portion of the city ly-
ing east of the center line of Cedar street and north of the center
line of Rose street."
The first meeting of the Owatonna city council of which
there is any official record occurred April 10, 1865. The minutes
are as follows: "Meeting of council, April 10, 1865. Council
called to order by mayor. Present: George B. Hall, mayor; W.
H. Willsey, W. R. Kinyon, J. B. Crooker, J. A. Oppliger, John
Donaldson and William Scruby, aldermen ; and A. M. Kinyon,
recorder. Moved and seconded that we proceed to canvass the
votes of the election held April 4, A. D. 1865. Carried. Pro-
ceeded to canvass votes. The following named men were de-
clared elected to the offices hereafter named, to-wit : mayor,
George B. Hall ; city justice, A. N. Stoughton ; city recorder,
A. M. Kinyon; assessor, James W. Dryser; school director at
large, D. S. Harsha and C. L. Tappan ; alderman first ward, \V.
H. Willsey for two years, W. R. Kinyon for one year; alderman
second ward, J. A. Oppliger for two years, J. B. Crooker for
one year; alderman third ward, William Scruby for two years,
John Donaldson for one year; school director first ward. Seth
Hotchkiss; school director second ward, A. Town; school direc-
tor third ward, D. W. Burch ; justice of the peace first ward. A.
Chambers; justice of the peace second ward, G. P. Reyner;
880 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
justice of the peace, third ward, Philo Bliss ; constable, first ward,
James Cornwell ; constable, second ward, William Curtis; con-
stable third ward, J. B. Hooker.
'"Proceeded to appoint officers as per charter, to-wit: J. B.
Hooker, city treasurer; J. B. Searles, city attorney; F. Bixby,
city surveyor; W. Wheaton, city marshal.
"Moved and seconded that the recorder be instructed to
procure a suitable book to keep city records in and stationery
for the use of the common council. Carried.
"Moved and seconded that the compensation of the city
attorney for the ensuing year shall be twenty-five dollars. Car-
ried.
"Moved and seconded that the recorder be allowed sevent}--
five dollars per annum for his services. Carried.
"Moved and seconded that the city treasurer be required
to give bonds in the sum of $1,000.00. Carried.
"Moved and seconded that we adjourn to seven p. m., April
17, 1865. Carried.
"George B. Hall, Mayor.
"A. M. Kinyon, Recorder."
The officers of Owatonna have been as follows:
1865-66. Mayor, G. B. Hall; recorder, A. M. Kinyon; asses-
sor, J. W. Dresser; treasurer, J. B. Hooker; city marshal, W.
Wheaton; city justice, A. X. Stoughton ; city attorney, J. B.
Searles; city surveyor, L. Bi.xby ; official paper, "Plaindealer."
First ward : Aldermen, W. H. Willsey, W. R. Kinyon ; justice, A.
Chambers; street commissioner, S. N. Sargent; constable, James
Connell. Second ward: Aldermen, J. A. Oppliger, J. B. Crooker;
justice, I. P. Requa; street commissioner, A. Odell ; constable,
Wm. Curtis. Third ward : Aldermen, W. Scruby, J. Donaldson ;
justice, Philo Bliss; street commissioner, M. H. Franklin; con-
stable, J. B. Hooker. Board of education : At large, D. S. Har-
sha, C. L. Tappan; first ward, Seth Hotchkiss ; second ward. A.
Town; third ward, D. W. Burch.
1866-67. Mayor, A. N. Stoughton; recorders, A. M. Kinyon,
C. S. Crandall ; assessor, J. Chambers ; treasurer, G. B. Hall ;
street commissioner, S. N. Sargeant; city marshal, W. Wheaton;
city justice, C. C. Cornell; city attorney, J. B. Searles; city sur-
veyor, L. Bixby; official paper, "Plaindealer." First ward:
Aldermen, W. H. Willsey, W. R. Kinyon; constable, James
Connell; justice, A. Chambers. Second ward: Aldermen, J.
Newsalt, H. C. Eldred ; justice, I. P. Requa; constable, William
Curtis. Third ward: Aldermen, William Scruby, H. J. Lewis,
J. A. Oppliger; justice, Philo Bliss; constables, C. G. Smith,
H. A. Tiffany. Board of education: At large, D. S. Harsha,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 881
C. L. Tappan; First ward, Setli Hotchkiss; Second ward, A.
Town; Third ward, D. W. Burch.
1867-68. Mayor, S. R. Washburn ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ;
assessor, L. E. Rawson ; treasurer, G. B. Hall; street commis-
sioners, H. J. Lewis, C. L. Gardner; city marshal, M. J. Toher;
city justice, H. H. Johnson; city attorney, J. B. Searles; city
surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official pa])er, "Journal." First ward :
Aldermen, W. R. Kinyon, Clarke Chambers, W. H. Willscy;
constable, Levi Frank; justice, Addison Phelps. Second ward:
Aldermen, H. C. Eldred, N. Winship, J. Donaldson; constable,
none; justice, H. A- Beers. Third ward: Aldermen, J. A. Op-
pliger, J. Donaldson, J. S. Fuller; constable, I. W. Hanks; jus-
tice, M. F. Lowth. Board of education: At large, D. S. Harsha,
S. S. Russell; First ward, S. Hotchkiss, I. J. Fuller; Second
ward, A. Town; Third ward, D. W. Burch.
1868-69. Mayor, J. W. Morford ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ;
assessor, E. Scannel ; treasurer, S. Hotchkiss ; street commis-
sioner. A. Phelps; city marshal, I. W. Hanks; city justice, H. H.
Johnson; city attorney, H. B. Searles; city surveyor, J. H.
Abbott; official paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, C.
Chambers, J. A. Armstrong, Chas. Dennijes; constables, none;
justice. Win. Dean. Second ward: Aldermen, N. Winship, D.
B. Marble; constable, J. B. Hooker; justice, H. A. Beers. Third
ward: Aldermen, T. J. Howe, K. D. Chase; justice. Wm. David-
son ; constable, I. W. Hanks. Board of education : At large,
S. S. Russell, S. B. Washburne; First ward, I. J. Fuller; Second
ward. P. S. Smith. John Odell ; Third ward, Wm. Davidson.
1869-70. Mayor, A. N. Stoughton ; recorder, Isaac W. Burch ;
assessor, E. Scannel ; treasurer, J. Chambers ; street commis-
sioner, M. J. Toher; city marshal, I, W. Hanks; city justice,
H. A. Beers; city attorney, J. B. Searles; city surveyor, J. H.
Abbott ; official paper, "Journal." First ward : Aldermen, J. A.
Armstrong, Lewis Lord; constable, James Connell ; justice, T.
G. Patch. Second ward: Aldermen, D. B. Marble, L. E. Raw-
son; justice, L. B. Town; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Third
ward: Aldermen, K. D. Chase, T. J. Howe, H. Backus; con-
stable, I. W. Hanks; justice, Philo Bliss. Board of education:
At large, G. B. Hall, M. F. Lowth; JMrst ward, B. F. Melvin ;
Second ward. John Odell, D. S. Harsha; Third ward, D. W.
Burch.
1870-71. Mayor, 11. II. Johnson: recorder, Isaac Burch; as-
sessor, Seth Hotchkiss; treasurer, J. Chambers; street com-
missioner, L. Gilbert; city marshal, I. W. Hanks; city justice,
H. A. Beers; city attorney, J. B. Searles; city surveyor, J. H.
Abbott; official paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, J. A.
Armstrong, R. C. Olin, Lewis Lord; constable, James Cornell;
882 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
jiistice, T. G. Patch. Second ward: Aldermen, D. B. Marble,
L. E. Rawson ; constable, E. R. Fenno; justice, Samuel Col-
lins. Third ward: Aldermen, T. J. Howe, H. Backus; justice,
Philo Bliss ; constable, I. W. Hanks. Board of education : At
large, G. B. Hall. G. C. Tanner; First ward, Charles S. Cran-
dall ; Second ward, D. S. Harsha ; Third ward, D. \V. Burch.
1871-72. Mayor, R. C. Olin; recorder, Isaac W. Burch; as-
sessor, Seth Hotchkiss ; treasurer, J. Chambers ; street commis-
sioner, James Cotter; city marshal, I. \\'. Hanks; city justice,
H. H. Johnson; city attorney, Lewis L. Wheelock; city sur-
vej'or. J. H. Abbott; official paper, "Journal." First ward:
Aldermen, R. C. Olin, T. AV. Irving, \V. H. Sherman; constable,
James Connell ; justice, T. G. Patch. Second ward: Aldermen,
D. B. Marble, E. A. Tyler; justice, M. L. Blair; constable, R.
G. Chittenden. Third ward : Aldermen, H. Backus, J. E. Bux-
ton; justice, J. S. Austin; constable, O. G. Evenson. Board of
education : At large, G. C. Tanner, Lewis L. Wheelock ; First
ward, Charles S. Crandall ; Second ward, E. H. S. Dartt ; Third
ward, D. W. Burch.
1872-73. Mayors, W. H. Kelly, J. A. Oppliger; recorder,
Isaac W. Burch; assessor, Seth Hotchkiss; treasurer, Joseph
Chambers; street commissioner, S. J. Loomis; city marshal, D.
Whipple; city justice, H. H. Johnson; city attorney, J. M. Bur-
lingame ; city surveyor, B. S. Wheeler; official paper, "Journal."
First ward: Aldermen, T. W. Irving, W. FI. Sherman, W. H.
Willsey ; justice, T. G. Patch ; constable. James Connell. Second
ward: Aldermen, E. A. Tyler, A. C. Dodge; justice, C. C. Cor-
nell; constable, D. Whipple. Third ward: Aldermen, H.
Backus, J. E. Buxton; justice J. S. Austin; constable, A. E.
Simons. Board of education : At large, Lewis L. \\'heelock, G.
C. Tanner ; First ward, Chas. S. Crandall ; Second ward, E. H.
S. Dartt; Third ward, D. W. Burch.
1873-74. Mayor. T. J. Flowe ; recorder, Isaac \\'. Burch ; as-
sessor, D. W. Burch ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street com-
missioner. S. J. Loomis; city marshal, E. L. Paddock; city jus-
tice, T. G. Patch; city attorney, J. M. Eurlingame; city sur-
veyor, B. S. Wheeler; official paper, "Journal."' First ward:
Aldermen, T. W. Irving, Seth Hotchkiss; justice, H. H. John-
son; constable, Theo. Dean. Second Ward: Aldermen, A. C.
Dodge, Titus Case; justice, C. C. Cornell; constable, E. R.
Fenno. Third ward: Aldermen, H. Backus, J. E. Buxton; jus-
tice, Wm. Davidson ; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Board of educa-
tion : At large, G. C. Tanner, John A. Spelman ; First ward, A.
N. Stoughton ; Second w^ard, E. H. S. Dartt ; Third ward, D. W.
Burch.
1874-75. Mayor, T. J. Howe; recorder, Isaac W. Burch; as-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 883
sessor, Seth Hotchkiss ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street
commissioner, P. Brennan; city marshal, S. H. Stowers; city-
justices, T. G. Patch, N. M. Donaldson; city attorney, J. M.
Burlingame ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper, "Jour-
nal." First ward: Aldermen, Seth Hotchkiss, Clarke Cham-
bers; justice, H. H. Johnson; constable, P. R. Pike. Second
ward: Aldermen, Titus Case, N. M. Donaldson; justice, Isaac
Howe; constable, G. F. Doolittle. Third ward: Aldermen, J.
E. Buxton, Geo. Wilson ; justice, Wm. Davidson ; constable, H.
A. Tiffany. Board of education: At large, G. C. Tanner, John
A. Spelman; First ward, A. N. Stoughton; Second ward, E. H.
S. Dartt ; Third ward, H. W. Pratt.
1875-76. Alayor, T. J. Howe; recorder, Isaac W. Burch;
assessor, Seth Hotchkiss; treasurer, J. Chambers; street com-
missioner, P. Brennan; city marshal, S. H. Stowers; city jus-
tice, N. M. Donaldson; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame; city
surveyor, J. H. Abbott; official paper, '•Journal." First ward:
Aldermen, Clarke Chambers, A. Knobloch ; justice, H. H. John-
son ; constable, S. H. Stowers. Second ward : Aldermen, N. M.
Donaldson, E. Donaldson; justices, Isaac Howe, H. A. Beers;
constable, Wm. Furman. Third ward : Aldermen, J. E. Buxton,
Geo. Willson; justice, Wm. Davidson; constable, H. A. Tiffany.
Board of education: At large, G. C. Tanner, J. C. Ellis; First
ward, A. N. Stoughton; Second ward, E. H. S. Dartt; Third
ward, H. W. Pratt.
1876-77. Mayor. X. M. Donaldson; recorder, Isaac W.
Burch; assessor, L. E. Rawson; treasurer, J. Chambers; street
commissioner, P. Brennan; city marshal, J. B. Putney; city
justice, N. M. Donaldson; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame; city
surveyor, J. H. Abbott; official paper, "People's Press." First
ward: Aldermen, A. Knobloch, J. R. Fox; justice, H. H. John-
son; constable, George Van Dusen. Second ward: Aldermen,
E. Donaldson, J. C. Ellis; justice, H. A. Beers; constable, Wm.
Furman. Third ward : Aldermen. E. Easton, Jas. Thompson ;
justice, Wm. Davidson ; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Board of
education: At large, H. W. Pratt, J. C. Ellis; First ward, W. A.
Dynes, R. H. Chapin; Second ward, E. H. S. Dartt; Third ward,
C. G. Earley.
1877-78. Mayor, M. A. Fredenburg; recorder, Isaac W.
Burch ; assessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street
commissioner, P. Brennan; city marshal, S. H. Stowers; city
justice, N. M. Donaldson; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame;
city surveyor, J. II. Abbott; official paper, "Review." First
ward: Aldermen, J. R. Fox, A. Knobloch; justice, H. F. Luce;
constable, none. Second ward: Aldermen, E. Donaldson, J. C.
Ellis; justice, II. A. Beers; constable, E. M. Arnold. Third
884 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ward: Aldermen, James Thompson, C, H. Randall; justice, E.
C. Culver; constable, H. A. Tifiany. Board of education: At
large, J. S. W'oodard, Lewis Lord; First ward, G. C. Tanner;
Second ward. W. A. Dynes ; Third ward. T. J. Howe.
1879-80. Mayor, J. C. Ellis : recorder, I. W. Burch ; asses-
sor. E. Easton ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers : street commis-
sioner, J. C. Ault; city marshal. D. \\'hipple; city justice, C. C.
Cornell: city attornc}-, J. M. Burlingame; city surveyor, J. H.
Abbott: fjfficial paper, "Owatonna Journal." First ward:
Aldermen, Lorin Andrews, A. C. Gutterson : justice, H. F.
Luce; constable, \V. C. Hadley. Second ward: Aldermen, J.
E. Buxton, G. W. Rockwood : justice, A. B. Barrett; constable,
D. \V. Williamson. Third ward : Aldermen, J. C. Backus, G. F.
Albertus; justice, R. B. Newhall ; constable, Geo. W. Peachey.
Fourth ward: Aldermen, H. Schmidt. E. M. Morehouse; jus-
tice, none; constable, S. II. Stowers. Board of education: At
large, J. C. Ellis. James Cotter, J. E. Truesdell; First ward. L.
L. Wheelock : Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, T. J.
Howe; Fourth ward, Chas. Dennijes.
1880-81. Mayor, J. C. Ellis; recorder, Charles Dawson; as-
sessor, E. Easton ; treasurer, Joseph Chambers ; street commis-
sioner. J. C. Ault; city marshal, D. Whipple; city justice. C.
C. Cornell; city attorney. L. L. Wheelock; city surveyor, J. H.
Abbott; official paper, "Owatonna Journal." First ward: Alder-
men, Lorin Andrews, A. C. Gutterson; justice, H. F. Luce; con-
stable, W. C. Hadley. Second ward : Aldermen, J. E. Buxton,
Henry Birkett; justice, A. B. Barrett; constable, H. A. Tififany.
Third ward: Aldermen, G. F. Albertus. E. M. Morehouse; jus-
tice, R. B. Newhall; constable, Geo. W. Peachey. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, Herman Schmidt, John Hammell ; justice, H. A.
Beers ; constable, A. Flafemann. Board of education : At large,
James Cotter. A. C. Hickman; First ward. L. L. Wheelock;
Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, T. J. Howe; Fourth
ward, Chas. Dennijes.
1881-82. Maj'or, B. S. Cook; recorder, Charles Dawson;
treasurer, R. B. Newhall ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; city
marshal. I. U. Jones; city justice, H. A. Beers; city attorney,
H. E. Johnson ; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott ; official paper,
"People's Press." First ward: Aldermen, A. C. Gutterson, J.
E. Truesdell; justice, FI. F. Luce; constable, W. C. Hadley.
Second ward: Aldermen, Henry Birkett, E. Scannel ; justice,
A. B. Barrett ; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Third ward : Alder-
men, G. F. Arbertus, E. M. Morehouse; justice, R. B. Newhall;
constable, J. C. Johnson. Fourth ward: Aldermen, John Ham-
mel, H. Schmidt: justice, FI. A. Beers; constable, O. Tiffany.
Board of education: At large, A. C. Hickman, James Cotter;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 885
First ward, L. L. W'licclock; Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third
ward, A. Simpson; P'ourth ward, Chas. Dennijes.
1882-83. Mayor, B. S. Cook; recorder, C. E. Luce; assessor,
E. Easton ; treasurer, H. H. Luers ; street commissioners, J. C.
Ault; city marshal, I. U. Jones; cit}' justice, H. A. Beers; city
attorney, H. E. Johnson; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott; official
paper, "Steele County Herald." First ward : Aldermen, J. E.
Truesdell, John Chambers; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, W.
C. Hadley. Second ward: Aldermen, E. Scannel, S. S. Green;
justice, M. A. Fredenburg; constable, H. A. Tiffany. Third
ward: .•\Idermen, E. M. Morehouse, G. F. Albertus ; justice,
none; constable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth ward: Aldermen,
Peter Ganser, Herman Schmidt; justice, H. A. Beers; constable,
O. Tiffany. Board of education : At large, James Cotter, A. C.
Hickman ; First ward, L. L. Wheelock ; Second ward, W. A.
Dynes; Third ward, A. Simpson; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1883-84. Mayor, H. Birkett ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor,
E. Easton ; treasurer, C. J. Kinyon ; street commissioner, J. C.
Ault; city marshal, John Thorson; city justice, M. A. Freden-
burg ; city attorney, E. W. Richter ; city surveyor. J. H. Abbott ;
official paper, "Owatonna Journal." First ward: Aldermen, John
Chambers, J. E. Truesdell; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, R. H.
Johnson. Second ward: Aldermen, S. S. Green, J. C. Ellis, H.
H. Luers; justice, M. A. Fredenburg; constable, W. H. Shoe-
maker. Third ward: Aldermen, G. F. Albertus, Frank Stimson,
J. D. Holden; justice, J. D. Holden; constable, Ignatius Kre-
mer. Fourth ward: Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Herman Schmidt;
justice, H. A. Beers; constable, O. Tiffany. Board of education:
At large, A. C. Hickman, James Cotter; First ward, L. L. Wheel-
ock; Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, A. Simpson;
Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1884-85. Mayor, John Shea ; recorder, C. E. Luce ; assessor,
E. Easton ; treasurer, C. J. Kinyon ; street commissioner, J. C.
Ault; city marshal, R. White; city justice, M. A. Fredenburg;
city attorney, E. W. Richter; city surveyor, J. H. Abbott; offi-
cial paper, "People's Press." First ward: Aldermen, J. E. Trues-
dell, M. J. Toher; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, R. H. Johnson.
Second ward: Aldermen, S. S. Green, J. Z. Barncard ; justice,
O. Abernethy; constable, A\'. IT. Shoemaker. Third ward:
Aldermen, E. M. Morehouse, J. Glaeser; justice, O. M. Ham-
mond ; constable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth ward : Aldermen,
Peter Ganser, Herman Schmidt; justice, H. A. Beers; constable,
O. Tiffany. Board of education : At large. J. A. Cotter, T. J.
Howe ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ; Second ward, W. A. Dynes ;
Third ward, Lewis Lord; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1885-86. Mayor, C. N. McLaughlin; recorder, C. E. Luce;
886 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
assessor, E. Easton : treasurer, C. J. Kinyon; street commis-
sioner, J. C. Aiilt; city marshal, R. White; city justice, A. N.
Stoughton; city attorney, E. \\\ Richter; city surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell; official paper, "People's Press." First ward: Alder-
men, M. J. Toiler, N. C. Larson; justice, H. F. Luce; constable,
R. H. Johnson. Second ward : Aldermen, S. S. Green, J. Z.
Barncard; justice, M. A. Fredenburg; constable, H. R. Thomp-
son. Third ward: Aldermen, E. M. Morehouse. E. W. Piper;
justice, William Davidson; constable, Ignatius Kremer. Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Charles Schoen ; justice, C. C.
Cornell ; constable, Herman Lee. Board of education : At large,
George E. Peck, T. J. Howe ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ; Second
ward, W. A. Dynes ; Third ward, Lewis Lord ; Fourth ward,
E. Y. Hunnewill.
1886-87. Mayor, R. H. Kelly; recorder, C. E. Luce; asses-
sor, E. Easton ; treasurer, G. D. Holden ; street commissioner,
J. C. Ault; city marshal, R. H. Johnson; city justice, A. N.
Stoughton; city attorney, J. M. Burlingame ; city surveyor, A.
M. Mitchell; official paper, "Journal and Herald." First ward:
Aldermen, N. C. Larson, C. \V. Hadley ; justice. H. F. Luce;
constable, R. H. Johnson. .Second ward : Aldermen, Henry
Birkett, James Brown; justice, M. A. Fredenburg; constable.
H. R. Thompson. Third ward : Aldermen, E. W. Piper, Dr. E.
M. Morehouse; justice, William Davidson; constable, Ignatius
Kremer. Fourth ward: Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Charles Schoen;
justice, A. Moncriefif; constable, George Putney. Board of edu-
cation: At large, T. J. Howe, G. E. Peck; First ward, W. A.
Sperry; Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward. L. Lord;
Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1887-88. Mayor, M. B. Pratt; recorder, C. E. Luce; asses-
sor, J. S. Austin ; treasurer, A. N. Stoughton ; street commis-
sioner, John Ouinn ; city marshal, R. H. Johnson; city justice,
J. Newsalt ; city attorney. Amos Coggswell ; city surveyor, A.
M.Mitchell; official paper, "People's Press." First ward : Alder-
men, C. W. Hadley, N. C. Larson; justice, H. F. Luce; consta-
ble, R. H. Johnson. Second ward: Aldermen, Henry Birkett,
James Brown; justice, M. A. Fredenburg;* constable, H. A.
Tififany. Third ward: Aldermen, Dr. E. M. Morehouse, G. F.
Albertus; justice, J. H. Soukup ; constable. John Ganser. Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Peter Ganser, Joseph Hoffman; justice, A.
Moncrieff; constable, H. Lee. Board of education: At large,
T. J. Howe, J. Schmidt ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ; Second
ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, H. Cartright; Fourth ward,
E. Y. Hunnewill.
*Mr. Fredenburg died shortly after bis re-election to tbis office.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 887
1888-89. Mayor, A. C. Gutterson; recorder, C. E. Luce;
treasurer, A. N. Stoughton ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ;
assessor, J. S. Austin ; marshal, R. H. Johnson ; city justice, J.
Newsalt. attorney, L. L. Wheelock ; official paper, "Journal and
Herald"; surveyor, A. AI. Mitchell. First ward: Aldermen,
C. W. Hadley, N. C. Larson; justice, H. F. Luce; constable,
\V. D. Snyder. Second ward : Aldermen, James Brown, C. J.
Kinyon; justice, M. B. Chadwick; constable, H. A. Tiffany.
Third ward: Aldermen, E. M. Morehouse, G. F. Albertus; jus-
tice, J. II. Soukup; constable, J. P. Ganser. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, Joseph Hoffman, C. F. Backus; justice, C. Schoen;
constable, Fred Mueller. Board of education : At large, Lewis
Lord, H. Schmidt; First ward, W. A. Spcrry; Second ward, W.
A. Dynes; Third ward, H. Cartwright; Fourth ward, E. Y.
Hunnewill.
1889-90. Mayor, E. M. Morehouse; recorder, C. E. Luce;
treasurer, A. N. Stoughton ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ;
assessor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge,
M. B. Chadwick; attorney, J. A. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell; official paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, N.
C. Larson, C. W. Hadley; justice, H. E. Luce; constable, L. K.
Bullman. Second ward : Aldermen, James Brown, C. J. Kinyon ;
justice, O. Abernethy ; constable, John Thorson. Third ward :
Aldermen, C. Tryon, G. L. Forsyth (appointed to take place of
newly elected Mayor Morehouse); justice, J. H. Soukup; con-
stable, J. P. Ganser. Fourth ward : Aldermen, Joseph Hoffman,
C. F. Backus; justice, A. Moncrieff; constable, H. B. Schoen.
Board of education: At large, C. E. Sheldon. Lewis Lord; First
ward, W. A. Sperry; Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward,
H. Cartwright; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1890-91. Mayor, E. M. Morehouse; recorder, S. M. Bryan;
treasurer, E. Easton ; street commissioner, J. C. Ault ; assessor,
D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge, M. B.
Chadwick; attorney, L. L. Wheelock; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell;
official paper, "Journal." First ward : Aldermen, D. W. Sperry,
N. C. Larson ; justice, H. F. Luce ; constable, Jay Till. Second
ward: Aldermen, C. J. Kinyon, James Brown; justice, O. Aber-
nethy; constable, W. H. Shoemaker. Third ward: Aldermen,
H. Kasper, C. Tryon; justice, J. H. Soukup; constable. Cord
King. Fourth ward : Aldermen, II. Knoblock, Joseph Hoft"man ;
justice, A. Moncrieff; constable, J. Misgen. Board of education:
At large, Lewis Lord, C. E. Sheldon ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ;
Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, G. D. Holden; Fourth
ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1891-92. Mayor, E. M. Morehouse, \V. A. Dynes (elected at
special election, July 7, 1891, for the balance of term of Mayor
888 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Morehouse, late deceased); recorder, S. M. Bryan; treasurer,
B. F. Welch; street commissioner, M. L. Deviny ; assessor, D.
P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge, M. B. Chad-
wick ; attorney. C. J. O'Brien ; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell ; official
paper, "People's Press." First ward: Aldermen, John Smith,
D. W. Sperry; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, William Thom-
son. Second ward : Aldermen, William Gausewitz, C. J. Kin-
yon ; justice, M. B. Chadwick (appointed to serve in place of S.
Anderson, who was elected, but refused to serve) ; constable,
W. H. Shoemaker. Third ward: Aldermen, C. Tryon, H. Ras-
per; justice, J. H. Soukup; constable, C. Van Arnum. Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Joseph Hoffman, H. Knoblock ; justice, A.
Moncriefif; constable, M. A. McAndrews. Board of education:
At large, C. E. Sheldon, Lewis Lord ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ;
Second ward, W. A. Dynes; Third ward, G. B. Holden; Fourth
ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1892-93. Mayor, W. A. Dynes; recorder, S. M. Byrne; treas-
urer, S. H. Stowers; street commissioner, M. L. Deviny; asses-
sor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge, M.
B. Chadwick; attorney, E. W. Richter ; surveyor, A. M. Mitch-
ell; official paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, O. S.
Boice, John Smith; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: .\lder-
men, N. J. Schafer, William Gausewitz; justice, M. B. Chad-
wick; constable, W. H. Shoemaker. Third ward: Aldermen,
C. P. Sahler, C. Tryon; justice, J. H. Soukup. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, L. F. Hammel, Joseph Hoffman; justice, none elected.
Board of education: At large, S. Peterson, L. L. Bennett (to fill
out one year of unexpired term of C. E. Sheldon) ; First ward,
W. A. Sperry ; Second ward, S. W. Curliss ; Third ward, G. D.
Holden ; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1893-94. Mayor, E. M. Twiford ; recorder, S. M. Byrne;
treasurer, Albert Kaspcr ; street commissioner, Ovid Wood;
assessor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge,
C. J. O'Brien; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitch-
ell; official paper, "People's Press." First ward: Aldermen,
Carl K. Bennett, O. S. Boice; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward:
Aldermen, L. Virtue, N. J. Schafer; constable, W. H. Shoemaker.
Third ward : Aldermen, Dr. F. M. Smersh, C. P. Sahler. Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Joseph Hoflfman, L. F. Hammel; justice, A.
Moncrieff. Board of education : At large, L. L. Bennett, E. M.
Morehouse, Jr. (to fill one year, unexpired term of Soren Peter-
son) ; First ward, W. A. Sperry; Second ward, S. W. Curtiss ;
Third ward, O. B. McClintock; Fourth ward, E. Y. Hunnewill.
1894-95. Mayor, E. M. Twiford; recorder, E. C. Zamboni ;
treasurer, M. J. Odell ; street commissioner, M. L. Deviny ; as-
sessor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 889
C. J. O'Brien; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitch-
ell; official paper, "People's Press." First ward: Aldermen,
O. S. Boice, Carl K. Bennett. Second ward: Aldermen, S. S.
Green, F. G. Schuman (to fill unexpired term of L. Virtue) ;
constable, W. H. Shoemaker. Third ward : Aldermen, C. M.
Rasmusson, Dr. F. M. Smersh. Fourth ward: Aldermen, L. F.
Hammel, Joseph Hoffman; justice. Board of education: At
large, W. A. Dynes, L. L. Bennett; First ward, W. A. Sperry ;
Second ward, D. J. Trisko; Third ward, O. B. McCIintock;
Fourth ward, II. Schmidt.
1895-96. Mayor, N. J. Schafer ; recorder, E. C. Zamboni ;
treasurer, J. A. Cotter; street commissioner, O. Wood; assessor,
D. P. Farmer; marshal, Chas. Green; municipal judge, H. F.
Luce; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell; offi-
cial paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, C. K. Bennett,
O. S. Boice; justice of the peace. H. F. Luce. Second ward:
Aldermen, J. C. Ault, S. S. Green; constable, W. H. Shoemaker.
Third ward : Aldermen, Lewis Lord, C. M. Rasmusson ; Fourth
ward: Aldermen, Joseph Hoffman, L. F. Hammel. Board of
education: At large, L. L. Bennett, W. A. Dynes; First ward,
W. A. Sperry; Second ward, D. J. Trisko; Third ward, O. B.
McCIintock ; Fourth ward, H. Schmidt.
1896-97. Mayor, Peter Ganser; recorder, E. C. Zamboni;
treasurer, Lars Peterson ; street commissioner, O. Wood ; asses-
sor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, F. K. Stewart; municipal judge,
H. F. Luce; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell;
official paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, S. R. Nelson,
C. K. Bennett; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen,
S. S. Green, J. C. Ault; constable, William Bycraft. Third ward :
Aldermen, J. O. Eastman, Lewis Lord; justice, Frank Ganser.
Fourth ward: Aldermen, L. F. Hammel, Joseph Hoffman; jus-
tice, C. I. Buxton. Board of education: At large, G. A. Merrill,
L. L. Bennett ; First ward, W. A. Sperry ; Second ward, D. J.
Trisko ; Third ward, Geo. W. Peachey ; Fourth ward, William
Gausewitz (to fill one year unexpired term of H. Schmidt).
1897-98. Mayor, A. B. Stewart; recorder, J. W. Rowland;
treasurer, J. A. Cotter; street commissioner, Ovid Wood; asses-
sor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Hugh Warren; municipal judge,
H. F. Luce ; attorney, C. J. O'Brien ; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell ;
official paper, "People's Press." First ward : Aldermen, Carl K.
Bennett, S. R. Nelson; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, G. W.
Doolittle. Second ward: Aldermen, P. Brennen, S. S. Green;
constable, William Rycraft. Third ward: Aldermen, E. M.
Morehouse, J. O. Eastman; justice, Frank Ganser. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, John Thon, L. F. Hammel; justice, C. I. Buxton.
Board of education : At large, N. J. Schafer, G. A. Merrill ; First
890 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ward, Georo;e Parrolt ; Second ward, D. J. Trisko; Third ward,
George W. Peachcy ; Fourth w^ard, William Gausewitz.
1898-99. Mayor, Leonard Virtue; recorder, J. W. Rowland;
treasurer, J. A. Cotter; street commissioner, Ovid Wood; asses-
sor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Hugh Warren; municipal judge,
H. F. Luce; attorney, C. J. O'Brien; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell;
superintendent of waterworks, j\L B. Pratt; official paper, "Peo-
ple's Press." First ward: Aldermen, O. H. Odell, Carl K. Ben-
nett; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, William O'Grosky. Sec-
ond ward: Aldermen, C. K. Anderson, P. Brennan; justice, A.
S. Bragg; constable. J. F. Finley. Third ward: Aldermen, J.
O. Eastman, F. D. dinger (to fill last year of E. M. Morehouse's
term) ; constable, Cord King. Fourth ward : Aldermen, L. F.
Hammel, John Thon ; justice, L. B. Fenner; constable, W. M.
Dynes. Board of education : At large, John N. Niles, N. J.
Schafer; First ward. George Parrott; Second ward, Frank La
Bare; Third ward, George W. Peachey ; Fourth ward, William
Gausewitz.
1899-1900. Mayor, Leonard Virtue; recorder, J. W. Row-
land ; treasurer, Charles H. Stearns ; street commissioner, Frank
L. Anderson; assessor, D. P. Farmer; marshal, Hugh Warren;
municipal judge, H. F. Luce; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; sur-
veyor, H. S. Dartt ; superintendent waterworks, J. N. Niles;
ofiScial paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, F. E. Church,
O. H. Odell: justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen,
S. S. Green, C. K. Anderson; justice, Steve Hance ; constable,
C. C. Chadwick. Third ward : Aldermen, F. D. Clingcr, J. O.
Eastman; constable, Cord King. Fourth ward: Aldermen, John
Thon, L. F. Hammel; justice, L. B. Fenner. Board of educa-
tion : At large, James W. Connor, John N. Niles ; first ward,
George Parrott ; second ward, Frank La Bare ; third ward,
George W. Peachey ; fourth ward, William Gausewitz.
1900-01. Mayor. Leonard Virtue; recorder, P. J. Svvanson :
treasurer, J. A. Cotter; street commissioner, F. L. Anderson;
assessor, James E. Malone ; marshal, C. J. Boley; municipal
judge, H. F. Luce ; attorney, C. J. O'Brien ; superintendent of
waterworks. M. B. Pratt; official paper, "People's Press." First
ward: Aldermen, R. H. Bach, F. E. Church; justice, H. F.
Luce ; constable, C. Grabarkwietz. Second ward : Aldermen, C.
K. Anderson, S. S. Green; justice, Aaron Bragg; constable,
William Rycraft. Third ward : Aldermen, A. J. Lippert, F. D.
dinger; constable. Cord King. Fourth ward: Aldermen, C.
Butsch, John Thon; justice, L. B. Fenner; constable, J. Misgen,
Sr. Board of education : At large, B. E. Darby, James W. Con-
nor; First ward, George Parrott; Second ward, Frank La Bare;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 891
Third ward, George W. Peachey ; Fourth ward, R. H. Johnson.
1901-02. Mayor, R. H. Johnson; recorder, L. B. Warren;
treasurer, C. H. Stearns; street commissioner, Frank Connell;
assessor, James E. Malone; marshal, A. Mallinger; municipal
judge, H. F. Luce; attorney, C. J. O'Brien; surveyor, H. S.
Dartt; superintendent of waterworks, M. B. Pratt; official
paper, "People's Press." First ward : Aldermen, F. E. Church,
R. H. Bacli ; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, C. Grabarkwictz.
Second ward: Aldermen, S. S. Green, C. K. Anderson; justice,
Aaron Bragg; constable, F. Finley. Third ward: Aldermen, F.
M. Smersh, A. J. Lippert ; constal:)le. Cord King. Fourth ward:
Aldermen, L. B. Fenner, C. Butsch; justice, L. B. Fenner; con-
stable, W. S. Boice. Board of education : At large, James W.
Connor, B. E. Darby; First ward, George Parrott; Second ward,
Frank La Bare; Third ward, George W. Peachey; Fourth ward,
R. H. Johnson.
1902-93. Mayor, R. H. Bach; recorder, Lyman Warren;
treasurer, C. H. Stearns ; street commissioner, Frank Connell ;
assessor, James E. Malone; marshal, A. Mallinger; municipal
judge, H. F. Luce ; attorney, C. J. O'Brien ; surveyor, Harvey
S. Dartt; superintendent of waterworks, M. B. Pratt; official
paper, "People's Press." First ward : Aldermen, R. G. Nelson,
F. E. Church; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen,
C. K. Anderson, S. S. Green; justice, W. E. Dunbar; constable,
Frank Finley. Third ward: Aldermen, A. G. Lippert, F. M.
Smersh ; constable. Cord King. Fourth ward : Aldermen, J. C.
Jahreiss, L. B. Fenner. Board of education: At large, Ellen M.
Eustis, James W. Connor ; First ward, George Parrott ; Second
ward, Frank La Bare ; Third ward, George Peachey ; Fourth
ward, T. E. Cashman (to fill out last year of R. H. Johnson's
term).
1903-04. Mayor, Thomas E. Cashman ; recorder, Lyman B.
Warren; treasurer, Robert Deinninger; street commissioner,
Andrew Erdman ; assessor, James E. Malone; marshal, Henry
Abernethy ; municipal judge, B. F. Hood; attorney, C. J.
O'Brien ; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell ; superintendent of water-
works, M. B. Pratt; official paper, "People's Press." First ward:
Aldermen, F. E. Church, R. G. Nelson; justice, H. F. Luce.
Second ward: Aldermen, John Kendall, C. K. Anderson; jus-
tice, W. E. Dunbar; constable, M. A. McAndrews. Third ward:
Aldermen, A. G. Kranz, A. G. Lippert ; constable. Cord King.
Fourth ward: Aldermen, L. B. Fenner, J. C. Jahreiss. Board
of education : At large, A. G. Pinkham, Ellen M. Eustis ; First
ward, George Parrott; Second ward, Frank La Bare; Third
ward, George Peachey; Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
892 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
1904-05. Mayor, Thomas E. Cashman ; recorder, Charles
Servatius; treasurer, Robert M. Deinninger; street commis-
sioner, Andrew Erdman ; assessor, Henry Sanders; marshal,
Henry Abernethy; municipal judge, B. F. Hood; attorney, W.
F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M. Mitchell; superintendent of water-
works, Harry D. Tompkins; official paper, "Chronicle." First
ward: Aldermen, R. G. Nelson, F. E. Church; justice, H. F.
Luce. Second ward: Aldermen. John Kendall, Harvey S. Dartt;
justice, W. Dunbar. Third ward: Aldermen, T. M. Morehouse,
A. G. Kranz ; constable, Cord King. Fourth ward : Aldermen,
J. C. Jahreiss, L. B. Fenner; constable, Steve Stepanek. Board
of education: At large, Ellen M. Eustis, A. G. Pinkham; First
ward, George Parrott ; Second ward, Ward Kinyon ; Third ward,
George Peachey ; Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
1905-06. Mayor, Charles Green ; recorder, C. J. Servatius ;
treasurer, Frank Finley ; street commissioner, Andrew Erdman ;
assessor, Henry Sanders ; marshal, Chas. Misgen ; municipal
judge, J. Newsalt; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell ; superintendent of waterworks, S. S. Green ; official
paper, "Journal." First ward: Aldermen, J. H. Robson, R. G.
Nelson; justice, H. F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen, N. P.
Jefiferson, Harvey S. Dartt; constable, Frank Stewart. Third
ward: Aldermen, A. G. Kranz, T. M. Morehouse; constable, E.
Liddington. Fourth ward : Aldermen, L. B. Fenner, J. C. Jahr-
eiss; constable, Jacob Orlowski. Board of education : At large,
Guy B. Bennett, Ellen M. Eustis; First ward, George Parrott;
Second ward. Ward Kinyon; Third ward, Edward Lansing;
Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
1906-07. Mayor, Harvey S. Dartt; recorder, C. J. Servatius;
treasurer, Frank Finley; street commissioner, William Kottke ;
assessor, J. M. Schafer; marshal, Chas. Misgen; municipal
judge, J. Newsalt; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell ; superintendent of waterworks ; S. S. Green ; weigh-
master, Wilford Vinton ; official paper, "Journal-Chronicle."
First ward: Aldermen, R. G. Nelson, J. II. Robson; justice, II.
F. Luce. Second ward: Aldermen, O. E. Williamson, N. P. Jef-
ferson. Third ward- Aldermen, F. J. Wencl, A. G. Kranz ; con-
stable. Cord King. Fourth ward: Aldermen, F. M. HofTman,
L. B. Fenner ; constable, Joseph Belina. Board of education :
At large, R. II. G. Netz, Guy B. Bennett : First ward. George
Parrott; Second ward. Ward Kinyon: Third ward, Edward
Lansing; Fourth ward. William C. Zamboni.
1907-08. Mayor, Charles Green; recorder, C. J. Servatius;
treasurer, Michael Leary ; street commissioner, William Kottke;
assessor, James Malone ; marshal, Chas. Misgen; municipal
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 893
judge, Jacob Newsalt; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A.
M. Mitchell; superintendent of waterworks, Karl P. Theimer;
weighmaster, Wilford Vinton ; official paper, "People's Press."
First ward: Aldermen, Guy J. Clefton, R. G. Nelson; justice,
H. F. Luce. Second ward. Aldermen, N. P. Jefferson, O. E.
Williamson; justice, Oscar G. Ccdardahl ; constable, J. F. Fitz-
gerald. Third ward : Aldermen, William Hart, F. J. Wencl ;
constable. Cord King. Fourth ward : Aldermen, L. B. Fenncr,
F. M. Hoffman. Board of education : At large, Guy Bennett,
R. H. G. Netz; First ward, George Parrott; Second ward, Ward
W. Kinyon ; Third ward, Edward Lansing: Fourth ward, Will-
iam C. Zamboni.
1908-09. Mayor, C. I. Reigard ; recorder, Chas. Servatius;
treasurer, M. Leary ; street commissioner, Edward Austin ; as-
sessor, Jas. E. Malone; marshal, Chas. Misgen ; municipal
judge, F. A. Dunham; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; surveyor, A. M.
Mitchell; superintendent of waterworks, H. S. Dartt; weigh-
master, Wilfred Vinton ; official paper, "Weekly Journal-
Chronicle." First ward : Aldermen, R. G. Nelson, Guy J. Clef-
ton ; justice, H. F. Luce; constable, A. C. Sanders. Second
ward: Aldermen, O. E. Williamson, N. P. Jefferson; justice,
Oscar G. Cedardahl ; constable, F. J. Finley. Third ward:
Aldermen, F. J. \\'encl, W'illiam Hart; constable, Cord King.
Fourth ward: Aldermen: F. M. Hoffman, L. B. Fenner. Board
of education: At large, R. H. G. Netz, Guy Bennett; First
ward, George Parrott; Second ward, Ward W. Kinyon; Third
ward. E. W. Lansing; Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
1909-10. Mayor, L. F. Hanimel ; recorder, Chas. J. Serva-
tius; treasurer, M. Lear}- ; street commissioner, E. J. Austin;
assessor, Jas. E. Malone; marshal, A. Mallinger; municipal
judge, F. A. Dunham; attorney, W. F. Sawyer; engineer, Ed-
ward .Austin; assistant engineer, A. M. Mitchell; weighmaster,
Frank Finley; official paper, "People's Press." First ward:
Aldermen, Guy J. Clefton, R. G. Nelson; justice, Karl P. Thei-
mer. Second ward: Aldermen, L. C. Brown, O. E. Williamson;
constable, M. A. McAndrews. Third ward: Aldermen, William
Hart, F. J. Wencl ; constable. Cord King. Fourth ward : Alder-
men, L. B. Fenner, James Orlowski (for one year to fill out
unexpired term of F. M. Hoffman) ; constable, H. Conklin.
Board of education: At large, G. B. Bennett, R. H. G. Netz;
First ward, George Parrott; Second ward. Ward W. Kinyon;
Third ward: E. W. Lansing; Fourth ward, William C. Zamboni.
1910-11. Mayor, L. F. Hammcl ; city clerk, C. J. Servatius;
treasurer, M. Leary; municipal judge, F. A. Dunham; chief of
police, Adolph Mallinger ; attornej', H. E. Leach ; assessor,
894 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
James E. Malone ; weighmaster, Jacob Ciecimerowski ; engi-
neer, Harvey S. Dartt; official paper, "People's Press." alder-
man at large for four years, L. C. Brown ; alderman at large for
two years, R. G. Nelson. First ward : Alderman, Guy J. Clefton.
Second ward: Alderman, O. E. Williamson. Third ward: Alder-
man, William Hart. Fourth ward: Alderman, L. B. Fenner.
Fifth ward : Alderman, Anton Seykora. Board of education :
At large, R. H. G. Netz ; First ward, George Parrott ; Second
ward. Ward Kinyon ; Third ward, E. \V. Lansing; Fourth
ward, William C. Zamboni ; Fifth ward, Anton Seykora.
CHAPTER XX
OWATONNA IMPROVEMENTS
Parks — Central Park — Dartt's Park — Mineral Springs Park —
Second Ward Park — Cemeteries — City Waterworks — Sewer
System — City and Firemen's Hall — Owatonna Library —
City Hospital— Lighting and Heating System — Theater.
Owatonna has been particularly fortunate in her public im-
provements. The lighting- and heating, sewer and waterworks
systems contribute to the comforts of every-day life, while the
parks add not only to the beauty of the city but also promote
the health of the citizens. The cemeteries are beautifully located
and convey that impression of secluded peace with which we are
wont to associate the last resting place of the dead. The City
and P'iremen's Hall is one of which the city may well be proud,
and the library has had an important part in the development of
the higher life of the community. The hospital has alleviated
much pain and sufifering, and has justified its establishment. The
theater, while not owned by the city, may nevertheless be men-
tioned among the public improvements.
OWATONNA PARKS
Owatonna is justly proud of its parks, which are unexcelled
by any in this part of the state. A city's beauty is largely meas-
ured by its parks, and Owatonna's rank as a beautiful city is
ably maintained by this fact. Much credit is due to the men
who have been instrumental in the development and manage-
ment of the parks. For many years the duties of caring for the
city's playgrounds had been left to the common council, a park
committee appointed by the mayor having immediate charge.
This system remained in vogue until November 5, 1907, when
an ordinance was passed vesting the management of the parks
in a committee of nine citizens, to be appointed for a term of
three years by the mayor, subject to the approval of the council.
The present members are as follows: C. A. Tincher, A. N.
Wright. C. P. Sahler, J. F. Fitzgerald, C. J. Clefton, C. H. Rose-
brock, C. K. Bennett, M. J. Brown and T. E. Cashman.
Central Park. When the city of Owatonna, then but a rude
village, was platted, in 1855, the space now occupied by Central
895
896 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Park was forever reserved as a public square, and as such it
was used until the early seventies, answering the purposes of a
hay market, ball ground and a general get-together ])lace. About
1873, however, it was felt that the needs of the community would
be better served by a park, and after much laboring by Clarke
Chambers, Dr. Harsha. and other public-spirited citizens, the
council came to see it in that light, and arranged to have plans
for a suitable park drawn by John Abbott. In spite of consider-
able delay and some opposition, the grounds were laid out and
fenced, trees planted, and a fountain and a band stand con-
structed. The park has been especially valuable as a place for
the Saturday night band concerts, and under its shady trees the
dust and glare of the surrounding streets are forgotten. Numer-
ous improvements have been added from year to year, and
during 1909 hundreds of dollars were spent in raising the level
of the park and in laying the cement walks which encircle and
bisect the park. A new fountain was also added, which helps to
make this beauty spot the more charming.
Dartt's Park. This park was enjoyed as a ];)leasure ground
by the citizens of Owatonna through the generosity of E. 11. S.
Dartt, one of its most unselfish and public-spirited men of affairs.
Mr. Dartt became the owner of this property, located in the
northeastern part of the city, during 1896, and at once took
steps to make it an ideal resort for the weary and city-surfeited.
Maple creek, which wound through the park, was dammed in
judiciously selected spots, greatly increasing the depth of the
water and making a wide lagoon. Bathing houses were erected,
arched bridges spanned the creek, a baseball diamond was laid
out, and a grand stand and band stand built. Without cost or
admission of any kind, these premises were thrown open to the
public. A boat house was later erected, and a gasoline launch
and barge added much to the pleasures of the resort. Mr. Dartt
experienced much difficulty in building dams capable of with-
standing the ravages of the spring freshets, and spent thousands
of dollars in keeping up the park. It is believed that he would
have been glad to donate the park to the city, under certain con-
ditions as to its maintenance, but nothing was done. After his
death, in 1903, the property rapidly went to pieces through
freshets and lack of attention, and its once well deserved name
of "Dartt's Paradise" became rather a misfit. In 1907, after
fruitless attempts to sell it to the city, the property was sold to
J. M. Diment, and is now known as Diment's Park, but has
never been restored to its former splendor.
Mineral Springs Park. As far remote as the early seventies
the remarkable curative properties of Owatonna's celebrated
springs, situated a mile and a half northeast of the city, began
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 897
to be recognized. Simon Case, the owner of the land, succeeded
in getting many of the prominent citizens of Ovvatonna inter-
ested, and about 1875 the Ovvatonna Mineral Springs Company
was organized, with N. M. Donaldson president, M. L. Strong
secretar}', and Edward Donaldson treasurer. "General" H. A.
Beers also did much for the early development of the springs,
the spring from which the celebrated Owatonna vichy water is
taken being named after him. The company procured the serv-
ices of an expert chemist, Professor Enno Sanders, who analyzed
the waters and pronounced them very similar to those of the
famed vichy springs in the Ardennes of France. A circular was
published giving the analysis and expatiating on the marvelous
health-giving qualities of the waters, and it was hoped that a
health resort would be started. Finally the city council was
persuaded to buy the property for a public park, which was
consummated July 3, 1877. February 6, 1883, an adjoining tract
was purchased from Jacob Oppliger, the transaction being vir-
tually an exchange of land between Oppliger and the city.
During 1901, a two-acre piece was added, bringing the park up
to its present area of twenty-four acres. For diversity and charm
of scenery, it stands unsurpassed, being surrounded with wooded
hill and fragrant with the natural flowers for which this part of
the state is noted, making one of nature's most restful and lovely
garden spots. Little could be done to enhance its God-given
beauty. A large pavilion which has been recently remodeled
adds to the comforts of picnickers and visitors, as do numerous
tables and benches. The springs are too numerous to mention.
Several of them are arranged to flow into cement drinking foun-
tains. The present Owatonna Mineral Springs Company, con-
trolled by Dr. Warren S. Briggs, who received an exclusive
twenty-five-year franchise for the sale of water from the springs
in 1903, has done much in the way of advertising the springs
and also the city of Owatonna, its water having a rapidly grow-
ing sale throughout the Northwest. It is supplied to the dining
cars on many of the railroad lines, and thus its fame has spread
all over the United States.
No description of the springs would be complete without
mention of the "Big Rock," a relic of the glacial period, and
one of the largest boulders in this section of the state. Many
improvements have been added to the springs within the last
few years, new dam, bridges and fountains having been installed.
The opening of a new and shorter road to the park, in 1906, a
beautiful driveway, makes the journey worth the while in
itself.
Second Ward Park. During the late nineties the little park,
just south of the Mineral Springs avenue railroad bridge, was
898 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
opened. It was never officially christened, but is known as the
"Second Ward Park." While verj' small in point of area, it
serves to break the nionoton}^ and has helped Owatonna to earn
its name of the "Beautiful City."
OWATONNA WATERWORKS.
The first steps were taken for the establishment of a suit-
able system of city waterworks, Februar}' 7, 1888, when a peti-
tion was presented for the erection of such a plant and accom-
panying mains. This request of the citizens was favorably
received, the council deciding to have the question of issuing
$40,000 bonds for waterworks purposes submitted at the next
March election. After canvassing the returns it was found
that the bonds carried bj' a majority of but eight, and numerous
rumors as to voting frauds made the bonds unsalable. Owing
to the expense incident to determining the matter in the courts,
nothing was done until about a year later, when the council
took steps to obtain authority from the state legislature in
order to change Owatonna's charter so as to allow for the
assessing of part of the cost of sewerage and watermains against
the abutting property. April 2, 1889, a committee composed
of C. Tryon, C. W. Hadley and C. J. Kinyon, aldermen, was
appointed to look up facts and data regarding a system of city
waterworks. At a special election held June 18, 1889, the citi-
zens authorized the bonding of the city to the extent of $30,000
for a waterworks system.
Work was immediately started, the present site for the
engine house purchased, and the contract for the drilling of the
well let to F. P. Rust. W. W. Curtis, an engineer, was chosen
to draw up the plans and specifications, and April 9, 1890, the
contract for the erection and fitting up of the plant was given
to Harrison & Hawley, of St. Paul, consideration $28,889.60.
Less than a year later the plant was in running order, and water
was being supplied to all sections of the cit}' — wherever there
was sufficient demand for it — as fast as the mains and piping
could be laid. Every year has witnessed an extension of the
water service, and the city now has over fourteen miles of
mains and nearly a thousand consumers of city water. The
total cost of the plant and mains has been in the neighborhood
of $90,000. About 1895, the west side was piped. During the
past year — 1910-1911 — the water mains have been greatly ex-
tended, several thousand feet of piping having been laid.
Artesian wells supply the water, which is of unexcelled
purity. The original well which supplied the city alone until
1898, is between three and four hundred feet deep. About
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 899
1898, three other wells were added, varying in depth from
eighty-three to eight3--ninc feet. Water from these is pumped
into a large reservoir and thence into the mains, but the water
from the original well is pumped direct. A stand-pipe, located
in the southeastern portion of the city, over a hundred feet in
height. kce])s the pressure strong and uniform.
All that goes to make up a first-class plant of its kind is
included in the city's pumping station. Two engines with boil-
ers, sixty feet by sixteen, developing over eighty horsepower
apiece, furnish adequate power for all conditions ever met with.
The pumps are of the most modern make, one being a Smith-
Vail and the other a Smedley, together having a pumping capa-
city of 700 gallons per minute.
Isaac Sorsoleil was the first engineer proving himself an
efficient and faithful employee during his eleven years of service.
He was succeeded b}' the present engineer, E. J. Crawford, in
August, 1901, Mr. Crawford having previously worked several
years as an assistant. His careful and judicious management
has always met with the approval of the city fathers. Frank
Orlowski is now assistant engineer.
Much is due to the men who have had charge of the business
end of Owatonna's waterworks system. Up till 1898, the water-
works committee of the city council appointed a man from
year to year to keep the books, collect rents, etc. S. M. Byrne
served in that capacitj^ for several years, being succeeded by
S. S. Green. In 1898. M. B. Pratt was elected superintendent
of waterworks b}' the council, and held the office with few inter-
ruptions for five or six years. The other superintendents who
have filled this office for varying periods of time are, J. N.
Niles, Harry D. Tompkins, S. S. Green, Karl P. Theimer and
Harvey S. Dartt. Since the adoption of the new charter, in
1909, the duties of this office have been borne jointly by the
city clerk and engineer, C. J. Servatius and Harvey S. Dartt.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS, GAS AND HEATING.
The progressive citizens of Owatonna began to realize about
1889 that an electric plant would mean much for the growth
and development of the city. Steps were taken to induce a
company to come in, but the population of the city was hardly
sufficient to make a paying proposition assured. Henry Birkett,
George R. Kinyon and other prominent men of affairs succeeded
in getting a franchise from the council, March 16, 1889, for the
establishment of an electric plant, the papers being in Mr.
Birkett's name, and the idea being to offer the franchise gratis
to any company that would use it. This was never done, how-
675^3 't'^
900 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
ever, and June 13, 1897, it was officially revoked by the city
council, it having been null and void for years on account of
non-usage. During 1890, a franchise was granted by the city
council to an outside corporation, lieaded and managed by two
brothers of the name of Pierce, and electric lighting and other
conveniences speedily became a reality for Owatonna. The first
electric street lamps was installed, and the court house and
other public, as well as private buildings wired. This company
continued until aljout 1900, with various changes in the man-
agement, tht quality of service also fluctuating.
The Owatonna Electric Company, controlled by a ]\Ir. Da-
zell, entered the field in 1900, purchasing the franchise rights
and equipment of the preceding company, and securing a twenty-
five year francliise direct from the council, allowing the esta-
blishment of a gas and hot water heating plant in addition.
Mr. Dazell did not have the necessary financial backing, and
so a year later he sold to the present owner of the Public
Service Operating Company, A. J. Stahl, of LaPorte, Indiana.
C. L. Powell was installed as manager, the heating and electric
light service was greatly extended, and the company has ever
since done a thriving business. Dozens of different resident
managers have held sway, prominent among them E. G. Porter,
L. L. Herrick, W. H. Wilfred and Harry G. Wagner. Charles
L. Yergin is the present incumbent. A gas franchise was
granted the company, in 1906, and the others renewed for a
period of twenty years. Owing to the fact that the Public
Service company has had a monopoly for many years, it is
alleged by many citizens that they have been until recently
excessive as to rates. In order to remedy this state of affairs,
the question of bonding the citj- for a $50,000 municipal electric
light plant was submitted to the voters at the last March elec-
tion and approved by an overwhelming majority. With this
whip in their hands, the council with the aid of an expert elec-
trician, J. Millar, undertook to force the company to come to
reasonable terms, surrender their franchises and take others
under the new charter. It seemed very probable that this
arrangement would be made, until A. L. Ober, of Chatfield,
Minnesota, entered the field, asking for an electric and gas
franchise. After careful consideration of Mr. Ober's terms,
they were accepted, and a twenty-five year franchise has been
recently signed by him and the city, and it is expected that Mr.
Ober will deposit the bonds necessary within the near future.
A ten-year street-lighting franchise, providing for a large in-
crease in the number of lights, has also been given him. The
Public Service Operating Company has expressed its willing-
ness to surrender its franchises and take others under the new
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 901
charter in order to help preserve its treasured monopoly, but
has been refused. The company is in a very prosperous condi-
tion, however, and as it has many years of life under its old
franchise, it will doubtless continue to do business. They have
recently laid several thousand feet of gas mains through the
west side, making a total of over eight miles of gas lines, and
now have about four hundred consumers of gas, from five to
six hundred of electricity, and over a hundred of hot water heat.
The service has been greatly improved of late, and liberal
inducements are being oflfered to new customers. They have
about a mile and a quarter of hot water piping. Their equip-
ment is entirely up-to-date, consisting of generators and other
electrical machinery — mostly of Allis-Chalmers make — of the
best types. The engine develops in the neighborhood of five
hundred horsepower. Carbureted water gas is furnished.
Numerous companies have, at various times, seriously con-
sidered establishing plants in Owatonna, but have failed to
materialize. John I. Wilson, D. E. Virtue, C. L. Pound, orga-
nized as the Light, Heat and Power Company of the city of
Owatonna, created quite a ripple in 1900, and procured a fran-
chise for an electric, steam and hot water heating plant, January
5, 1900, which they never took advantage of. It lapsed through
their failure to use it, and was officially revoked by the council
June 7, 1904.
OWATONNA SEWERS.
Shortly after the installation of the waterworks system in
1891, the city began arranging for a suitable sewerage system.
There were practically no sewerage lines in Owatonna at this
time, that of Pillsbury academy — partly built at the city's ex-
pense, in 1889, and emptying into Maple Creek, being the only
one of importance. Charles F. Lowetli, a civil engineer of St.
Paul, was awarded the contract for the plans which contem-
plated the laying of several thou.sand feet of piping. Cedar being
the first street to be supplied. The bid of Clefton Brothers,
$8,506.97, on this work was officially accepted, March 23, 1892,
and construction immediately commenced. The city now has
eleven and three-quarter miles of city sewers, put in at a cost
of $48,696. No year has passed without the laying of new
lines. During 1904, the west side got its first sewerage service,
twelve hundred feet being laid at an expense of about twelve
hundred dollars. This sewer empties into Straight river, as do
all the lines in the other portions of the city, excepting the Pills-
bury academy sewer, and a few hundred feet of line in that
neighborhood, which drain into Maple Creek. The sewer system
902 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
has been greatly extended this last year — 1910 — and at present
rapid progress is being made.
CEMETERIES.
Forest Hill Cemetery. The first Owatonna cemetery was
established near the present depot of the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul and Northwestern railroad lines, and remained there
until the coming of the railroads in 1866. The property was then
taken for right-of-way, and the city purchased a suitable site,
located west of the river and north of city, and immediately
began the removal of the bodies. These grounds were used for
cemetery purposes until 1872, during which year the city became
the owner of the present site of the Forest Hill cemetery,
arrangements being made with the recently organized Forest
Hill Cemeter}' Association whereby the city became the owners
of the property, but left its control and management with the
association. The association consists of all citizens owning lots
in the cemetery, and a board of directors is elected yearly who
render detailed reports to the city at regular intervals and
attend to the maintenance of the grounds. Seth Hotchkiss and
L. Bixby were respectively president and secretary of the first
board, and signed the deed conveying the property to the city.
The members of the present board are as follows : Dr. A. C.
Searl, president; H. Schmidt, secretary; George R. Kinyon,
treasurer; A. L. Sperry, Harvey S. Dartt, and Guy B. Bennett.
H. Schmidt ranks first in length of service, having been a mem-
ber since 1880, and secretary since 1888.
G. W. Shaw was the first actuary, and after several years
was succeeded by S. N. Scrgant who held the office up to 1891.
T. J. Rions was then chosen, and remained in charge until the
first of July, 1908, when F. W. Adams, the present actuary,
assumed office.
Forest Hill cemetery is located on Mineral Springs avenue,
a fifteen-minute walk from the heart of the city. It contains
thirty acres of land, and is one of the most naturally beautiful
spots in the state, being well elevated above the surrounding
country and thickly covered with native trees which have been
judiciously thinned. Model driveways wind in and out through
the grounds, and the well-kept grass and flowers add to the
charming eflfect, a general air of quiet and peace prevailing,
making a fitting resting place for those gone before. Besides
the city vault, installed about 1890, there are eight private vaults,
many of them of rich and costly design. In 1892, the actuary's
house was built, situated just east of the grounds. The ceme-
tery is thoroughly up-to-date in all its appointments. A fifteen
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 903
hundred foot, covered drainage ditch is being put in at present,
and a new road leading to the cemetery will be added after
its completion.
Sacred Heart Cemetery. Fortj-two years ago, the present
Sacred Heart cemeter}' was inaugurated, five acres of land,
situated about a mile and a half south of Owatonna, being
purchased from I""rank Kubista. Five more have been added
during the past year, and the installation of a vault in the near
future seems certain. The property is in the name of the
Right Reverend Bishop lleffren, of Winona, but Father Pivo
of the Sacred Heart church, together with an executive com-
mittee, consisting of John Lynard, Thomas Cashman, Charles
Ringhofer and Andrew Parolik, have the management. The
well-kept grounds and graves enhance the natural beauty of
the place.
German Lutheran. The Owatonna congregation came into
ownership of its present cemetery consisting of three and a
half acres, located directly north of the Forest Hill cemetery.
May 1, 1901, the property being purchased from the Forest Hill
Cemetery Association at a cost of $750. Much of this amount
had been previously raised by the sale of lots. A fence and
other improvements have entailed an expenditure of over $100.
The cemetery is under the direction of a board of managers,
consisting of Fred W. Tuerk, president ; William Hammond,
secretary; John Martin, treasurer; Carl Kaspri, Charles Finger,
Louis Wilker and Louis Wobbrock.
CITY AND FIREMEN'S HALL.
In the sjM-ing of 1905, the Owatonna fire department began
agitating, with characteristic vigor and energy, the question
of a suitable city and firemen's hall to take the place of the
antiquated structure then in use. The firemen early showed
a willingness to do more than their part, offering a contribution
amounting to $4,500, provided the city agreed to erect a building
to cost not less than $16,000. This donation consisted of the
site, which the firemen had purchased for $3,500, and $1,000 in
cash. They also agreed to loan to the city for two years the
money necessary to provide up-to-date fire equipment.
The proposition met with favor with the city fathers, and
they granted a petition, drawn up and circulated by the firemen,
asking for the submission to the people at a special election of
the question of issuing $15,000 bonds for the building. The
special election was held September 19, 1905, and the bonds
voted, but a month later the legalit}' of the bonds was challenged
in the courts by a tax-payer, and they were declared illegal on
904 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
account of the loose manner in wliich action was taken in
ordering the special election.
Thus it became necessary for the work of circulating a peti-
tion, and again securing a satisfactory vote on the matter, to
be done all over again. In the meantime, the firemen were
offered $4,500 for the site, $1,000 more than they had paid for it,
but the ofTer was refused. Nevertheless it practically added
$1,000 to the amount the firemen were contributing toward the
building.
The election of March, 1906, finally decided the bond ques-
tion, their issue being authorized by a majority of 112. Great
care was taken to have the proceedings correct, so that no
further trouble was experienced.
July 17, bids were received for the construction of the
building, that of Hammel Brothers and Anderson, $19,643, being
accepted, and work was immediately begun.
The cornerstone was laid with impressive ceremonies under
the auspices of the iVIasonic order, September 8, 1906, and Chief
E. j\l. Twiford of the fire department formally presented the
city the deed to the lots and $1,000 in cash.
As the building neared completion, it became evident that
it was to cost more than at first planned, and again the firemen
showed true public spirit. Under the agreement the city was
to finish the entire building, giving the firemen a perpetual
lease of the third floor. Now the firemen agreed to the third
floor's remaining unfinished, or in other words undertook to
finish it themselves, which they subsequently did at an expense
of about $2,000, thus making their total contribution to the hall
over $6,000.
The opening of this magnificent City and Firemen's hall,
October 5, 1907, will be long treasured in the minds of the
citizens of this city. Every business, profession and trade,
every degree of affluence, every class of society, was repre-
sented, and all mingled happily together in the festivities of the
occasion, which formally introduced Owatonna's new civic home
and the headquarters of one of its leading official organizations
to the public. A fine promenade concert, a grand ball and a
sumptuous banquet, each sufficient for an event by itself, and all
combined making the occasion an event of the first magnitude
in the history of Owatonna. The music for the concert was
furnished by members of the Owatonna military band, who
generously donated their services for the occasion.
The structure itself is representative of the highest type of
buildings of this character, and is one of which any cit}' might
well be proud. The first floor is devoted to engine and stable
room. The second contains the municipal court, council cham-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 905
ber, firemen's sleeping room, and three offices. The third Hoor
inchides the large dance hall, cloak rooms, and a large retiring
room in front.
It is of interest to know that the oak used in the interior
woodwork was cut from trees grown in Steele county. The
exterior of the building is composed of a high grade of white
brick, with sandstone arching the doors.
Too much credit cannot be given to Fire-chief E. M. Twi-
ford, who, more than any other man awoke the citizens to a
realization of their need of this building. Every fireman, in fact,
was an active worker and promoter. The city is also especially
indebted to Messrs. Robson, HofYman. Williamson and Clefton,
members of the building committee of the common council
during 1906 and 1907, who gave freely and generously of their
time.
CITY HOSPITAL.
The Owatonna City Hospital is located on Cedar street, sur-
rounded bj' a beautiful lawn, the building consisting of the orig-
inal brick veneered residence of J. A. Oppliger, with an addition
erected by the city and an addition erected by W. H. Kelly at
a cost of $10,000. Various additions and improvements have
also been made by Mrs. Elizabeth Batzle, in memory of her
husband. Up to 1909 the hospital board was an advisory one,
but since the change in the city charter the hospital board is
independent, and is allowed a certain sum each year for the
maintenance of the institution. The present board consists of
one member from each ward of the city and one elected at large.
The members of the board are : President, M. S. Alexander ;
secretary, A. H. Smith ; W. H. Vinton. John Deviny, Frank
LaBarre and O. K. Kubat. The hospital has about thirty rooms,
most of which were furnished by various individuals and organi-
zations of the city.
The Owatonna City Hospital is the outgrowth of a sentiment
which assumed tangible form during the summer of 1899. At
that time the need of an institution of this kind was discussed
among the physicians of the city in an informal way, and the
conclusion unanimously reached that the time was ripe for
putting in operation the plans which then seemed proper and
feasible. Subscriptions to the amount of $1,200 were obtained,
and in March, 1900, the city voted $10,000 for the purchase of
a suitable location and the erection of the necessary buildings
for a hospital. At the same time a board of nine was appointed
by the council as follows: S. R. Nelson (chairman), G. W.
Peachey (secretary), M. J. Toher, M. S. Alexander, A. G. Leick,
906 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
G. J. Kaplan, John Deviny, John Adsit and William Gausewitz.
The board organized at once and elected an advisory board of
five physicians, consisting of Drs. Adair, Hatch. Smersh, Schulze
and Eustis. After duly considering various sites, the property
of the late J. A. Oppliger on South Cedar street was purchased
for $6,500. An addition was at once erected at a cost of $1,500.
The Kelly addition was built in 1906.
OWATONNA PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The history of the Owatonna Free Public Library properly
begins at the time of the death of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Hunewill,
which occurred on February 4, 1896. Mrs. Hunewill bequeathed
to the city of Owatonna the specific sum of $10,000 and the
further sum of two-fifths of her residuary estate, to be used for
library purposes under the following terms and conditions : Five
thousand dollars to be used to pay the last bills on a building to
cost not less than $10,000 exclusive of the lot ; and the remain-
ing $5,000 together with the residuary legacy to be kept
forever intact as an endowment fund, and the interest therefrom
only to be used'for the purchase of books for the library. More-
over, the entire becjuest was based upon the further condition
that the city of Owatonna establish a public library under the
laws of the state of Minnesota and provide for its perpetual
maintenance and purchase books for the same at a cost of not
less than $5,000. It soon became evident by reason of the
successful and economical administration of the estate of Mrs.
Hunewill, that the residuary legacy would amount to at least
$11,500. Therefore, encouraged by the assurance of a splendid
legacy of $24,500 the city council unanimously voted to estab-
lish the public library under the state law, and pursuant thereto
chose a library board of nine directors. The library board as
thus constituted held its first meeting January 8, 1897.
September 18, 1897, the city council purchased, for the sum
of $3,000, the excellent site upon which the library building
now stands and deeded the same to the board of directors. On
January 25, 1898, the library board requested the city council to
put to a vote at the fallowing March election, the proposition to
issue $10,000 library bonds. This proposition was voted by a
large majority. The provisions of the state library law allowed
a tax, not to exceed one mill, in cities of the size of Owatonna,
to be levied for the support of the library and accordingly, in
the fall of 1897, a tax of $1,000 (two-thirds of a mill) was
levied by the council. Therefore, the board were enabled to
enter upon the task of building and equipping the library. The
board then spent much time in studying the buildings and equip-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 907
ments of other libraries. It soon became apparent that the best
results could be secured by having a committee visit several
model libraries in the East where the library movement has
reached its most widespread development. The board, therefore,
chose two of its members as such committee, who, in August,
1898, made a journey to Boston and vicinity, covering a distance
of over 3,500 miles, occupying over two weeks' time, and for
which journey the board allowed each member of the committee
$75.00 for expenses.
September 7, 1898, this committee made a written report to
the board. The report was unanimously adopted and the board
set to work to obtain a building which should, as far as pos-
sible, embrace the ideas as set forth in the report. During the
fall of 1898 the plans of the present building were perfected. It
then became evident that a suitable building which should in all
respects meet the requirements of a model library, and at the
same time be suitable to the size of the city of Owatonna, could
not be built for much less than $20,000. At this point a large
number of our public spirited citizens gave a written guarantee
to the board in the sum of $5,000, making it possible to let
the contract at once. And in accordance with this guarantee
the citizens again voted in in March, 1899, by a large majority,
to issue $5,000 additional library bonds. Having thus provided
for the construction of the library building, it was necessary to
give attention to the purchase of $5,000 worth of books in accord-
ance with the Hunewill bequest.
Miss A. L. Sargent of the Medford, Mass., public library,
was engaged to prepare a buyer's catalogue of 5,000 best books
for the library. Later Miss Sargent was employed regularly as
agent for the purchase of books and also to catalogue and to
prepare the books for library use. This work occupied several
months and was performed to the great satisfaction of the board.
The furnishing and maintaining of the children's rooms, which
could not otherwise have been available until a later time, on
account of lack of funds, was undertaken and successfully com-
pleted by the ladies, members of the Nineteenth Century Club,
and of the Cosmopolitan Club, both of Owatonna.
In brief, the library, as it stood on the opening day, ground,
building, equipment and books, represented an investment of
practically $32,000, and $27,000 of this sum had come from the
public funds and $5,000 had come from the Hunewill fund. In
return for this expenditure of money, there is an endowment
fund of about $16,500, which yields an annual income of about
$900 to be used for the purchase of books.
The library was opened on February 22, 1900, and has had a
large and increasing patronage since that date.
908 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
The liberality of the citizens of Owatonna in voting bonds
for the library and the subsequent good will and loyaltv of the
city council in providing for deficiencies in the funds of the
library board, should be praised. And mention should be made
especially of the tireless efforts and vigilant watchfulness of a
few persons, intensely interested in the library movement for
Owatonna, who shamed opposition and who bore the burden of
such a difficult undertaking.
The present librarian is Elizabeth H. Plumb, and the present
members of the board: R. G. Nelson (chairman), A. L. Sperry
(secretary), John Adsit, Benjamin F. Darby, C. K. Bennett,
H. K. Tompkins, Dr. J. H. Adair, Rev. P. J. Kiernan and Robert
Johnson.
The library maintains branches at Havana, Bixby and Ellen-
dale.
OPERA HOUSE.
The Metropolitan Opera House is one of the quasi-public
buildings of the city, of which the citizens may well be proud.
It was opened November 4, 1897, by Otis Skinner, and Novem-
ber 1, 1904, passed into the possession of W. F. Gage, of La
Crosse and Albert Lea, the consideration being $15,000 in cash
and the agreement that the building should be maintained as a
theater so long as it should stand. C. J. Servatius is the present
local manager.
On September 8, 1896, a public meeting was held in the
court house to consider the question of building an opera house.
M. B. Chadvvick was elected chairman and S. S. Green, secre-
tary. At this meeting a proposition was made by a number of
gentlemen. This proposition said that if the citizens would
contribute $5,000 they would agree to secure the lot on Main
and South Cedar 66x132 feet, and erect thereon a substantial
three-story building of pressed brick, modern in all respects, to
cost not less than $20,000 exclusive of site. The building was to
have a seating capacity of 1,000 persons. The gentlemen making
this proposition were B. S. Cook, W. R. Kinyon, Geo. R. Kin-
yon, C. S. Crandall, S. R. Nelson, T. H. Kefly, J. M. Schafer,
P. Ganser, J. Glaeser, H. M. Hastings, C. M. Lorence, J. A. Op-
pliger, M. S. Alexander, W. H. Kelly, Hammel Bros., H. R.
Moore, L. L. Wheelock. W. A. Sperry, Jos. Hoffman, Wm.
Gauswitz, N. J. Schafer, Herman Schmidt, C. Butsch, Nor-
man Evans, L. G. Nelson, L. L. Bennett and Carl K. Ben-
nett. A Committee was appointed to canvass the meet-
ing to see what might be secured at that time, and later
the following ward committees were appointed for the same
purpose : First ward, Dr. A. B. Stewart, J. Newsalt, Jas. W.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 909
Connor; second ward, A. G. Leick, E. W. Richter, S. F. McClane;
third ward, Lewis Lord, G. W. Peachey, A. J. Ogden ; fourth
ward, J. H. Robson, W. E. McClintock, Charles Fuermann.
On September 22, these committees reported that $3,600 had
been raised, and two other committees were appointed to assist
in the work. These were: J. M. Dimcnt, P. Ganser, Jos. Hoff-
man, J. Z. Barncard and J. A. Oppliger. The other committee
was made up of E. C. Zaml)oni, C. J. Clefton, Cliarles Albertus
and E. K. Whiting.
On September 29 they reported that tlie $3,000 liad been
raised. Messrs. J. W. Connor, J. H. Robson, A. G. Leick, J. M.
Diment, Lewis Lord and S. S. Green were appointed to collect
this money and deposit it in the bank.
On December 2, 1896, a meeting of interested parties was
held and the articles of incorporation were adopted. The in-
corporators were M. S. Alexander, H. M. Hastings, W. A.
Sperry, C. S. Crandall, Geo. R. Kinyon, O. Lindesmith, Wm.
Gausewitz, Peter Ganser, N. C. Nelson, Soren R. Nelson, S. G.
Nelson, Herman Schmidt, L. L. Wheelock, Joseph Hoffman,
J. M. Diment, Louis F. Hammel, John L. Hammel, Norman
Evans, W. H. Kelly, N. J. Schafer, J. M. Schafer, W. R. Kinyon,
J. A. Oppliger and Jacob Glaeser. The capital stock of the com-
pany was placed at $20,000 and the company was given power
to contract debts to the amount of $10,000. The first officers
of the company were : M. S. Alexander, president ; J. M. Diment,
vice president ; L. G. Nelson, secretary ; Herman Schmidt, treas-
urer. Board of directors, M. S. Alexander, H. M. Hastings, J. M.
Diment, W. A. Sperry, T. H. Kelly, C. S. Crandall, Geo. R.
Kinyon, O. Lindesmith, Wm. Gausewitz, Peter Ganser and N. C.
Larson. Architect Snyder Lovell, of Chicago, was engaged to
make the plans and specifications, and later L. F. Hammel was
engaged as superintendent of construction. When they met to
open the bids it was found that but one bid had been made, and
it was for the sum of $23,000 to complete the building ready for
ocupancy. It was decided to erect the building by days' work
under Mr. Hammel's superintendency and thus the building was
completed and gotten ready for the opening night.
STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
One of the attractive features of the landscape in Owatonna
is the beautiful state public school, with its sightly lawn, hand-
some buildings and well-tilled farm. The site adjoins the city
on the west, and originally consisted of 160 acres of good farm
land, the gift of the city of Owatonna, to which has been added
eighty acres purchased by the state in 1897. The school is con-
910 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
ducted on the cottage plan, and the present buildings, thirteen
in number, comprise an administration building, six cottages, a
school house, hospital, superintendent's residence, a farm house,
laundry and heating plant, and two barns, all irregularly and
attractively placed on an undulating plat overlooking the beauti-
ful Straight river valley and the city of Owatonna. The cost of
the property, including land, buildings and improvements has
been about $266,000.
The school was established by act of the legislature in 1885,
largely due to the efforts of the Hon. C. S. Crandall, of Owatonna,
and was opened for the reception of children, in December, 1886.
The commission, which selected the site and erected the first
building, was composed of Governor L. F. Hubbard, C. S. Cran-
dall, of Owatonna; Anthony Kelley, of Minneapolis; William
Morin, of Albert Lea; John Byers, of Hastings, and B. B. Her-
bert, of Red Wing. The present superintendent is G. A. Merrill,
and the resident officers are appointed by the board of directors
without term. The board of control, which consists of Damon S.
Cummings, of Waseca; C. R. Boostrom, of Austin, and Louis F.
Hammel, of Owatonna, is appointed by the governor, one mem-
ber every six years.
The school is for dependent and neglected children. They
are admitted in the first instance upon orders from the courts;
and most of them from the probate court through proceedings
begun by the county commissioners, but some from the municipal
and district courts, in which the parents or guardians are prose-
cuted for ill treating their children, and found to be improper
guardians of them. Both boys and girls, otherwise eligible, are
admitted at any age under fifteen, and are retained until they
are fitted to be placed in homes and satisfactory homes are
found. The statuatory steps necessary to be taken are simple
and divested of every feature resembling a criminal proceeding.
Homelessness, dependence or ill treatment are the grounds upon
which admittance may be obtained. All children committed
become wards of the state, but may be returned to their parents
by the voluntary action of the board of control. In the school
the children are classified in families of from twenty to thirty
each, each family occupying a cottage under the care of a matron
and an assistant. A splendid herd of healthy cow affords good
milk in abundance, and the farm yields vegetables in extensive
variety, also fruits, including apples, plums, raspberries, straw-
berries and currents. The farm is a source of profit and a valua-
ble means of education, classes of boys working and receiving
instructions in the garden, greenhouse, orchard and on the farm.
A graded school is conducted in a fine well furnished eight-room
building, on the premises a little distance from the cottage
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 911
dwellers. The library of about a thousand well selected books in
this building is a valuable aid to the school work.
The pupils are graded according to their educational status,
as in the public schools. Six teachers are employed, and the
several classes under their charge are instructed in sloyd, domes-
tic science, kindergarten, vocal music and the subjects in the
primary, intermediate, and grammar grades. These classes in-
clude all of the children in the school above four years of age,
the kindergarten, including those from four to six.
When the children are placed out, a trial period of three
months is given, during which the foster parents may return
them at will. The indenture contract, which is signed when the
child leaves the school, is so conditioned as to insure the child
a speedy release from an unhappy or ill chosen home. It requires
the foster parents to receive him as a member of the family, to
send him to school, to see that he attends church, to care for
him in sickness and to have him taught some useful occupation.
At the end of the indenture period, when the child is eighteen
years old, he is to receive a small sum of money, usually $75.
But the duty of the state does not end when the children are
placed in homes. Adequate supervision for them is necessary
to secure the fulfilment of the indenture contracts. For this
purpose state agents are employed, and it is the duty of such
agents to visit the children in homes and see that they receive
kind treatment and such advantages as they need. The agents
are also charged with the duty of personally investigating appli-
cations from families desiring to receive children.
CHAPTER XXI
OWATONNA ORGANIZATIONS
Masonic Orders — Pythian Societies — Odd Fellows' Lodges —
Fraternal Insurance Lodges — Catholic Orders — Women's
Clubs— Contributed by E. E. Bigelow, M. D.— Clubs and
Organizations.
Owatonna is one of the fraternal centers of southern Minne-
sota, and all the leading orders are represented here. In the fol-
lowing article, Dr. E. E. Bigelow has gathered statistics which
will prove of great value to all who arc interested in the societies
mentioned therein.
MASONIC ORDERS
Star in the East Lodge, No. 33, A. F. and A. M. On Decem-
ber 16, A. D. 1859. A. O. "41. a dispensation was granted to open
and operate a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at Owatonna,
which was done, the first meeting being presided over by the
right worshipful grand junior warden of Faribault Lodge, No. 9,
with John Kelso as secretary. The lodge was named Star in the
East, No. 33. On January 23, 1860, the first stated commimica-
tion under the dispensation was held, and elected J. C. Whipple,
W. M. ; E. M. Morehouse, S. W. : Joel Wilson, j. W.; Nelson
Morehouse, treasurer ; John Kelso, secretary ; Thomas Thomp-
son, .S. D.. and David Lindersmith, J. D. The organization was
formed by men who had first been made master Masons either
at the Faribault or Wilton lodge. While the lodge was working
under dispensation, it does not appear that any set of officers
were elected, either J. C. Whipple, S. C. Williamson, J. W. Mor-
ford, W. R. Kinyon, W. H. Wilsey or E. M. Morehouse acting
as W. M. On October 24, A. D. 1860, A. O. 741, a charter was
granted, naming as ofificers : S. C. Williamson, W^ M. ; E. M.
Morehouse, S. W., and Joel Wilson, J. W^
The following have been elected to the different offices since
its final organization, the first named under each year being
the worshipful master, the second the senior warden, and the
third the junior warden. October 29, 1860, W. R. Kinyon. E. M.
Morehouse, W. H. Wilsey, to continue through the year of
186L 1863— J. W. Morford, Joel Wilson, W. H. Wilsey. 1865—
J. W. Morford, W. R. Kinyon, W. H. Wilsey. 1866— J. W.
912
HISTORY OF RICE "AND STEELE COUNTIES 913
Morford, W. II. Kelley, II. C. Eldred. 1867— J. W. Morford,
H. J. Lewis, A. B. Webber. 1868— J. W. Morford, H. J. Lewis,
E. Scannell. 1869— H. J. Lewis, J. A. Robey, L. S. Padgham.
1870— J. W. Morford, J. A. Robey, L. S. Padgham. 1871— J. W.
Morford, A. C. Hickman, Hiram Backus. 1872 — A. C. Hickman,
H. Backus, L. L. Wheelock. 1873— J. W. Morford, J. D. Holden,
D. Whipple. 1874— J. D. Holden, A. C. Hickman," H. H. Rose-
brock. 1875— J. D. Holden, A. C. Dodge, A. C. Gutterson. 1876
—A. C. Dodge, M. B. Chadwick, N. C. Larson. 1877— A. C.
Dodge, M. B. Chadwick, J. M. Burlingame. 1879— J. M. Bur-
lingame, C. H. Randall, George D. Holden. 1880— L. L. Wheel-
ock, H. H. Rosebrock, H. Birkett. 1881— J. D. Holden, I. U.
Jones, N. C. Larson. 1882— J. D. Holden. M. B. Chadwick, H. S.
Hill. 1883— M. B. Chadwick, H. S. Hill, I. H. DeWolf. 1884—
M. B. Chadwick, H. S. Hill, J. Z. Barncard. 1885— H. Birkett,
N. C. Larsen, C. W. Burdick. 1886— N. J. Schafer, C. W. Bur-
dick, D. Moody. 1887— N. J. Schafer, C. W. Burdick, D. Downie.
1888— H. Birkett, David Downie, Geo. D. Holden. 1889— H.
Birkett, David Downie, George D. Holden. 1890— Geo. D.
Holden, C. W. Burdick, L. Anderson. 1891— N. J. Schafer, C.
W. Burdick, James Morton. 1892— C. W. Burdick, Geo. Kin-
yon, H. H. Herick. 1893— Geo. D. Holden, Geo. R. Kinyon,
H. H. Herick. 1894— M. B. Chadwick, P. J. Rolf, William Mork.
1895— P. J. Rolf, N. C. Larson, N. J. Schafer. 1896— P. J. Rolf,
William Mork, C. H. Rosebrock. 1897— P. J. Rolf, Hans Ander-
son, C. H. Rosebrock. 1898— Hans Anderson, C. J. Balch, J. F.
Rogers. 1899— Hans Anderson, C. J. Balch. J. F. Rogers. 1900
—Hans Anderson, C. J. Balch, J. F. Rogers. 1901— C. J. Balch,
J. F. Rogers, A. E. Sebelin. 1902— J. F. Rogers, P. J. Kuntz,
W. J. Lieb. 1903— C. J. Balch, W. J. Leib, A. G. Pinkham. 1904
—P. J. Kuntz, W. J. Leib, A. G. Pinkham. 1905— P. J. Kuntz,
A. J. Pinkham. W. H. Vinton. 1906— A. J. Pinkham, W. H.
Vinton, A. R. Stewart. 1907— W. H. Vinton, A. B. Stewart,
M. J. Brown. 1908— A. B. Stewart, M. J. Brown, H. C. Hower.
1909— M. J. Brown, II. C. Howe, E. A. Brown. 1910— M. J.
Brown, H. C. Howe, E. A. Brown.
Star in the East Lodge, A. F. & A. M., was organized in a
small room over an old wooden building situated on the lot now
occupied by the new Firemen's Hall. The hall was approached
from an outside stairway, at the top of which was situated a
boarded-up vestibule which served as the ante and preparation
room. This vestibule, so the Hon. W. R. Kinyon, the first wor-
shipful master under the charter, informs us, was not the warm-
est preparation room in the world, especially when the ther-
mometer stood at 30 below zero, as often happened at the time
of reception of candidates. .\t the completion of the Morford
914 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Hall, over a wooden building where the Rosebrock Block now
stands, the lodge became possessed of more comfortable quar-
ters, where it remained imtil May 13, 1874, when it moved into
the third-storv hall in the Dresser Block, since owned by the
National Farmers' Bank. This was an elaborate hall, with ante-
room reception rooms, dining-room, kitchen and closets, all
handily arranged and fitted with first-class furniture and para-
phernalia of all kinds needed for comfort and convenience.
Judge M. B. Chadwick had the honor of being made the first
member in the new quarters. In 1873 the lodge was incorporated.
In the spring of 1903 it became evident, for the reason that
the National Farmers' Bank had determined soon to remove the
old building for the purpose of erecting the new one now occu-
pied by them, that the lodge must look for new quarters again.
William H. Kelley, then in the process of erecting the present
Kelley Block, kindly consented to provide for the hall now occu-
pied by the lodge, chapter and commandery, and which was dedi-
cated and opened for use on January 14, A. D. 1903, A. O. 785.
The most worshipful grand master, A. D. Countryman, who had
consented to the same, was present, accompanied by his grand
senior warden, Thomas Montgomery, with L. L. Wheelock as
grand junior warden, \V. J. Naylor as grand treasurer, T. J.
Howe as grand secretary, and John Wesley Carter as grand
chaplain. Grant Bronson as grand pursuivant, and others, mem-
bers of the local lodge, opened a special grand lodge in the recep-
tion room adjoining the new hall, and with Henry Birkett, Will-
iam Mork, Norman Evans and N. C. Larson as bearers of the
lodge, and Rev. George C. Tanner as bearer of the book of con-
stitutions, conducted by Re\'. A. C. Pinkham as grand marshal,
proceeded into the hall and dedicated it to Masonry in due and
ample form. The new hall is amply provided with reception
rooms, anterooms, closets for paraphernalia and regalia, dining-
room and kitchen, together with electric lights and all other
modern improvements for the comfort and convenience of the
lodge members, who at this time number 122 in good standing,
among whom are the best and most influential business men of
the city and county. The regular communications of the lodge
are held on the second and fourth W'ednesday evenings of each
month.
Cedar Chapter, No. 123, Order of the Eastern Star. This
chapter was instituted at Masonic Hall on November 3, 1897.
The first officers were: Rev. A. J. Pinkham, worthy patron, and
Mrs. Nellie .'\. Balch, worthy matron, who, together with the
following, were charter members: Mrs. Cornelia Mork, Mrs.
Lula Hendrix, Mrs. Jessie Hall, Mrs. Augusta Fuerman, Mrs.
A. F. Bennett, Mrs. Virginia Ames, Mrs. Louise Schafer, Mrs.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 915
Albertta Rolf, Mrs. Matilda S. Lieb, and Anna Mork, Lilly
Mork, Una E. Ames, Addie P. Balch, N. Maud Ames, G. W.
Shaw, William Mork, C. J. Balcli. David J. Ames, Geo. S. Hall,
N. J. Scliafer and W. J. Licb. The present officers are : John
N. Nelson, worthy patron, and Mrs. Minnie Thompson, worthy
matron. There are sixty-seven members, and meetings are held
at 7:30, at Masonic Hall, on the first and third ^Vednesday even-
ings of each month. The Eastern Star was instituted for the
purpose of extending the social and instructive benefits of the
Masonic fraternity to the wives and daughters and sisters of
Masons in good standing in the order, and it at once became a
very popular and influential organization, its influence being
felt all over the country. Its members arc always cordially
received in sister lodges wherever met.
Owatonna Chapter, No. 15, R. A. M. On September 28,
A. D. 1866, A. O. 748. a dispensation was granted to W. R. Kin-
yon, M. F. Louth, L. H. Kelley, T. G. Patch, J. \V. Morford,
H. J. Lewis, J. F. White, N. Hubbard and R. M. Dunberry, by
C. W. Nash, grand high priest of Royal Masons of Minnesota,
who appointed M. F. Louth most excellent high priest; W. R.
Kinyon, most excellent king, and L. H. Kelley, most excellent
scribe. These companions, with others, held their first convoca-
tion at the Masonic Hall on October 15, A. D. 1866, and eflfected
a full organization, the M. E. H. P. appointing J. W. Morford,
C. II.; H. J. Lewis, P. S.; E. R. Lathrop, R. A. C; J. F. White,
treasurer; T. G. Patch, secretary; Chas. Case, G. M. 3d Veil;
N. Hubbard, G. M. 2d Veil ; E. M. Hawley, G. M. 1st Veil, and
R. M. Dunberry, sentry. A code of by-laws, prepared by W. R.
Kinj-on, J. W. Moreford and T. G. Patch, was presented and
adopted. The first regular convocation was held on the evening
of November 2, 1866, A. O. 748, all of the above appointed offi-
cers retaining the same positions, with the exception that E. R.
Lathrop was appointed C. H. and J. W. Morford was appointed
R. A. C. On October 22, 1867, A. O. 748, the organization
received its charter and elected the following officer.?, who were
duly installed at the next regular convocation, held on Friday,
December 20, 1867: W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P.; M. F. Louth,
E. K.; L. H. Kelley, E. S.; J. W. Morford, C. H.; H. J. Lewis,
P. S.; A. M. Kinyon, R. A. C. ; W. F. Pettit, treasurer, and
A. B. Webber, secretary.
Since the regular organization of the chapter the following
officers have been elected to and been installed into the elective
offices : In 1868, the same as above were re-elected. 1869 — The
above officers were re-elected. 1870 — A. B. Webber, M. E. H. P. ;
W. H. Wilsey, E. K. ; S. B. Washburn, E. S. ; W. T. Kittridge,
C. H.; IT. J. Lewis, P. S. ; J. W. Morford, R. A. C; W. R.
91G HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUXTIES
Kinyon, treasurer: T. J. Patch, secretary. 1871 — \\'. R. Kin}on,
M. E. H. P.: W. Jl. Wilsey, E. K.; S. B. Washburn, E.' S. ;
J. W. Morford. C. II.: H. J. Lewis, P. S. ; H. Backus, R. A. C. ;
E. M. Morehouse, treasurer; T. G. Patch, secretary. 1872 —
W. R. Kinyon, U. E. H. P.; W. H. Wilsey, E. K. : L. S. Padg-
ham, E. S. ; J. W. Morford, C. H.; H. Backus, P. S. ; T. W.
Irving. R. A. C. ; T. J. Howe, treasurer: T. G. Patch, secretary.
1873— L. L. Wheelock, M. E. H. P.: J. W. Morford, E. S . :
W. H. Wilsey, E. K. ; A. C. Dodge, C. H. ; T. W. Irving, R. A.
C. ; E. M. Morehouse, treasurer: T. G. Patch, secretary. 1874
— W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P.: W. H. Wilsey, E. K. ; A. C.
Hickman, E. S. ; A. C. Dodge, C. H.; H. Backus, P. S. : T. W.
Irving, R. A. C. : L. L. Bennett, treasurer; T. G. Patch, secre-
tary. 1875— W. R. Kinyon, M. E. H. P. : L. L. Wheelock, E. K.;
L. L. Bennett, E. S. ; J. W. Morford, C. H.; A. C. Dodge, P. S. ;
S. H. Stowers. R. .\. C. : H. H. Rosebrock, treasurer ; M. L.
Strong, secretary. 1876— J. W. Morford, M. E. H. P.; M. F.
Louth, E. K.: J. A. Oppliger, E. S. : S. H. Stowers, C. H.;
A. C. Dodge, P. S. : T. W. Irving. R. A. C. ; H. H. Rosebrock.
treasurer; M. L. Strong, secretary. 1877 — J. D. Holden, M. E.
H. P.; J. M. Burlingame, E. K. : N. C. Larson, E. S. ; S. H.
Stowers. C. II.: J. R. Fox, P. S. ; H. H. Rosebrock, R. A. C:
W. H. Wilsey, treasurer; M. L. Strong, secretary. 1878 — J. M.
Burlingame, M. E. H. P.; H. H. Roseljrock, E. K. ; A. Graham,
E. S.; L. L. Bennett, C. H.; J. D. Holden, P. S. ; H. Birkett,
R. A. C.; W. H. Wilsey, treasurer; M. L. Strong, secretary.
1879— J. W. Morford, M.' E. H. P.; N. C. Larson, E. K. ; J. M.
Burlingame, E. S. ; H. Birkett, C. H.; J. D. Holden, P. S. ;
H. H. Rosebrock, R. A. C. ; W. R. Kinyon, treasurer.
M. L. Strong, secretary. 1880— W. R. Kinyon. M. E. H. P.;
L. L. Wheelock. E. K.; L. L. Bennett. E. S. ; H. H. Rosebrock,
C. H.; J. D. Holden, P. S. ; J. W. Morford. R. A. C. ; G. F. AL
bertus, treasurer; E. Downie, secretary. 1881 — H. Birkett.
M. E. PI. P.; J. D. Holden. E. K. ; G. F. Albertus. E. S. ; H. H.
Rosebrock. C. H.; L. L. Bennett. P. S. ; N. C. Larson, R. A. C.;
VV. R. Kinyon, treasurer; T. J. Howe, secretary. 1882 — L. L.
Bennett, M. E. H. P. ; T. J. Howe, E. K. ; G. F. Albertus, E. S.;
H. H. Rosebrock, C. PL; J. D. Holden, P. S. ; J. W. Mor-
ford, R. A. C.; W. R. Kinyon, treasurer; H. H. Luers, secretary.
1883— J. D. Holden, M. E. H. P. ; T. J. Howe, E. K. ; H. H. Rose-
brock, E. S. ; J. Z. Barncard, C. PI. ; H. Birkett, P. S. ; J. W. Mor-
ford, R. A. C. ; W. R. Kinyon, treasurer ; H. H. Luers, secre-
tary. 1884— J. D. Plolden, M. E. H. P. ; PL H. Rosebrock, E. K. ;
H. S. Hill, E. S.; J. Z. Barncard, C. H. ; H. Birkett, P. S. ; N. C.
Larson, R. A. C.; W. R. Kinyon, treasurer; H. H. Luers, secre-
tary. 1885— L. L. Bennett, M. E. H. P. ; J. Z. Barncard, E. K. ;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 917
T. J. Howe, E. S.; N. C. Larson, C. H.; J. D. Holdcn, P. S.;
H. Birkett, R. A. C. ; \V. R. Kinyon, treasurer; H. H. Luers,
secretary 1886— J. Z. Barncard, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schaefer,
E. K. ; N. C. Larson, E. S. ; D. S. Coverdale, C. H.; H. H. Rose-
brock, P. S. ; E. E. Bigelow, R. A. C. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer,
H. H. Luers, secretary. 1887— N. J. Schaefer, M. E. H. P.; T. J.
Howe, E. K. ; H. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; E. E. Bigelow, C. H. ;
C. W. Burdick, P. S.; H. H. Luers, R. A. C; G. F. Albertus,
treasurer; J. W. Connor, secretary. 1888 — N. J. Schaefer, M.
E. H. P. ; T. J. Howe, E. K. ; H. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; E. E.
Bigelow, C. H.; J. M. Diment, P. S.; F. F. Grant, R. A. C;
J. W. Connor, secretary. 1889— E. E. Bigelow, M. E. H. P.; H.
H. Rosebrock, E. K.; J. W. Connor, E. S.; H. Birkett, C. H. ;
J. M. Diment, P. S.; E. Downie, R. A. C; W. H. Wilsey, secre-
tary. 1890— H. H. Rosebrock, M. E. H. P.; T. J. Howe, E. K. ;
N. J. Schaefer, E. S. ; C. W. Burdick, C. H. ; J. M. Diment, P. S. ;
G. R. Kinyon, R. A. C; W. H. Wilsey, secretary. 1891— T. J.
Howe, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schaefer, E. K.; C. W. Burdick, E. S. ;
George R. Kinyon, C. H.; J. M. Diment, P. S. ; C. H. Rosebrock,
R. A. C; W. H. Wilsey, secretary. 1892— T. J. Howe, M. E.
H. P. ; C. W. Burdick, E. K. ; Geo. R. Kinyon, E. S. ; C H. Rose-
brock, C. H.; J. M. Diment, P. S. ; J. Palmer Johnson, R. A. C. ;
W. H. Wilsey, secretary. 1893— T. J. Howe, M. E. H. P. ; Geo.
R. Kinyon, E. K. ; C. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; J. Palmer Johnson,
C. H. ; J. M. Diment, P. S. ; William Mork, R. A. C. ; W. PI.
Wilsey, secretary. 1894— T. J. Howe, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schae-
fer, E. K. ; C. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; J. Palmer Johnson, C. H. ;
J. M. Diment, P. S. ; William Mork, R. A. C; VV. II. Wilsey,
secretary. 1895— L. L. Bennett, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schaefer,
E. K.; C. H. Rosebrock, E. S. ; J. Palmer Johnson, C. H.; J. M.
Diment, P. S. ; William Mork, R. A. C. ; W. H. Wilsey, secre-
tary. 1897— T. J. Howe, M. E. H. P.; N. J. Schaefer, E. K. ;
Robert Crickmore, E. S. ; W. H. Vinton, C. H.; Hans Ander-
son, P. S.; C. J. Balch, R. A. C; Geo. Clark, secretary. 1898—
N. J. Schaefer, M. E. H. P. ; Robert Crickmore. E. K. ; William
Mork, E. S. ; J. P. Johnson, C. H.; Hans Anderson, P. S. ; C. J
Balch, R. A. C; G. E. Hall, secretary. 1900— N. J. Schaefer
M. E. H. P.; Robert Crickmore, E. K.; C. J. Balch, E. S.; E. E
Bigelow, C. H. ; Hans Anderson, P. S. ; J. F. Rogers, R. A. C.
W. J. Lieb, secretary. 1901— Hans Anderson, M. E. H. P.
C. J. Balch, E. K.; J. F. Rogers, E. S.; E. E. Bigelow, C. H.
J. M. Diment, P. S.; William Mork, R. A. C; W. J Lieb
secretary 1902— Hans Anderson, M. E. H. P.; C. J. Balch, E
K.; J. F. Rogers, E. S.; T. J. Howe, C. PI. ; E. E. Bigelow, P. S
William Mork, R. A. C; W. J. Lieb, secretary. 1903— Hans
Anderson, M. E. H. P. ; C. J. Balch, E. K. ; J. F. Rogers, E. S. ;
918 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
C. W. Burdick, C. H. ; E. E. Bigelow, P. S. ; W. H. Vinton, R. A.
C. ; W. J. Lieb, secretary. 190-1 — Robert Crickmore, l[. E. H.
P.; C. J. Balch, E. K. ; William Mork, E. S.; C. W. Burdick,
C. H.; E. E. Bigelow, P. S.; H. C. Howe, secretary. 1905—
Robert Crickmore, M. E. H. P.; C. J. Balch, E. K.; William
Mork, E. S.: E. E. Bigelow, C. H.; P. H. Evans, P. S. ; Geo. R.
Kinyon, R. A. C. : 1'. J. Swanson. secretary. 1906 — Robert
Crickmore, M. E. H. P.; C. J. Balch, E. K.'; William Mork,
E. S. ; A. B. Stewart, C. H. ; P. J. Evans, P. S. ; Geo. R. Kinyon,
R. A. C. ; P. J. Swanson, secretary. 1907 — Robert Crickmore,
M. E. H. P.:"c. J. Balch, E. K. : William Mork. E. S.; A. B.
Stewart, C. H.; P. J. Evans, P. S. ; Geo. R. Kinyon, R. A.
C. ; P. J. Swanson, secretary. 1908 — Robert Crickmore, M. E.
H. P.; H. C. Howe, E. K.; WilHam Mork, E. S.; A. B.
Stewart, C. H.; P. J. Evans, P. S.; Geo. R. Kinyon, R. A. C;
Harvey S. Dartt. secretary. 1909 — Robert Crickmore, M. E.
H. P. ; A. B. Stewart, E. K.'; W. H. Vinton, E. S. ; C. A. Tincher,
C. H. ; P. J. Evans, P. S. ; Geo. R. Kinyon, R. A. C. : Harvey S.
Dartt, secretary. 1910— P. H. Evans, M. E. H. P. ; A. B. Stew-
art, E. K.; H. C. Howe, E. S. : C. A. Tincher, C. H. ; J. M.
Diment, P. S. : P. H. Xayler, R. A. C. ; Harvey S. Dartt, secre-
tar}-.
There are at this time sixty members of the chapter in good
standing, and the chapter is rapidly increasing in its membership
from the brightest j^oung men of the city and vicinity. Chapter
holds its convocations on the first and second Fridav evenings
of each month.
Cyrene Commandery, No. 9, K. T. A dispensation was
granted by H. L. Carver, of St. Paul, the then grand commander
of the jurisdiction of Minnesota, authorizing the organization of
Cyrene Commandery No. 9, at Owatonna, on February 17, 1874.
The first conclave was held in the Masonic Hall, as known at
the time, in the third story of the Dresser block, afterwards
owned by the Farmers' National Bank, and the following officers
were elected : C. H. Hathaway, E. C. ; J. W. Morford, G. ; S. H.
Stowers, C. G. ; H. R. Moore, S. W. ; T. W. Irving. J. W. ; Hiram
Backus, prelate ; H. J. Lewis, treasurer ; T. G. Patch, recorder ;
H. H. Rosebrock. warder. This list of officers also comprise
the whole list of the charter members of the commandery,
which grew rapidly from the start until in August, 1875, A. O.
757 its membershij:) had increased to sixty-two knights in good
standing, twenty members of whom resided at Waseca and
vicinity, the balance of membership being principally from Steele
county. The commandery from its inception became the lead-
ing social fountain-head for the best class of the citizens of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 919
Owatonna. Conclaves are regularly held on the evenings of
the second and fourth Mondays in Masonic Hall.
On January 14, A. D. 1903, A. O. 784, the new Masonic Hall
in the third story of the Kelley block was dedicated and with the
Masonic lodge and chapter jointly moved its quarters to the
same. Through the generous courtesy of one of its oldest mem-
bers, W. H. Kelley, now deceased, the commandery was pre-
sented with a five-year lease of the new asylum. As a small
remuneration for this liberality the commandery voted a life
honorary membership to Mr. Kelley. Tn the elegantly arranged
asylum the commandery is provided with a fine equipment of
furniture, paraphernalia and regalia. Cyrene Commandery No.
9 has furnished two right eminent grand commanders of the
Minnesota Grand Commandery : Henry Birkett, who was elected
R. E. G. C. at the annual conclave of the grand commandery at
Owatonna in June, 1886, and R. L. McCormick, who also held
the office of R. E. G. C. one year. In the early years of the
commandery it became quite noted for its excursions in a body
accompanied by their ladies and a cornet band to the annual
conclaves of the grand commandery when held in different
parts of the state, and twenty-five sir knights and their ladies
accompanied by the Owatonna cornet band made a pilgrimage
to Chicago as part of the escort of the grand commandery of
Minnesota in August, 1880, to attend the nineteenth conclave
of the Knights Templar of the United States. On these occa-
sions the Owatonna men were well mentioned as to their ap-
pearance in ranks and proficiency as a drill corps. Although
the membership has heretofore been somewhat depleted through
the removal of many knights to other communities and not a
few beyond the Great River of Time, today the commandery
is rapidly filling up with our young and most influential business
men of this jurisdiction. The stated conclaves of the com-
mandery are held on the second and fourth Monday of each
month, at 7:30 in the evening from October 1 to April 1, and at
8:00 in the evening from April 1 to October 1.
All applicants for the orders of Knighthood must be members
of the Masonic lodge and chapter, in good standing. A loss of
membership in either of the Blue lodge or chapter causes an im-
mediate loss of membership in the commandery.
The following officers have been elected to fill the various
offices from year to year since its organization. 1874 — C. H.
Hathaway, E. C. ; J. W. Morford, G. ; Smith Stowers, C. G. ;
L. L. Wheelock, P.; A. C. Dodge, S. W.: T. W. Irving, J. W. :
E. M. Morehouse, treasurer; T. G. Patch, recorder; H. H.
Roscbrock, W. ; J. A. Oppliger, St. B. ; W. H. Wilsey, Sw. B. ;
L. S. Padgham, 1st G. ; T. J. Howe, 2d G. ; Hiram Backus, 3d
920 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
C; G. F. Albertus. sentinel. Installed April 12, 1875— C. H.
Hathaway, E. C. ; J. W. Morford, G. ; S. H. Stowers, C. G.;
L. L. Wheelock, P. ; A. C. Dodge, S. W. ; T. W. Irving, J. W. ;
E. M. Morehouse, treasurer; M. L. Strong, recorder. Installed
April 24, 1876— C. H. Hathaway, E. C. : J. W. Morford, G.;
M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; f. \^■. Irving, S. W.;
H. H. Rosebrock. J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, treasurer; S. H.
Stowers, recorder; J. \Y. Hall, sentinel. Installed March 26,
1877— W. R. Kinyon, E. C. ; T. W. Irving, G. ; M. L. Strong,
C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; J. W. Morford, S. VJ. ; Henry Birkett,
J. W.; G. F. Albertus, treasurer; S. H. Stowers, recorder; J. W.
Hall, sentinel. April 8, 1878— W. R. Kinyon, E. C. ; R. L.
McCormack, G.; M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; H.
Birkett, S. W. ; T. W. Irving, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, treasurer;
S. H. Stowers, recorder. April 14, 1879 — R. L. McCormack,
E. C; T. W. Irving, G. ; M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock,
P. ; W. H. Wilsey, S. W. ; J. W. Morford, J. W. ; G F. Albertus,
treasurer; S. H. Stowers, recorder. March 30, 1880 — R. L.
McCormack, E. C. ; H. Birkett, G. ; T. W. Irving, C. G. ; L. L.
Wheelock, P.; G. R. Buckman, S. W. ; W. H. Wdsey, J. W. ; G.
F. Albertus, treasurer ; W. H. Maes, recorder. April 25, 1881 —
Henry Birkett, E. C. ; A. C. Hickman, G. ; T. W. Irving, C. G. ;
L. L. Wheelock, P.; H. E. Strong, S. W. ; W. C. Thayer, J. W.;
G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; W. H. Maes, recorder. April 8, 1882—
H. Birkett, E. C. ; L. L. Wheelock, G.; G. R. Buckman, C. G. ;
A. C. Hickman, P.; W. C. Thayer, S. W. ; W. H. Maes, J. W.;
G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; J. W. Morford, recorder. March 24,
1883— L. L. Wheelock, E. C. ; A. C. Hickman, G. ; G. R. Buck-
man, C. G.; G. C. Tanner, P.; W. C. Thayer, S. W. ; W. H.
Maes, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus. treasurer; W. H. Donaldson,
recorder. March 24, 1884— L. L. Wheelock, E. C. ; G. R. Buck-
man, G. ; L. L. Bennet, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P. ; J. D. Holden
S. W.; N. C. Larson, J. W^ ; G. F. Albertus, treasurer; T. J
Howe, recorder. March 23, 1885— J. M. Diment, E. C. ; D. S
Cummings, G. ; F. F. Grant, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P. ; J. D
Holden, S. W. ; N. C. Larson, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, treasurer
L. L. Bennett, recorder. April 12, 1886— J. M. Diment, E. C.
D. S. Cummings, G. ; F. F. Grant, C. G. ; G. C. Tanner, P.; N
C. Larson, S. W. ; N. J. Schafer, J. W. ; W. H. Wilsey, treasurer
L. L. Bennett, recorder. March 28, 1887— F. F. Grant, E. C.
G. R. Buckman, G. ; N. C. Larson, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.
N. J. Schafer, S. W. ; J. E. Truesdell, J. W. ; H. H. Rosebrock,
treasurer; T. J. Howe, recorder. March 26, 1888— G. R. Buck-
man, E. C; H. H. Rosebrock, G. ; E. G. Wood, C. G. ; L. L.
Wheelock, P. ; E. E. Bigelow, S. W. ; J. W. Aughenbaugh, J. W. ;
L. L. Bennett, treasurer; T. J. Howe, recorder. April 8, 1889 —
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 921
G. R. Buckman, E. C. ; H. H. Rosebrock, G. ; E. G. Wood, C. G.;
L. L. Wheelock, P.; E. E. Bigelow, S. W. ; J. W. Aughcnbaugh,
J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; T. J. Howe, recorder. March 24,
1890— H. H. Rosebrock, E. C; J. \V. Aughcnbaugh, G.; N. J.
Schafer, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock. P. ; M. M. Davidson, S. W.. ; J.
W. Connor, J. \V.; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; Smith II. Stowers,
recorder. March 23, 1891— H. H. Rosebrock, E. C; W. J.
Aughenbaugh, G. ; N. J. Schafer, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ;
Geo. R. Kinyon, S. W. ; J. W. Connor, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett,
treasurer; S. H. Stowers, recorder. April 11, 1892 — Geo. R.
Kinyon, E. C. ; N. J. Schafer. G. ; J. M. Diment, C. G. ; L. L.
Wheelock, P.; J. W. Connor, S. W. ; N. C. Larson, J. W. ;
L. L. Bennett, treasurer; J. Palmer Johnson, recorder.
March 12, 1894— E. E. Bigelow, E. C. ; J. W. Connor, G. ; Wil-
liam Mork, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; N. Evans, S. W. ; H. K.
Tompkins, J. W.; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; J. P. Johnson,
recorder. April 8, 1895— J. W. Connor, E. C; William Mork.
G. ; Norman Evans, C. G. ; H. K. Tompkins, S. W. ; N. J.
Schafer, J. W. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer ;
J. P. Johnson, recorder. March 11, 1896— J. W. Connor, E. C. ;
William Mork, G. ; N. Evans, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; H. K.
Tompkins, S. W. ; N. J. Schafer, J. W. ; J. P. Johnson, recorder ;
L. L. Bennett, treasurer. May 10. 1897— William Mork. E. C. ;
N. Evans, G. ; H. K. Tompkins, C. G. ; E. E. Bigelow, P. ; C. J.
Balch, S. W.; Hans Anderson. J. W. ; L. L. Bennett. T. ; J. P.
Johnson, R. May 9, 1898— William Mork, E. C. ; N. Evans, G. ;
N. J. Schafer, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock. P.; C. J. Balch, S. W. ;
Hans Anderson, J. W. ; L. L. Bennet, T. ; J. P. Johnson, R.
May 8. 1899— Alfred G. Pinkham. E. C. ; N. J." Schafer, G. ; C. J.
Balch. C. G.; L. L. Wheelock. P.: H. Anderson, S. W. ; S. V. R.
Hendrix, J. W. ; L. L. I'.ennett, T. ; J. P. Johnson, R. May 14,
1890— A. G. Pinkham, E. C; N. J. Schafer, G. ; C. J. Balch, C.
G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; H. Anderson, S. W. ; N. C. Larson,
J. W. ; L. L. Bennet treasurer ; J. P. Johnson, recorder. March
11, 1901— N. J. Schafer, E. C; C. J. Balch, G. ; J. W. Connor,
C. G.; H. Anderson, S. W. ; N. C. Larson. J. W. ; L. L. Whee-
lock, P.; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; J. P. Johnson, recorder.
March 17, 1902— T. J. Howe, E. C. ; C. J. Balch, G. ; J. W. Con-
nor, C. G.; H. Anderson, S. W. ; N. C. Larson, J. W. ; L. L.
Wheelock, P. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer, J. P. Johnson, recorder.
March 9, 1903— T. J. Howe, E. C; C. J. Balch, G.; J. W. Connor,
C. G.; L. L. Wheelock, P.; H. Anderson, S. W.; N. C. Larson,
J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; W. H. Vinton, recorder. March
14, 1904— J. M. Diment, E. C. ; C. J. Balch, G. ; G. R. Kinyon,
C. G.; L. L. Wheelock, P.; C. H. Rosebrock, S. W.; N. C. Lar-
son, J. W. ; P. H. Evans, treasurer; W. H. Vinton, recorder.
022 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
March 13, 1905— J. M. Dimcnt, E. C. ; C. J. Balch, G.; G. R.
Kinyon, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; C. H. Rosebrock, S. W. ;
N. C. Larson, J. W.; P. H. Evans, treasurer; W. H. Vinton,
recorder. March 11. 1906— J. M. Diment, E. C; J. C. Balch, G.;
C. R. Kinyon, C. G.; L. L. Wheelock, P.; C. H. Rosebrock,
S. W.; N. C. Larson, J- ^^'. : P- H. Evans, treasurer; W. H.
Vinton, recorder. March 11, 1907 — N. C. Larson, E. C. ; C. H.
Rosebrock, G. : H. C. Howe, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P.; A. B.
Stewart. S. W. ; J. M. Diment, J. W. ; G. R. Kinyon, treasurer;
W. J. Vinton, recorder. March 9, 1908— C. H. Rosebrock, E. C. ;
H. C. Howe, G. : A. B. Stewart, C. G. ; W. H. Vinton, P. ; G. R.
Kinyon, S. W.; J. M. Diment, J. W. : P. H. Evans, treasurer;
G. L. Lieb, recorder. March 8, 1909— A. B. Stewart, E. C. ;
H. C. Howe, G.; P. H. Evans, C. G.; W. H. Vinton, P.; W. C.
Zamboni, S. W. ; C. A. Tincher, J. W. ; G. R. Kinyon, treasurer;
G. L. Lieb, recorder. Upon the resignation of G. L. Lieb, April
26, 1909, E. E. Bigelow was appointed to fill the vacancy of
recorder for the remainder of tlie year. The late J. W. Hall
held the office of sentinel from 1875 up to 1878. The late G. W.
Shaw held the office of sentinel from 1879 up to 1908. Sir
Knight Shaw was always a thorough and painstaking official.
ODD FELLOW LODGES.
Star of the West Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F. Jacob Newsalt,
then a member of Prairie Lodge No. 7, Winona, Minnesota,
accompanied by E. K. Smith and R. C. Ambler, on August
9, 1864, went to Rochester, Minnesota, where his companions
were initiated by Rochester Lodge No. 13, receiving all the
degrees appertaining to the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows.
The Rochester lodge courteously remitted the initiation fees,
the same being used to procure a charter which was granted on
December 28, 1864, and Star of the West Lodge No. 14, I. O. O.
F., was duly instituted by M. W. G. M., C. D. Strong, assisted
by P. G. M. M., O. J. Noble, the charter members being Jacob
Newsalt, Dr. W. H." Twiford, E. K. Smith, P. J. Smith, Eben.
Durham and William Hamburg.
The officers elected and installed were J. Newsalt, N. G. ;
E. K. Smith, V. G. ; W. H. Twiford, secretary; William Ham-
burg, treasurer. During the first term of six months three mem-
bers, including Hon. A. C. Hickman, were admitted by card
and twelve by initiation. The officers chosen for the second
term commencing July 1, 1865, were E. K. Smith, N. G. ; L.
Bixby, V. G. ; A. C. Hickman. secretar_\- ; D. B. Marble, treasurer ;
J. Newsalt, D. D. G. M.
In June, 1907, the lodge was consolidated with the Coetha
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 923
lodge, No. 38, which was organized in 1873. Soon after the
organization of Star of the West lodge it built the upper story
of the Oppliger building and occupied it as its home till in 1907,
when the lodge sold its interest to the National Farmers' Bank
that, with the rest of the old block, it might be torn down to be
replaced by the present bank building, and removed its quarters
to the present new home in the Parrot & Smith building which
is supplied with all of the up-to-date modern improvements to
be had from any source. According to the last term report the
lodge has $3,192.62 in loans and bank certificates, $1,546.85 in
lodge furniture and $465 invested in paraphernalia, making a
total valuation of its personal efifects $5,204.47, besides cash in
the treasury for its incidental expenses. The present officers
are L. A. Disbro, N. G., and E. A. Haines, V. G.
Coetha Lodge No. 38, I. O. O. F. This lodge was organized
at Ovvatonna April 25, 1873, by Grand Master E. K. Smith, of
Ovvatonna, assisted by a vice grand master. The first officers
of the lodge were Jacob Newsalt, N. G. ; Lewie Bion, V. G. ;
R. Joos, P. S.; G. Siebolt, R. S.; A. Butsch, treasurer. The
lodge, for some time, held its meetings in Star of the West Hall
over the Dresser building, then moving into the Adam Butsch
hall where it remained until 1879. when it moved into the More-
house hall on Broawday. In 1887 the lodge had fifty-two mem-
bers and was well provided with funds and lodge paraphernalia.
The lodge removed to the hall in the Thon laundry building
in 1902, where it remained until June, 1907, when it consolidated
with the Star of the West lodge, thus creating a strong lodge
out of two weak ones, forty-seven members coming from the
Coetha lodge and seventy-five from the Star of the West lodge,
to make a total of 126 members. About this time the con-
solidated lodges secured the whole third story of the Parrot &
Smith block which had been purposely fitted up with ample
hall room, reception rooms, dining rooms, kitchen and closets.
Central Encampment No. 4, I. O. O. F. A dispensation
having been granted, on March 31, 1869, C. C. Comee, D. B.
Marble, Luther Bixby, E. K. Smith, J. W. Daniels, A. S. My-
gatt, William Reynolds, William Pepper, with C. A. Strong
and others from Rochester Lodge, No. 13, met at Star of the
West Hall and all being third degree Odd Fellows, as required,
were organized by C. A. Strong, D. D. G. S., and C. C. Comee,
G. M., as Encampment No. 4. Third degree members E. B.
Crooker, J. W. Dresser, C. W. Hastings, John Middough, H.
M. Brown, C. S. Crandall and A. C. Hickman were added at
the two following meetings of the encampment. The first offi-
cers were C. C. Comee, C. P.; D. B. Marble, II. P.; E. K. Smith,
S. W.; J. W. Daniels, J. W.; A. S. Mygatt, secretary. Among
924 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the prominent members, now officials of the encampment, are
S. A. Kubat, H. P. ; O. L. Turner, S. W. ; F. A. Rosenthal, J. W. ;
J. N. Niles, scribe; Robert Dininger, treasurer; George H.
Peterson, sentinel. The encampment meets on the first and
third Thursdays of each month, at Star of the West Hall where
they have all of the necessary high-class regalia and parapher-
nalia. This order of Odd Fellowship is one step higher than the
subordinate lodge, only third degree Odd Fellows being eligible
to membership in the encampment. The encampment now num-
bers thirty-three members.
Canton No. 12, I. O. O. F. This, the highest order of Odd
Fellowship, was instituted at Owatonna, March 31, 1890, by
Lieutenant Commander John C. Underwood and Adjutant Gen-
eral G. T. Frost, of the department of Minnesota, with the fol-
lowing charter members: J. H. Helwig, Jacob Newsalt, S. N.
Lund, George H. Peterson, Emil Theimer, A. A. Bri.son, Robert
Dinninger, J. H. Shaw, Wm. Wicklow, F. C. Webb, O. S. More-
house, James Brown, George Parrott, John Reich, O. B Mc-
Clintock, F. Fibgard, E. M. Twiford. C. Weise, W'. A. Dynes
and Geo. Peachey. The members of the Canton are of necessity
members of the encampment, so hold meetings at the same dates
of the encampment ; the encampment holding its meetings in the
earlier portion of the evening. There are eighteen members of
the Canton at the present time and is now presided over by
S. A. Kubat, captain of the Canton, who is an enthusiastic
Odd Fellow and a great lover of Odd Fellowship. Among the
veteran Odd Fellows are found George H. Peterson, present
clerk of the canton ; Robert Dinninger, accountant ; E. L. Haines,
ensign; Emil Thiemer and H. H. Helwig, privates, the ranks
having been depleted by death of the larger share of the charter
members, others having either dropped out of the ranks or
moved out of the jurisdiction, their places having been filled by
others.
Alma Rebecca Lodge No. 27, I. O. O. F. This lodge was
instituted November 29, 1887, with the following charter mem-
bers: Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Newsalt, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Shaw,
Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Peterson, Rev. and Mrs. J. C. Ogle, Mr.
and Mrs. Emil Thiemer, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Webb, Mr. and
Mrs. H. F. Luce, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs.
G. W. Peachey, Mrs. Sarah McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. J. H.
Helwig and Mr. and Mrs. John Cottier. The present officers
for the term commencing January 1, 1910, are Mrs. Emily Hos-
f^eld, N. G.; Mrs. Gertie Mitchell, V. G. ; Mrs. Elizabeth P. Pe-
terson secretary, and Mrs. Mary Davis, treasurer. There are
fifty-three sisters and twenty brothers in good standing in the
lodge. During the first term of the Star of the West lodge a
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 925
Rebecca lodge was formed in which all scarlet degree members
and their wives were entitled to membership, but for some
reason the lodge was abandoned until the above lodge was
formed.
Owatonna Rebecca Lodge No. 180, I. O. O. F. This lodge
was instituted May 21, 1900, by ]\lrs. Alice A. Kelsey, president
of assembly, and Mrs. Eunice Melville, secretary of assembly,
with the following charter members : E. A. Luce, Anna Twi-
ford, W. J. Woods, Mary Woods, Harriet Howe, Fanny Denny,
C. J. Burdick, Robena Burdick, John Klima, Jennie Klima, John
Reash, Nellie Reash, S. N. Lund, G. W. Shaw, Chas. J. Shaw,
Mat I'ion, Rachel Bion, Maggie Cherry, Maggie Woods, Lutheria
Disbrow, Emily Smersh, F. M. Smcrsh, Anna Kubat, Nancy
Wilson, Galena Mudeking, E. S. Simpson and Joana Sampson.
The first officers were Maggie Woods, N. G. ; Fanny Denny,
V. G. ; Harriet Howe, recorder and financial secretary; Jennie
Klema, treasurer ; Joana Sampson, warden ; Robena Burdick,
conductor; Elizabeth Luce, chaplain; John Klima, O. G. ; Mag-
gie Cherry, I. G. ; Mary Woods, R. S. N. G. ; Galena Mudeking,
L. S. N. G.; Lutheria Disbrow, R. S. V. G.; Rachel Bion,
L. S. V. G.
The present officers are Lutheria Disbrow, N. G. ; Mattie
Turner, V. G. ; Grace V. Luce, recorder and financial secretary ;
Ellen Niles, treasurer; Ellen Wright, warden; Anna Kinny,
conductor; Cora D. Pettie, chaplain; O. L. Turner, O. G. ;
Sarah Hayes, I. G. ; Jennie Klima, R. S. N. G. ; Fannie Barker,
L. S. N. G.; Maud Norton. R. S. V. G. ; Sarah Morrell, L. S.
V. T. There are now seventy members in the order.
These organizations were instituted and are maintained on
account of their special beneficial and social features which
they embrace and form a large adjunct to the Star of the West
lodge in whose hall they hold their meetings, the Alma No. 27
on second and fourth Friday evenings at 7:30 o'clock, and the
Owatonna No. 180 on second and fourth Monday evenings at
7:30 o'clock.
PYTHIAN ORDERS.
Owatonna Lodge No. 50, Knights of Pythias. This lodge
was instituted in Castle Hall at Owatonna on November 14,
1888, by the officiating grand officers, F. D. McDonald, P. G. C. ;
C. H. Tasker, G. C. ; Paul Higgins, C. V. C. pro tem. ; Fred E.
Whcaton, G. P. pro tem.; Grier M. Orr, G. K. R. S. ; C. Talbert,
G. M. A.; A. C. Gidfrey, G. I. G. pro tem.; W. A. Cunningham.
G. O. G. The lodge received its charter September II, 1889.
The charter members were John E. Shipman, Charles E.
ClifTord, John H. Adair, Sidney B. North, Frank C. Webb, John
926 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
H. Luers, Edward Downie, Geo. R. Forsyth, James A. Harris,
Wm. J. Webber, Geo. W. Shaw, Albert J- Katz, James W. Con-
nor, John Cottier, Wm. F. Barker, Wm. A. Bailey, Alfred C.
Webber, Harris E. Keefe, Elisha Freeman, Russell O. Philpot,
John D. Rowlan, Andrew Downie, Charles T. Palmer and Le-
grand S. Wright.
The first efficers elected were John E. Shipman, P. C. ;
Charles E. Clift'ord, \'. C. ; John H. Adair, C. C. ; Sidney B.
North, V. C; Frank C. Webb, P.; John L. Luers, K. R. S.;
Edward Dow-nie, M. F. ; Geo. E. Forsyth, M. E. ; James A.
Harries, il. A.
The present officers are O. E. \\'illiamson, P. C. ; Louis W"a-
tawa, V. C; A. G. Scholl, prelate; H. Kahn, M. of W.; C. J.
Gough, K. R. S.; G. J. Schafer, M. F. ; H. D. Tompkins, M. of
E.; Hugo Theimer, M. A.; H. S. Dartt, I. G. ; E. A. Brown, O.
G. The trustees are G. F. CardoiT, A. Butsch and G. W. Doo-
little. The present membership is 119.
The Pythian Knighthood had its conception in the exempli-
fication of the life test of true friendship existing between Da-
mon and Pythias. Friendship or mutual confidence, being the
strongest bond of union between man and man. and only exist-
ing where honor has an abiding place, is adopted as a founda-
tion principle. And the ideal Knight of olden times was the
personification of all the higher and nobler attributes of man's
nature, the candidate for knighthood had to prove himself
worthy of acceptance by those who valued friendship, bravery,
honor, justice and loyalty. The order of the Knights of Pythias
— founded on Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, which it
proclaims as its cardinal principles — strives to gather into one
mighty fraternity worthy men who appreciate the true meaning
of friendship ; who are cautious in word and act ; who love
truth ; who are brave in defending right ; whose honor is untar-
nished ; whose sense of justice will prevent, to the best of their
ability, a personal act or word injurious to the worthy, whose
loyalty to principle, to family, to friends, to their country, and
to the constituted authority under which they enjoy citizenship
is undoubted, and who, at all times, are prepared to do unto
others as they would that others should do unto them.
Owatonna Lodge, No. 50, has since its institution been com-
posed of the younger business and professional men of the city
and representative men from the surrounding country and its
course has always been marked by social and benevolent enter-
prises. This order has alwaj's exerted a strong influence among
its members for the "elevation and betterment of mankind." The
social activities of this lodge have been largely increased and
strengthened by the institution of its sister society, the Rath-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 927
bone Sisters, now known as the Pythian Sisters, who have a
flourishing temple in the rooms and castle hall of this lodge.
Owatonna Lodge, No. 50, has a reserve fund of about $800 and
is in a flourishing and active condition, and has always been
very aggressive since its institution in Owatonna.
Hope Temple, No. 32, Pythian Sisters. This temple was
instituted by Olive J. Gilmore, grand chief, and Nellie A. Mc-
Call, grand senior warden, with a chapter membership of twenty-
four ladies and nine knights. The first officers were Gertrude
Carthoright, past chief; Mary McClintock, M. E. C. ; Francis
Kendall, Ex. S. ; Gertie Mitchell, Ex. J.; Sarah Adsit, manager;
Jennie Adsit, M. of R. & C. ; Agnes Doolittle, M. of F. ; Mary
Cedardahl, protector; Eva Rowlan, guard; Nellie Graham, Effie
Adsit and Augusta Bell, trustees. Meetings arc held in the
Knights of Pythias Hall, on the first and third Tuesday evenings,
at 7:30. The present officers are: Edith Deitz, S. P. C; Lorinda
Morehouse, M. E. C. ; Ella Dartt, Ex. S. ; Alfraetta Rolf, Ex. J. ;
Bertha Vanorum, manager; Pearl Hagan, M. of R. & C. ; Suzie
Zamboni, M. of F. ; Eva Smith, protector; Guesena Schafer,
guard.
FRATERNAL INSURANCE
The Ancient Order of United Workmen. This order was
founded at Meadville, Pa., on October 28, 1868, by John Jordon
Upchurch. It is a fraternal society, having an insurance feature,
and was the first organization of the kind in America. It has
during its operation paid to the widows and orphans of de-
ceased members $170,000,000, $9,000,000 of which was distrib-
uted in Minnesota, $40,000 of that being placed in the city of
Owatonna. Its present membership in Owatonna is 120, and in
the state, 32,000. One of our citizens, Hon. James M. Diment,
held the office of grand master of the state during the three
years of 1899, 1900 and 1901. This being the oldest organization
of the kind in the country having the insurance feature, and hav-
ing witnessed the failure of a large number of fraternal societies
of its kind, it would seem that its marvelous success as com-
pared with the failures of others is owing fully to the manner
of management and integrity of those intrusted to the manage-
ment of the general financial afi'airs of the different organiza-
tions, and speaks well for such an organization when under
proper management.
Owatonna Aerie, No. 1791, F. O. E. This lodge was insti-
tuted June 9, 1908, and now has a membership of 171 in good
standing. The first officers were : Gus. A. Cedardahl, P. W. P. ;
Charles Green, W. P. ; E. H. Lippert, W. W. P. ; C. A. Sweeny,
W. C; C. A. Hoflfman, F. S.; J. W. Rowland, T. ; F. Hoffman.
928 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
F. F. C. ; F. Jorgenson, J. G. ; John H. Martin, O. G. ; Dr. Amos,
Ole Williamson, L. C. Brown and F. M. Smersh, trustees. The
present officers are: Gus A. Cedardahl. S. P. W. P.; E. H. Lip-
pert, P. W. P. ; Leroy Holmes, W. P. ; William Peller, W. W.
P. ; James Sulivan, W. C. ; R. W. Sander, F. S. ; John Watawa,
T. ; F. Bassett, W. C. ; John H. Martin, J. G.; Geo. Staley,
O. G. ; W. Amos, J. Jorgenson, L. C. Brown and F. M. Smersh,
trustees.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles teaches a philosophy which is
as eternal as is divine truth, and wherever its doctrine has been
promulgated it has found a responsive echo in the hearts of
men. It represents the true Democracy of Fraternalism. Its
creed is simple, and in it there are no patricians nor plebeians.
Each Eagle, wherever located, is the equal of every other. There
is embraced within the circle of its fraternity humanity in all its
phases, and no man in whose soul there is yet remaining one
spark of manhood is denied its benign influence. The Eagles
recognize that in every man there is some good, and seek to
develop that good until it shall bear good fruit in the betterment
and uplifting of mankind in general.
Classes, so destructive to ancient nations, are not recognized.
Ancient precedents concerning man's superior over man are
swept away before the flood tide of equal rights and opportuni-
ties afiforded to all. Vocation, business, profession, calling,
social, religious or political standing do not enter or weigh con-
cerning a man's standing as an Eagle, and no aristocracy is rec-
ognized save that of enthusiasm in the noble and mighty cause.
Owatonna Council, No. 1646, Royal Arcanum, was organized
August 28, 1895, with twenty-seven members. The Royal Ar-
canum is a fraternal association aiming to give life insurance at
a cost as near that of "normal mortality as safety and perma-
nency will permit." According to its reports, it stands among all
fraternal societies to-day fourth in membership, third in amount
of insurance in force, third in assets, second in yearly income, sec-
ond in receipts since organization, second in disbursements to
widows and orphans. Since its organization, June 23, 1877, it
has distributed to beneficiaries $129,000,000. to some 65,000 fami-
lies. The present officers of the local council are as follows:
Regent, J. H. Dinsmore; vice regent. Weaker S. Dynes; orator,
E. A. Brown; past regent, R. H. G. Netz; secretary, J. G.
Briggs; collector, J. \\'. Rowland; treasurer. C. I. Buxton;
chaplain, C. L. Pound ; guide. F. L. La Bare ; warden, G. A.
Merrill; sentry, W. A. Sperry : trustee, W. E. McClintock.
Boynton Tent, No. 49, Knights of Maccabees. This tent
was organized at Owatonna in 1897, with twelve members. It
is a fraternal society, carrying insurance for the benefit of its
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 929
members. The order distributed over the states has $9,000,000
in its benefit fund, which guarantees all certificates. The aver-
age paid out per day in benefits is about $10,000. The officers of
the local order are: William liurghs, commander; J. L. Ingra-
ham, record keeper; F. J. Rions, finance keeper.
C. S. P. S., Lodge No. 67, Bohemian Slavonik Benevolent
Society of Minnesota, was instituted at Owatonna b_v the author-
ity of the grand lodge of Minnesota on January 15, 1881, and
works under the auspices of the supreme lodge, which was insti-
tuted at St. Louis, Mo., in 1854. Its object is to encourage
friendship, benevolence and charity. July 16, 1885, the local
lodge was incorporated, with Joseph H. H. Soukup, president ;
Frank Kovar, secretary. In 1887 the society numbered thirty-
one members, viz. : Joseph Kubat, Joseph Kaplan, Joseph H.
Soukup, John Dusek, A. L. Simon, Frank Ilorak, John Pichner,
Joseph Waverin, John Svir, Anton Pirkl, L. L. Marek, Anton
Belina, Anton Kapser, Joseph Tamshe, K. C. Tamshe, John
Slavik, Frank Ripka, V. Mares, Joseph Krejci, Feli.x Svekla, V.
Pichner, V. Kovar, F. Simon, Frank Kovar, V. Suchnaek, V.
Jirousek, Albert Kasper, John R. Soukup, V. Martinek, Joseph
Martinek. The present officers are : A. R. Stransky, president ;
G. J. Kaplan, vice-president; Anton Stancel, secretary; Joseph
Stancel, treasurer; escort, John Wavrin; watchman, Frank
Kovar; trustees, John Pechner, Sr., Wencl Kovar, Joseph Fisher.
The society has erected a fine block of elegant proportions
on North Cedar street, known as the C. S. P. S. Auditorium,
where the lodge has an elegant hall for its own use, and a com-
modious auditorium gallery in the upper stories, which is used
for theatrical purposes and public entertainments. The enter-
prise exhibited by the society in the erection of this building
loudly speaks in its praise.
The Modern Woodmen of America. The local lodge of this
order was organized by D. 11. Consul and G. F. Mills at Owa-
tonna in August, 1887, and received its charter from the grand
lodge at Fulton, 111., August 31, 1887. The charter members
were: O. E. Edson, V. C. ; J. W. Rowland, clerk; D. B. Shaw
and E. Smith, sentries; W. E. Morehouse, W. adviser; W. T.
Thompson, escort; E. M. Morehouse, E. B. and Phy. ; Henry
Dipping and D. R. Grunkle, watchmen. The board of managers
were: For one year, O. E. Edson; for two years, E. Smith, and
for three years, H. Dipping.
Meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of each
month.
From a beginning with twelve members the lodge has had
a steady growth till at this date, at the age of twenty-three years,
it numbers 328 members in good standing, and has nine social
930 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
members. The present officers are: James W'encel. V. C. : J. \V.
Rowland, E. B. ; Thomas Darington, W. A.; M. J. Parcher,
clerk; G. B. Stacey, escort; P. Danigcr, watchman; D. AI.
Mitchell, sentry ; H. Daxell, assistant clerk ; examining sur-
geons, A. B. Stewart and J. W. Andrist. The purpose of the
Modern Woodmen of America is not only of a fraternal and
charitable nature, for the benefit of its more unfortunate mem
bers in times of distress, as a local organization, but it also
insures its members, in good standing, against a loss to their
families by certain standards of insurance, and is considered one
of the most substantial fraternal orders in the country.
Victory Camp, No. 1040, Royal Neighbors of America. This
is the ladies' adjunct to the Modern Woodmen of America, and
its fraternal and insurance features are of the same character.
It was organized June 8, 1898, with the following officers : Mrs.
Maggie ^\'oods, oracle ; Mrs. Ella Wright, vice oracle ; Mrs.
Louise Thon. recorder; Mable Snyder, receiver; Mrs. Maria
Snyder, chancelor; Mrs. Alary Marquart. inner sentinel, and
A. B. Stewart, physician.
The present officers are : Mrs. Louise K. Thon, oracle ; Mrs.
Martha Thon. vice oracle: Mrs. Anna Davidson, recorder:
Mrs. Mary Marquart, receiver ; Mrs. A. M. Belina, chancelor ;
Mrs. Rose Anderson, inner sentinel; Mrs. Dora Dezell, outer
sentinel, and A. B. Stewart, and tiuel G. Morehouse, physicians.
There is a membership of ninety, out of which there are forty-
nine fraternal, and forty-one who are benefit members through
the insurance feature.
Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of Aztecs. This was first
instituted at Minneapolis, August 24, 1891, and May 15, 1899,
was transferred to the city of Owatonna for its permanent home.
It elected and installed the following grand officers: M. F.
Smersh, grand commander ; A. J. Kubat, grand vice commander ;
J. Newsalt, secretary; Robert Denniger, treasurer; Lars Peter-
son and C. E. Srsen, trustees. The principal present officers
are: F. M. Smersh, grand commander; S. A. Kubat, grand vice
commander : F. A. Alexander, grand solicitor ; F. M. Smersh,
grand medical examiner.
Tenoch Council, No, 16, Ancient Order of Aztecs. This
council was organized May 29, 1893. The present membership
is 140 and is both a fraternal and charitable institution having
an insurance feature which is proving very advantageous in
times of sickness of its members and to the widows and orphans
of deceased members. The present officers are: R. F. Ander-
son, commander ; O. K. Marquart, vice commander ; L. J. Wa-
lachka, secretary; S. A. Kubat, collector; Robert Dinniger,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 931
treasurer; Cy Harding, orator; Chas. Cobb, chaplain; August
Monthee, guide ; Art Weise, warden ; C. I. Sustak, sentry.
CATHOLIC ORDERS
Owatonna Council, No. 945, Knights of Columbus. This
council was instituted at Owatonna, December 11, 1904, with
J. F. Fitzgerald, grand knight; John Lynard, deputy grand
knight ; L. J. Mosher, secretary ; J. S. Brick, financial secretary ;
and B. J. Meixner, treasurer. The council started out with a
fine lot of Owatonna's best business men as its charter members,
and has since added to its membership till at the present time
it has enrolled in good standing 115 members, which speaks well
for the popularity of the organization, the object of which is
not only fraternal in character, but through its insurance fea-
ture to render mutual assistance in times of need to the families
of members. It is an incorporated council and capable of pur-
chasing or disposing of realty or personal property. The pres-
ent officers are : John Lynard, grand knight ; J. S. Brick, deputy
grand knight; B. J. Mei.xner, treasurer; T. J. Stransky, secre-
tary, and W. H. Liebe, financial secretary. The trustees are
J. F. Fitzgerald, George C. Tower and W. H. Hart.
Catholic Order of Foresters. The local lodge of this order
was organized at Owatonna, May 7, 1897. It is a fraternal
order having the usual insurance feature. As is the case of
Knights of Columbus, none but Catholics are admitted to mem-
bership, the fraternity being dedicated to the benefit of its large
and growing membership and their families, its relief proving
to be a great advantage to the families of departed members of
the order through the immediate aid received just at a time when
most needed. The present membership of the local lodge is 121
and the present officers are : George Tohr, C. R. ; Martin Kubia-
towicz, V. C. R.; C. F. RinghoflFer, P. C. R. ; F. J. Wencel,
recorder; John Hogan, financial secretary; Edward W. Springer,
treasurer; N. J. Bateshek, S. C. ; C. M. Lerach, I. C. ; John O.
Shaney, I. S. ; Jos. C. Ripka, N. S. ; John Lynard, H. C. R.,
and F. A. Dunham, speaker. Trustees, William Burzinski, F.
Schlcman, S. Kubiatwicz.
Division No. 1, Steele County, Ancient Order of Hibernians.
This order was organized at Owatonna, February 26, 1891, with
the following charter members : George C. Tower. J. E. McLane,
Edward J. McGrath, William Ilickey, John Deviny, Chas. A.
Lonergan. James E. Quinn and C. J. Obrine, formerly a member
of the Montgomery division. The first officers were : C. J.
Obrine, president ; Edward McGrath, vice president ; Mike Mc-
Grath, treasurer, and J. E. Malone, recording secretary. There
932 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
are now forty-six members in full and regular membership. It
is a fraternal order having the insurance feature. The pres-
ent officers are : W. H. Liebe, president : Ed. F. Laughlin, vice
president : John Hogan, treasurer, and J. E. Malone, recording,
financial and insurance secretary.
WOMEN'S CLUBS
The Ladies' Pioneer Outing Club. This club was organized
in October, 1893, by the following ladies: Mrs. Norman Evans,
Mrs. W. S. Boice, Mrs. E. E. Bigelow, Mrs. J. N. Niles, Mrs.
T. H. Kelley, Mrs. Frank Murray, Mrs. H. K. Tompkins. Mrs.
A. E. Southworth, Mrs. Frank Ellis. The club was formerly
limited to nine members, but more recently its membership has
been increased. A full or unanimous vote of the members is
required before a candidate recommended by a member can
become a member of the club. In this manner the club is
replenished after the death or the removal of one of its members
from the city. It was named the Pioneer Outing Club, because
it was the first club of the kind instituted at Owatonna for the
purpose of visiting nature's beauty spots, through excursions
into the country and to pleasure resorts, for the purpose of recre-
ation and nature study during the milder months of the year.
During the cold and inclement weather, social meetings are held,
alternating at the different homes of the members. The club
is devoted mostly to social amusement and healthful recreation ;
the only thing of a literary nature connected with it is its
monthly program. Unlike the more recently organized women's
literary clubs, this regular monthly program is carried out in
a manner so that the responses are made extemporaneously, the
individuals replying not having had an opportunity to make a
study of the parts to be assumed. The opening ceremonies are
preceded bv the club's repeating in concert the adopted creed of
the club, viz. : "We believe in woman as God's best creation —
nothing nobler can be found ; that none of us are angels, yet
many saints still tread earth's round; that all labor is honorable,
in kitchen, shop or field ; that recreation is commendable, to
nature's wooing we should yield ; that hearts never grow old,
that golden hair is honorable as silver and silver glorious as
gold. We believe wherever duty calls that call is ours ; that
all about us bloom life's flowers for us to gather and with others
share. We believe in honest sentiment and dare admit our
humanest afifection for all created things, from the worm beneath
oiu- feet to the bird above that sings in divinest melody ; and
finally, we do believe that when for us kind nature drops the
curtain, with a tear, and our last outing shall be, with ebbing
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 933
tide, out o'er the sea of eternity — then that new life will be
enlarged, enriched and glorified by sacred memories of this
circle here." The present members are Mrs. Norman Evans,
Mrs. W. S. Boice, Mrs. E. E. Bigelow, Mrs. T. H. Kelley, Mrs.
H. K. Tompkins, Mrs. J. N. Niles, Mrs. George Holden, Mrs.
William Kelley, Mrs. Fred. Church, Mrs. M. B. Price, Mrs. W.
F. St. Clair, Mrs. C. E. Cole, Mrs. John Adsit, and Mrs. E. K.
Whiting.
The Cosmopolitan Literary Club is the oldest literary club
in the city of Owatunna, having been organized in the fall of
1895, before the woman's club movement had become popular,
and before it was at all certain that a regularly organized literary
club would prove a success. This club was the outgrowth of a
Chautauqua circle which had existed several years. Mrs. Norman
Evans, of Owatonna, has the honor and credit of originating
the club in its present form. The membership of the club is
limited to thirty, and at no time during its life of fourteen years
has it had less than that number, nor has its interest in advanced
work failed in the least to keep abreast with the times. This
club enjoys the unique distinction of having one member who
has, during the club's existence, missed but one meeting, and
that absence was caused by illness.
The average attendance during this time has been twenty-
two, which shows the deep interest of its members in the work
constantly in hand.
Possibly this devotion may in part be due to the fact that
instead of the members being wholly interested in personal im-
provement, they are, both as an individual club and as a part of
the State Federation of Woman's Clubs, engaged in promoting
many movements for the betterment of social conditions and the
advancement of every worthy human interest.
The Cosmopolitan club joined the state federation in 1896,
holding to the old adage that "in union there is strength," and
that by such union a more extensive influence could be brought
to bear for the advancement of educational movements along the
line of household economics, health and hygiene, child labor, pure
food laws, forestry, art, music, library work and all that occupies
the attention of the state and national organizations of woman's
clubs.
During the early years of the club's existence the history,
literature and art of the different countries composed the line of
study, three years having been given to the study of America.
The past five years have been devoted to the consideration of
"Present Day Problems." Through the discussion of these topics
an interest has been awakened, not only in this club, but also
in other federated clubs in this city, impelling them through the
934 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
close relationship they bear toward one another to combine for
the general improvement and advancement of the home com-
munity, among which may be mentioned the furnishing of the
children's room in the public library, a liberal contribution to
the kindergarten department of the city schools, and furnishing
lectures, concerts, etc., for the especial benefit of the young
people of the town.
The first officers of the club were: President, Mrs. Norman
Evans; first vice president, Mrs. C. S. Crandall ; second vice
president, Mrs. L. L. Bennett ; recording secretary, Mrs. P. L.
Howe; corresponding secretary, Mrs. R. G. Nelson.
The present officers are: President, Mrs. A. H. Muedeking;
first vice president, Mrs. L. G. Nelson ; second vice president,
Mrs. J. G. Briggs ; recording secretary, Mrs. Geo. Parrott ; corre-
sponding secretary, Mrs. Soren Nilson; federation secretary, Mrs.
Norman Evans ; treasurer, Mrs. L. L. Bennett.
The Cosmopolitan club has been honorably represented by
one of its members in an official capacity, both in the state and
district organizations, and of one as delegate and alternate at
various meetings of the national organization. Another member
was a very worthy and efficient member of the school board for
several years.
The Nineteenth Century Club. Through the influence of
Mrs. N. J. Eddy, an invitation was extended to all who would
be likely to be interested in such a club to meet at the home of
Mrs. A. J. Katz, April 5, 1898, at which time the club was insti-
tuted, received its name, and the following officers elected:
President, Mrs. J. H. Candler; vice president, Mrs. Nichols;
recording secretary, Mrs. R. H. Bach; corresponding secretary,
Mrs. Chas. Travis ; treasurer, Mrs. Chas. Allen. This club
became a member of the Federated Clubs, September 27, 1898,
since which time its members have been actively interested in
both local and state work, and honored by the state and district
organizations; Mrs. Chas. B. Allen has been district secretary for
several years, and in conjunction with other federated clubs this
club has liberally rendered financial as well as personal encour-
agement to the city library and the children's room connected
therewith. Much of the success of this club is due to the able sup-
port it has received through its leading members, who have deter-
mined to keep it abreast of the times for the uplifting of woman-
kind, while at the same time attending to the constant develop-
mental improvement of its local membership through the studies
of home economics, American and European history, travel and
literary pursuits; not forgetting or neglecting to introduce social
features in connection with the regular programs. The member-
ship is limited to twenty-six, which is kept full by election as
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 935
soon as a vacancy occurs, so that tlic club has always had its
maximum in size. The present officers are: Mrs. E. J. Eddy,
president ; Mrs. E. J. Owen, vice president ; Mrs. Guy Clefton,
recording secretary ; Mrs. J. F. Rogers, corresponding secretary ;
Mrs. Chas. Travis, federated secretary: and Mrs. Edwin Naylor.
treasurer.
The F. F. Club. This club was organized in June, 1900.
Though not a federated club, its object is similar to those which
are, and the members pursue regular courses of study along the
lines of literary and economic subjects. Its mottos are, "A little
learning is a dangerous thing," and "Drink deep or touch not the
Pierian spring." The club color is garnet and its flower is the
white carnation. The present officers are: Mrs. O. D. Selleck,
president; Mrs. S. Bell, vice president; Mrs. T. Rions, secretary
and treasurer.
The Ideal Club. This club was organized in 1900, and feder-
ated in 1902. Its purposes are similar to the clubs previously
mentioned. The membership is limited to twenty, which is con-
stantly kept at full complement, the members being deeply inter-
ested in the pursuit of the study of the various topics brought
before them for consideration and the advancement of a prac-
tical knowledge of history, literature, and domestic and political
economics. The first officers of the club were: Mrs. H. K.
Tompkins, president ; Mrs. S. S. Thompson, secretary ; Mrs.
John Smith, treasurer. The present officers of the club are:
President, Mrs. Walter Dynes ; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
W. F. Chambers ; recording secretary, Mrs. E. J. Thompson ;
federated secretary. Mrs. J. B. Christgau ; treasurer, Mrs. L. R.
Van Ornam.
The Delta Sigma Club. This is another club that is exerting
itself to improve the standing of woman through the study of
the history of all nations and the contemplation of the world's
literary and economic pursuits. This club was organized under
the leadership of Mrs. George Schultzc, September, 1901, and
became a member of the federated clubs in February, 1902. The
present officers are: Miss Cahill, president; Mrs. Michael Cash-
man, leader; recording secretary, Cynthia Meixner; correspond-
ing secretary and federation secretary, Mrs. Mike Cashman
Membership is limited to fifteen, and at all times reaches that
number.
The Emanon Club. This club was organized September,
1903, and federated during the same year. Its membership is
limited to twenty. Though this is the youngest of the local
federated clubs, it is by no means the less active in carrying
along its portion of the good works laid out by both the local
federation and State Federation of Women's Clubs, and is cast-
936 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ing its lot with tlie general movement of women's clubs for
advancement of the sphere of American womanhood. The first
officers were: Mrs. G. H. Hoffman, president; Mrs. Ellen Mid-
daugh, vice president ; Mrs. W. F. St. Clair, recording secre-
tary ; Mrs. John Kendall, corresponding and federation secre-
tary; Mrs. James Andrews, treasurer. The present officers are :
Mrs. Eunice Turner, president; Mrs. C. W. Adsit, vice presi-
dent ; Mrs. Emil Zamboni, corresponding secretary and federa-
tion secretar\- ; Miss Harriet Howe, recording secretary; Mrs.
\V. B. Adsit. treasurer.
The Twentieth Century Club. This club was promulgated
and instituted b}' that noble and venerated pioneer lady, Mrs.
Emily Winship, who during her life was at all times interested
in the consideration and study of topics that might advance
thought along the lines of literary culture and social and domes-
tic economics, thus making her idealistic sentiments a quite
noteworthy feature in the attraction her associates felt toward
her. Later, when the women's club work movement was inaug-
urated in Owatonna. Mrs. Winship was with the progressive
movement in spirit, but owing to advanced age and debility
caused by prolonged illness, she was unable to more than give
a hearty endorsement to the project.
The Twentieth Century Club had its first inception when
Mrs. Winship, though confined to her home, invited a few of
her neighbors to meet with her periodically, and thus informally
pass a pleasant hour reading together. This little reading circle
soon became so popular that new faces began to augment the
number at the hospitable fireside, to such an extent that in Sep-
tember, 1900, it was decided to form the company into a literary
organization and call it "The Twentieth Century Club," Mrs.
Winship being made its first president. The club was limited
to twenty members and was to hold its meetings every two
weeks. Through the passing away of the founder of the club,
the members have felt the loss of her guiding influence and have
greatly missed her ever cheerful personality at their meetings.
Although the club is not federated, the members have kept their
deep interest in local work, their study pursuits being along lines
similar to those of the other literary clubs of the city. The pres-
ent officers are : Mary E. Dunham, president ; Mrs. J. F. Young,
vice president ; Mrs. W. H. Montgomery, secretary.
OTHER CLUBS
Iroquois Club. Although organized less than two years, the
Iroquois Club is the foremost young men's organization of Owa-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 937
tonna, and lias attractive and well furnished rooms in the second
story of the First National Bank Building. The club was organ-
ized in April, 1909, with a membership of thirty-five. A limit
of forty was placed upon the membership, and this has since
been steadily maintained. In addition to this, a number of
names are enrolled upon the non-resident list. In the club
rooms ten of the latest periodicals and magazines are always
kept, and in the music room a piano and other musical instru-
ments serve to provide a splendid equipment for those musically
inclined. The officers of the club are: Floyd Bell, president;
Eliott Shea, vice president ; S. C. Goff, Jr., secretary ; Homer
Rugg, treasurer. In addition to this, a board of governors is com-
posed of the following: James Cashman, Lewis Winship, Robert
Nelson, Arthur Lippert and Hugo Theimer. The club is purely
social and has become a leading social body in many respects.
Many of the high class dances are given under its auspices and
the club at stated intervals holds "get-together" banquets, which
serve to bring the members into closer and more fraternal rela-
tionship with one another.
The Owatonna Commercial Club, which was organized in
April, 1905, is the successor of several civic organizations of
earlier days. The club, which has recently absorbed the Iroquois
Club, occupies comfortable quarters on Cedar street, over Mork's
store, having moved to the present rooms from the Opera House
block in 1908. The first officers of the club were: President,
Herbert Vinton; vice president, John Brick; secretary, H. A.
Lawson ; treasurer, Harry Luce ; directors, F. A. Dunham,
George Schafer, O. E. Williamson, Dr. G. G. Morehouse, Alfred
Schmidt, Charles J. Servatius and E. A. Brown. The present
officers are: President, C. A. Tincher; vice president, S. C. GofT;
secretary, C. J. Servatius ; treasurer, A. II. Schmidt ; directors,
E. A. Brown, Roy Parrott, Louis Watowa, William Darby and
R. H. Gericke.
The Owatonna Business Men's Club has for its object the
upbuilding of the commercial interests of the city. It was or-
ganized in February, 1910, and holds monthly banquets at which
various topics of public interest are discussed. The officers are :
President, M. S. Alexander; vice president, W. F. St. Clair;
treasurer, P. H. Evans; secretary, F. A. Dunham; trustees, M. B.
Price, M. R. Cashman, J. F. Fitzgerald, J. C. Jahrciss and G. G.
Morehouse.
Steele County Agricultural Street Fair Association. This
association, which was originally fostered by the Owatonna
Commercial Club, was organized May 19, 1906, with the follow-
ing officers : President, Robert Crickmore ; first vice president,
938 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
J. R. Morley; second vice president, J. H. Laughlin; treasurer,
H. H. Luce; secretary, F. A. Dunham; trustees, W. F. St. Clair,
F. H. Joesting, G. F. Cardoff and George E. Darby. The asso-
ciation has held a fair each year in Owatonna, with the usual
attractions and exhibits, having done much to promote the agri-
cultural and business interests of the county. The present offi-
cers are: President, J. R. Morley; first vice president, J. H.
Laughlin; second vice president, C. P. Sahler; treasurer, M. J.
Brown ; secretary, F. A. Dunham ; trustees, M. R. Cashman, W.
F. St. Clair, W. H. Kilty, F. H. Joesting and G. A. Cedardahl.
CHAPTER XXII.
PILLSBURY ACADEMY.
Location and Importance — Its Existence as the Minnesota
Academy — Gifts of George A. Pillsbury — Buildings — Ob-
ject— Societies — Officers — Biographies.
Pillsbury Academy ranks well with the preparatory schools
of this part of the country, and furnishes an important feature
of Owatonna life. The site of the academy is in the southeastern
part of the city, on a gentle elevation, commanding a fine view
of the city and surrounding country. The grounds, well shaded
with noble trees, include ten acres, the natural beauty of which
is enhanced by smooth shaven lawns and graceful curving walks
and driveways. A finely graded campus of several acres ad-
jacent to the buildings furnishes opportunity for out-of-door
sports.
Pillsbury Academy was founded by the Minnesota Baptist
State Convention, and opened its doors for the reception of stu-
dents in September, 1877, under the name of Minnesota Acad-
emy. In 1885, George A. Pillsbury began to take a vital interest
in the institution and made to it the first of a series of liberal
gifts. In recognition of Mr. Pillsbury 's generosity and as a
token of esteem to him the name of the institution was changed
to Pillsbur)- Academy by a unanimous vote of the Baptist State
Convention in October, 1886. From 1885 to 1892 Mr. Pillsbury
gave to the school, one after another, Pillsbury hall, the Academy
building, Music hall, the Drill hall and the Central heating plant.
Besides clearing the school of its debts on account of current
expenses several times, Mr. Pillsbury bequeathed to it a generous
fund by the terms of his will. This fund can be used as an
endowment only. These facts indicate that it is eminently proper
that the institution should bear the name of its chief benefactor.
In 1900 Wm. II. Kelly, of Owatonna, by a generous ofifer, started
the movement for a boys' dormitory. Other liberal friends
throughout the state aided the movement, and in 1904 the new
building was completed and ready for occupancy. By unanimous
vote of the Baptist State Convention in October, 1905, this
building was named Kelly hall, in honor of Mr. Kelly. The
heating plant has recently been enlarged, and a Corliss engine
and dynamo installed. At the present time, Pillsbury Academy
939
diO HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
has seven finely equipped buildings, which so far as the purpose
for which they are designed is concerned, will bear comparison
with buildings of any similar institution in the Northwest.
The object of the school is to furnish the very best of second-
ary education under academic conditions, and to meet fully the
demands of young people who have a clear educational purpose
in going away to school. Scholastically the school aims to
maintain a maximum preparatory course of study which will
fit its graduates to enter the freshman class of any American col-
lege or scientific school, and to afiford facilities for the study of
music, art and elocution under teachers of the best training and
experience. The scholastic object is not allowed to overshadow
a purpose to develop sound moral character as a basis for future
usefulness. That these objects may be realized, only such
teachers are employed as have had the most generous training
and will exert a positive Christian influence and so are them-
selves an expression of the high educational and moral ideas they
seek to inculcate.
The buildings of Pillsbury Academy, seven in number, are,
with one exception, comparatively new. They are commodious,
in good condition, well equipped for their special purposes, and
no expense has been spared to make them perfect from a
sanitary standpoint.
The Academy building was erected in 1889, and is the gift of
the late Hon. George A. Pillsbury, whose name the academy
bears. It is one hundred and twenty-two feet long, and three
stories high above the basement, wnth a tower one hundred and
forty-four feet high. It contains recitation rooms, reference
library and reading-room, offices, laboratories, manual training
shop, study-room, chapel, and a spacious auditorium, seating
about five hundred people.
Pillsbury hall, the girls' dormitory, also a gift of Mr. Pills-
bury, was built in 1886. It is one hundred and twenty-eight feet
long, and has three stories above the basement. It is heated by
hot water and lighted by electricity, and contains parlors, con-
veniently arranged suites of rooms, lavatories, assembly room,
and dining hall.
The Music hall is a two-story brick structure, forty by eighty
feet. It was likewise built by Mr. Pillsbury in 1892. The archi-
tecture is Grecian, and the classic beauty of the facade, with its
four massive Ionic columns, adds much to the beauty of the
campus. The building contains a fire-proof library room, and
ample accommodations for the music departments, teaching
rooms, practice rooms, and hall for private recitals.
Kelly hall, the boys' dormitory, has been occupied but six
years. It is a brick structure, one hundred and sixty feet long.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 941
forty feet wide, and has three stories and dormer above the
basement. It is equipped with all modern conveniences and im-
provements, having, in addition to the living rooms, a large recep-
tion room, a commodious hospital, and a large locker-room, with
shower and tub baths adjacent. All rooms are supplied with
steam heat and electric light. It affords accommodations for
eighty boys, besides suites of rooms for four teachers.
The combined gymnasium and drill hall has a clear floor space
of one hundred and ten by sixty-five feet. It has just been re-
fitted at considerable expense and supplied with light and heat
from the central plant. It affords the best of facilities for indoor
recreation, such as basket ball, baseball and roller skating.
A central heating and lighting plant furnishes heat and
electric light to all the buildings. The plant has recently been
enlarged, the entire system changed to the vacuum system, an
extra boiler added, and a fire engine and dynamo installed.
The old Academy building, erected in 1876, is used as a drill
hall and recreation building for the girls.
The students maintain active branches of Young Men's and
Young Women's Christian Associations. These organizations
aid greatly in preserving a high moral and religious standard
in the school life and furnish a rallying point for those who
wish to do active Christian work. Two active literary societies,
the Corvus Club and the Philomathian Society, are maintained
by the boys of the academy. These give the best of opportunity
for practice in debating, essay writing and parliamentary usage.
The girls maintain the Qui Vive Literary Society. These organi-
zations hold meetings bi-weekly on Friday evenings. A monthly
paper, the "Alphian," is published by the students of the acad-
emy and offers opportunity for any member of the school to
bring into print such compositions as are thought worthy of
publication. The school paper is under the supervision of the
instructor in English. A school orchestra, under the direction
of a member of the faculty, affords opportunity for regular prac-
tice in the use of a large number of musical instruments. The
orchestra is frequently called upon to furnish music at school
entertainments. The Athletic Association includes all of the
students and teachers of the academy. Through its officers and
board of control it takes charge of all the athletic interests of
the school.
The board of trustees of the school consists of the following
gentlemen : Edward M. Van Duzee, president ; B. B. Townsend,
secretary ; Hon. W. R. Kinyon, treasurer. Term expires in
1910: L. S. Gillette, Minneapolis; E. M. Van Duzee, St. Paul;
G. M. Palmer, Mankato ; S. S. Green, Owatonna ; D. D. Smith.
St. Paul; C. W. Sawyer, Minneapolis. Term expires in 1911:
942 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Rev. L. A. Crandall, D. D., Minneapolis ; W. C. Roberts, M. D.,
Owatonna; Hon. W. R. Kinyon, Owatonna; A. F. Gale, Minne-
apolis; B. B. Townsend, Minneapolis; E. J. Longyear, Minne-
apolis. Term expires in 1912: Uriah Roraback, Minneapolis;
Frank C. Nickels, Minneapolis; S. C. Briggs, West Concord;
L. C. Woodman, Owatonna; Chas. Jefts, Owatonna; Frank K.
Pratt, Minneapolis.
The principal of the school is Milo B. Price, Ph. D., of whose
scholastic attainments the school catalogue gives the following
resume : A. B., Denison University, 1892. Post-graduate work.
University of Chicago, 1892-1893. Student of history and
philology, University of Leipzig. 1893-1896. Ph. D., Leipzig,
1896. Instructor, modern languages, St. Mark's School, South-
boro, Mass., 1896-1897. Instructor, modern languages. The Wor-
cester Academy, Worcester, Mass., 1897-1898. Master in his-
tory, Worcester Academy, 1898-1901. Master in history, Wil-
liam Penn Charter School, Philadelphia, Pa.. 1901-1904. Prin-
cipal, Pillsbury Academy, 1904.
Joshua L. Ingraham, A. M., has been a most important factor
in the life of the school. He has been connected with the follow-
ing institutions of learning: A. B. Colby College, 1880. A. M.,
Colby, 1883. Instructor in mathematics, The Worcester Acad-
emy, Worcester, Mass., 1880-1882. Principal, Pillsbury Acad-
emy, 1883-1889. Instructor in mathematics, Pillsbury Academy,
1889-1895. Special study. University of Chicago, summer, 1896.
Instructor in Greek and Latin, Pillsbury Academy, 1895.
CHAPTER XXIII
ELLENDALE VILLAGE
Location and Advantages — Origin — Business and Government —
Fire Department — Cornet Band — Churches — Fraternal So-
cieties— Creamery — Elevators — Schools — Beaver Lake. — By
C. C. Campbell.
Ellendale is .situated in the southern part of Steele county
on the Rock Island Railway, about midway between Owatonna,
the county seat, and Albert Lea, in Freeborn county, being six-
teen miles from the former and fifteen and one-half from the
latter. The village is steadily growing in size and at present
contains a population of about 400. The surrounding country
is one of the most beautiful and productive agricultural regions
in the world. It is gently rolling in contour and was originally
covered with a dense growth of timber, principally oak. Most of
this has long since been cleared away, leaving an occasional
grove or small forest which dot the lanscape in every direction.
These, as seen from the eminence on which Ellendale is located,
together with the varicolored fields of grain and an occasional
glimpse of the gables and windmill spires of prosperous farm-
steads, in the summer season form a scene of beauty to delight
the eye of the artist and a picture of wealth and plenty which
immediately arrests and holds the attention of the practical man
of affairs. Ellendale is located on high ground, giving excellent
opportunity for drainage. It has a very complete system of
waterworks and an adequate system of sewerage will be an im-
provement of the near future. The water supply is obtained
from deep wells which penetrate bedrock and furnish an abun-
dant and pure supply, free from all danger of contamination.
The village boasts of a handsome and commodious brick
school building erected during the summer of 1910 at a cost of
of $12,000. It maintains four church organizations. Among the
business houses are three general stores, one clothing and shoe
store, drug store, furniture store and undertaking establishment,
novelty store, bank, two hotels, restaurant, two barber shops,
harness shop, millinery store, meat market, two lumber yards,
three livery stables, two blacksmith and machine shops, two
grain elevators and a creamery, the latter one of the largest in
943
944 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the state. A weekly paper, The Ellendale Eagle, is published.
A meeting of the officials of the B., C. R. & N. Ry. Co., which
was pushing its way north with Minneapolis as the objective
point, was held at Cedar Rapids, la., in August, 1900, to consider
the location of stations on the thirty-two miles of line between
Albert Lea and Owatonna, Minn. The problem presented many
features for difference of opinion. Present at this meeting were
C. J. Ives, president; Robert Williams, vice president and gen-
eral manager; H. F. White, chief engineer; T. H. Simmons,
general freight agent ; Thos. H. Brown, right-of-way and town-
site agent, and a few subordinate ofificers.
Some favored two and some favored three towns as being
necessary to properly take care of the business on this thirty-two
miles of road. President Ives said, "Let us have one good town
with territory sufficient to build up a commercial center where
farmers may not only sell their products, but find stores with
large, up-to-date stocks of goods ; then the farmer will take pride
in his town and the benefit will become mutual." The meeting
adjourned without definite orders, but directed the townsite
agent. Mr. Brown, to use his judgment in locations on the line.
On August 13, 1900, Mr. Brown met Hon. Geo. E. Sloan and
Mr. O. H. Opsahl, who resided near the proposed location. The
honest, frank and able manner in which Mr. Sloan presented
the advantages of the location quite convinced him, so Ellendale
was located and platted and, as intended, has become an im-
portant marketing and distributing center.
The name was given in memory of Mrs. C. J. Ives, who died
a few years previous to this time. She was the laboring man's
friend. She seemed to know every section man and every brake-
man on the road and her many acts of tender, thoughtful kind-
ness endeared her to the hundreds of employes. Her maiden
name was Ellen Dale, so this beautiful, prosperous village will
perpetuate the memory of that good woman.
Through Mr. Brown the railroad townsite company pur-
chased a quarter section of land of the estate of Elling Ellingson.
The townsite was laid out as quickly as possible, and R. J.
Dobell, a resident of Iowa, was employed to take charge as local
agent and also to organize a bank composed of local investors
and a number of Cedar Rapids capitalists, some of whom were
officers of the railway and townsite companies. Mr. Dobell com-
menced operations with characteristic energy and by fall had
the bank organized and doing business. A small building 16x18
in size was purchased in the country and moved to the rear of
the bank lot. Here the bank commenced business and here also
the books of the townsite company were first opened. In the
meantime the present building was being erected on the front
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 945
end of ihc lot and as soon as completed the cramped quarters in
the little building were gladly exchanged for the more commo-
dious ones which it afforded.
The new bank building was not only the first substantial
building in the town ; it was the center of activity thereafter,
the alma mater of the community. Within its walls many
business enterprises were nourished from weakness to self-
reliant strength. When there was a dearth of buildings in the
new town, its doors were open and there was always room for
one more beneath its roof. Thus it housed many homeless ven-
tures until more suitable quarters could be found and on occasion
even served as a sleeping apartment for those who otherwise
would have been doomed to a night out.
In the spring of 1901, before the frost was out of the ground,
building operations commenced in earnest. About the first struc-
tures to be erected were Frank Randall's livery barn, Thomas
& Crow's hardware store, now owned by Jensen & Miller, and
A. M. Lerberg's general store. Other buildings followed in quick
succession and by fall what the year before was only a stubble
field, had been transformed into the business street of a good
sized village. Since then the growth of the village has been
slow, but continuous, each year seeing some new business enter-
prise added and new dwelling erected.
The present business houses are : E. M. Thompson, furniture
and undertaking; W. B. Wardwell, druggist; Ober Mercantile
Co., general merchandise; Jensen & Miller, hardware dealers and
machinists; C. M. Nelson, novelty store; Security State Bank;
A. M. Lerberg, general merchandise; E. H. Stout, hotel; Western
Elevator Co., dealers in grain and coal, Jas. E. Lageson, mana-
ger; Laird Norton Yards, lumber and coal, Lars Hetland, mana-
ger; Farmers' Elevator Co., grain and feed, Geo. Stearns, mana-
ger; Ellendale Lumber Co., lumber and coal, Andrew Gregerson,
manager; Rasmus Laursen, blacksmith; C. A. Odell, hotel;
O'AIalley & Carroll, saloon ; Ellendale Mercantile Co., general
merchandise, John Lageson, Albert Lageson, A. A. Berg, props. ;
Stearns & Lageson, hardware ; Martin Anderson, meat market ;
N. C. Nelson, saloon; Henry Ellingson. barber shop; Ellingson
Bros., clothing and shoes; Emma Ellingson & Co., restaurant;
Lena D. Nelson, milliner; E. H. Gulbrandson, hardware; Mc-
Farland & Finch, livery barn; Ellis & Lundahl, blacksmiths;
W. G. Bragg, livery; Jas. Larson, livery; Ellingson Bros., har-
ness shop.
J. W. Andrist was the first physician, locating in Ellendale
in 1901 with the first influx of settlers. In a few years he built
up a large practice which he sold in October, 1908, to Dr. E. Q.
Ertel, who has since covered the field. There is no mean tribute
946 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
to the sanitary conditions in tlie village as well as the climate
of this part of Minnesota in tlie fact that this large territory
has been covered in a satisfactory manner by one physician dur-
ing the nine years intervening between the establishment of
Ellendale and the writing of this sketch. Since leaving here Dr.
.'\ndrist has established a practice at Owatonna.
The postoffice was moved from Cooleyville, a small cross-
roads village, which has been built up around the then Berlin &
Summit, now Ellendale creamer}-. This hamlet was about a
half mile east of Ellendale and with the establishment of the new
town its business houses removed to the more attractive loca-
tion. H. A. Midje was the postmaster, having his offce in the
general store of Midje & Lageson, of which he was the senior
member. This firm erected a fine brick structure in Ellendale
and transferred their business there, and in May, 1901, the
government authorized the removal of the postoffice, and it was
re-established at Ellendale. The office was a registration office
while located in Cooleyville, but it was not until October, 1901,
some time after its removal to Ellendale, that it was designated
as a money order office and the first money order was written
October 12, 1901. j\Ir. Midje occupied the office of postmaster
until the summer of 1909, when he resigned and C. C. Campbell,
the present incumbent, received the appointment, assuming the
duties of his office August 8.
The village of Ellendale was incorporated in 1901, by author-
ity of an election held on August 13, at which forty-five votes
were cast, forty-two being in favor of incorporation and three
in the negative. The first election of village officers was held
August 17 following, which resulted in the election of D. J. Sul-
livan, mayor; J. F. Hake, Frank Kycek, John Ellingson, council-
men; E. M. Thompson, recorder; R. J. Dobell, treasurer; J. C.
Hemingway and B. S. Ellis, justices of the peace; F. R. Randall,
constable ; W. A. Gahagan, street commissioner.
On October 25 several farmers whose lands had been in-
cluded in the corporate limits of the village started suit to annul
the corporation, hoping in the case that re-incorporation should
be necessary, to have their lands set out. The plaintiffs were
Nels Thom])son, Henry Norby, Morris Patterson, Edward John-
son, Nels Ohnstad and Elsie Brynestad. The case dragged along
until the summer of 1903, when an understanding was arrived at
and it was dropped. Since the incorporation of the village the
office of mayor has been filled as follows : D. J. Sullivan, 1901-
1902; R. J. Dobell, 1903; H. L. Dolge, 1904; C. C. Campbell. 1905-
1906; D.J. Sullivan, 1907; J. W. Andrist, 1908; E. E. Ellingson,
1909-1910. The present officers are E. E. Ellingson, mayor; A. P.
Hanson, E. Q. Ertel, Theo. Jensen, councilmen ; C. R. Torger-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 947
son, recorder; B. S. Ellis, treasurer; G. B. Stearns, justice of the
peace; M. A. JNIcFarland, Wm. Bragg, constables; Chris Wal-
bom, street commissioner.
During the various administrations many improvements have
been accomplished. Notable among these is the building of a
system of good roads and streets, the establishment of a system
of waterworks and the laying of cement walks, curbing and gut-
ters. Miles of new roads have been built, involving the expendi-
ture of thousands of dollars for grading and gravel. In the
middle of May, 1903, the council made a contract with the
National Construction Co., of South Bend, Ind., to install a sys-
tem of waterworks, contingent on the successful issue of an
election to be held on July 31 to authorize the bonding of the
village for the payment of the same. The proposition carried
in favor of bonding, by a large majority, the bonds were
floated and the waterworks were in operation by the time cold
weather set in. The system is very complete and satisfactory
both as to fire protection and domestic use. Fire hydrants have
been placed on all the principal corners and there is hardly a
building in the village not within reach of at least one line of
hose. The system is what is known as pneumatic, the storage
tank being on the ground under cover of the pumping station
and the water is forced through the mains by air pressure. It
is entire!}' adequate for every need and economical in operation.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Ellendale Fire Department was organized at a meeting
held May 13, 1904, the first officers being L. F. Barnes, chairman;
E. J. Quinn, chief; F. R. Randall, assistant chief; E. H. Stout,
warden ; Th. Christensen. secretary. The department is equipped
with hose cart, hook and ladder and other necessary parapher-
nalia. Regular meetings arc held and tiie efi'ciency of the com-
pany has several times been practically demonstrated. The
present officers are: F. H. Stout, chairman; F. M. Thompson,
chief: Albert Lageson, assistant chief; C. R. Langdon, warden;
Frick Ellingson, secretary and treasurer.
ELLENDALE CORNET BAND.
The I'.lk'ndale Cornet Band was organized during the early
days of the town and has continued with a number of changes
of membership and organization to the present time. During the
whole period it has been under the leadership of Mr. A. S. Lar-
sen, an experienced cornet player and efficient instructor, to
whose patient and painstaking work the success of the organiza-
tion may be attributed. The present officers are A. S. Larson,
948 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
leader; C. C. Campbell, manager; C. AI. Nelson, secretary; C. R.
Torgerson, treasurer.
CHURCHES.
Norwegian Lutheran. — The Berlin Norwegian Evangelical
Lutheran congregation was organized in 1869. Some ten or
twelve families having settled here a few years previously,
joined the organization. The first officers cannot be stated, but
a constitution was adopted and the Rev. E. Wulfsberg, of
Freeborn, was called as pastor, accepted the call and held his
introductory service March 9, 1870. Rev. Wulfsberg served the
congregation until March 5, 1873, when the present pastor, O. A.
Mellby, was installed, and has ever since served as such. A
piece of land was soon bought for a cemetery and thereon a
church building was erected in 1877, but on account of the poor
circumstances of the members of the society, stood unfinished
until 1886, when it was completed and dedicated by Rev. L. M.
Biorn, of Zumbrota, June 30. By the cyclone of June 15, 1892,
this church was entirely swept away and scattered over the sur-
rounding prairie. It was a hard blow to the little congregation,
but not despairing, at a meeting held July II the same year, it
was unanimously resolved to commence the erection of a larger
and better house of worship and immediately went to work,
raised the necessary funds and let the contract for such a struc-
ture to Mr. Tolsrud, of Lake Mills, Iowa. The work was com-
pleted to the general satisfaction of the congregation, and the
new church was solemnly dedicated by Rev. L. M. Biorn, July
15, 1893, with the assistance of several other pastors. Including
a fine bell and pipe organ the building cost about $5,000. Besides
this, by the efifort of some influential members, a large vacated
school house has been recently bought and placed on a fine lot
in the village of Ellendale to be used for parochial and Sunday
school and other religious meetings, at a cost of some $600. The
congregation, very small at the beginning, has had a steady
growth, until at present it has about 300 members. The present
officers are : L. J. Brynestad, secretary ; A. Muri, trustee and
treasurer ; N. Norby, Gilbert Thorson, trustees. The congrega-
tion has a flourishing women's society working for missionary
and charitable purposes, and a young people's society with re-
ligious and literary program. The congregation is a member
of The United Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of
America.
Methodist Episcopal. — The first steps toward building a
Methodist chiuxh at Ellendale were taken at Geneva, Minn., at
a quarterly conference held at that place by Rev. Peter Clare,
presiding elder, and Rev. W. I. Moore, pastor, June 18, 1901.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 949
At this conference R. J. Dobell, Dr. J. W. Andrist, E. O. Jones
and F. G. Sloan were appointed a committee to look up the pros-
pects for a building at Ellendale. This committee met at Dr.
Andrist's office in Ellendale, June 19, and in addition there were
present I. W. Ferguson, Ira C. Sawyer, Rev. Peter Clare, P. E.
and Rev. W. I. Moore, who were all actively interested in the
project. It was decided to build a church to cost $1,200 in case
$800 in pledges could be secured. A board of trustees was
organized as follows : F. G. Sloan, chairman ; J. W. Andrist,
secretary; R. J. Dobell, treasurer; E. O. Jones, Ira C. Sawyer.
A soliciting committee was started out, and, having met with a
satisfactory degree of success, plans were procured and the
contract let for a building which exceeded the first estimates
by several hundred dollars, the ultimate price being about $2,000.
This building was finished in July, 1902, and dedicated on the
thirteenth of that month by the Rev. John M. Driver, assisted
by Elder Clare and Pastor Moore. Rev. Moore served as pastor
of the church until October, 1902, when he was succeeded by
Rev. Frank Seeds. After seven months' service Rev. Seeds re-
signed and his place was filled by Rev. S. W. Kemerer, who
occupied the pulpit until October, 1904. The conference then
sent Rev. G. W. Koser to the charge, which he held for two
years, being followed by Rev. J. J. Lutz in October, 1906. After
three years Rev. Lutz was assigned to another charge, but was
taken ill at Geneva just after having packed his household goods
and expired. The church is now in charge of Rev. I. W. Holman,
who succeeded to the pastorate in the fall of 1909. In connection
with the church is a strong and active Ladies' Aid Society which
is the fountain head of its social life and the main factor in
lending financial support. The society has virtually furnished
the church, kept it in repair and contributes largely to the
salary of the pastor.
Baptist. — The Baptist Society was organized in 1860, but was
without a house of worship until 1895, when a substantial build-
ing was erected in Berlin township about two miles north of the
present site of Ellendale. In the summer of 1901 this edifice
was removed to Ellendale, Rev. C. V. Smith being the first
pastor to occupy the pulpit after the re-location of the building.
About two years later Rev. Smith resigned and was succeeded
by Rev. N.. E. Chapman, who served about one year and was
then obliged to give up the pastorate on account of ill health.
He was followed by Rev. Pettengill, who only occupied the pul-
pit four times when he was taken ill with pneumonia and died.
Since that time the church has been without a regular pastor,
the pulpit being supplied occasionally by ministers from sur-
rounding towns. The society is free from debt, the church
1)50 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
building is kept in good repair, and it is expected that regular
services will be resumed at some time in the near future. An
auxiliary, the Baptist Ladies' Aid Society, is an active organiza-
tion which is doing much to hold the society together and pre-
pare it for future usefulness. The officers of the church are :
F. D. Sheldon, clerk; L. D. Lundahl, treasurer; P. J. Johnson,
J. C. Nelson, C. M. Nelson, N. C. Nelson, trustees; L. D. Lun-
dahl, P. J. Johnson, deacons.
Danish Lutheran. — Rev. M. O. Block, pastor of the Danish
Lutheran Church of Summit township, has his residence in Ellen-
dale and holds services at stated intervals in the M. E. Church.
The society has no regular organization in the village, but the
nucleus thus formed will undoubtedly develop in the course of
time into a strong and well organized church.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.
Modern Woodman. — EUcndale Camp, No. 9,666, was organ-
ized in May, 1901, being the first institution of the kind in the
village. At the lirst meeting E. M. Thompson was elected, V. C. ;
W. A. Gahagan, W. A.: R. J. Dobell. banker: Geo. W. Delany,
clerk ; D. J. Sullivan, e.scort ; R. M. Curtis, watchman ; C. A. Bing-
ham, sentry; J. W. Andrist, physician; F. Kycek, J. F. Misgen,
W. J. Erdman, managers. The lodge has always enjoyed a
large membership, and has been very active in social life. The
officers at present are: Theo. Jensen, V. C. ; B. S. Ellis, W. A.;
W. A. Gahagan, banker; E. M. Thompson, clerk; L. D. Lun-
dahl, escort; M. A. McFarland, escort; Jas. C. Nelson, sentry;
E. O. Ertel, physician; C. R. Langdon, E. G. Johnson, C. C.
Campbell, managers.
Royal Neighbors. — Fraternity Camp, No. 3,614, Royal Neigh-
bors of America, was organized in January, 1904. The first
officers were: Oracle, Mrs. Susie Davis; vice oracle, Mrs. Anna
Thorndike ; past oracle, Mrs. Lora Campbell; chancellor. Miss
Mabel Sawyer; recorder, Mrs. Florence Ellis; receiver, Mrs.
Maggie Lundahl; marshal. Miss Matie Gray; assistant marshal,
Mrs, Minnie Robbins ; inside sentinel, Mrs. Myrtle Christensen ;
outside sentinel. Miss Lena Bingham ; managers, Gilbert Chris-
tensen, Mrs. Hannah Nelson, A. S. Robbins. After many vicis-
situdes the camp has grown to be one of the strongest civic
organizations in the village and a large factor in its social activi-
ties. It is now officered as follows: Oracle, Mrs. Mina Thomp-
son; vice oracle, Mrs. Fannie Stearns; past oracle, Mrs. Caroline
Jensen ; chancellor, Mrs. Lulu Randall ; recorder, Mrs. Lora
Campbell ; receiver, Mrs. Maggie Lundahl ; marshal, Miss Laura
Caspcrsen ; inside sentinel, Mrs. Margarite Langdon; outside
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 951
sentinel, Mrs. Olive Gahagan ; managers, Mrs. Sena Hansen,
E. M. Thompson, Mrs. Mary Rczab.
Yeomen. — The Brotherhood of American Yeomen organized a
Iiomestcad on Maj' 2i, 1902, with the following officers : Fore-
man, A. N. Rhodes ; master of ceremonies, M. J. Dunnigan ;
correspondent. J. N. Vcsterhy ; master of accounts, J. B. Nolan;
overseer, Ole Opsahl. The present officers are: Foreman, M. J.
Dunnigan ; overseer, John Wangen ; master of ceremonies, Jas.
H. Burnes ; correspondent. \V. E. Calloway ; Lady Rowena, Mrs.
Nellie Burnes; Lady Rehekah, Mrs. Lulu Randall.
Danish Brotherhood. — D. B. S. Lodge, No. 237, came into
existence on March 23, 1906, with twenty-one charter members,
and at the first meeting the following officers were elected :
President H. J. Peterson; vice president, C. P. Larson; secre-
tary, R. Laursen ; treasurer. Theo. Jensen ; trustees, C. F. Jen-
son, L. Johnson. The lodge has paid $1,000 in insurance and
$53 in aid on different occasions. The following are the officers
at the present time : President, H. J. Peterson ; vice president,
N. Johnson ; secretar}', Rasmus Laursen ; treasurer, C. Chris-
tensen ; trustees, V. E. Jensen, M. Spurr.
THE ELLENDALE CREAMERY.
The Berlin and Summit — now Eilendale — Creamery Associa-
tion was organized January- 10, 1891. Previous to this time a
number of meetings were held to try to organize, but without
much success until Mr. Dana P. Sawyer undertook to get the
farmers to sign an agreement to pledge a certain number of cows
and become responsible for $3,000 to enable the association to
procure funds. The first officers elected were : D. P. Sawyer,
president; Jas. Torgerson, vice president; F. G. Sloan, secretary;
A. C. Tennis, treasurer; U. C. Jansen, N. O. Thompson, A. F.
Davis, directors. These seven directors, on their own notes,
borrowed the money necessary to build and cc|uip the creamery.
There was much opposition to the project at the time and
many shook their heads and solemnly pronounced it a failure
before there was a stick of timber on the ground or a spike
driven. Two years and four months from the time of organiza-
tion the association was free of debt, and the critics were no-
where to be found. June 2, 1894, the association was reorganized
into a stock company, the stock being issued in shares of ten
dollars each and allotted to each member in proportion to the
amount each had paid into a sinking fund which had been
created l)y deducting 5 cents per hundred from each patron's
milk. The first building was erected by H. P. Clemmenscn of
lumber hauled from Owatonna. The dimensions of the main
953 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
building were 24x68 with a coal house 14x18. This creamery
was burned August 13, 1896, it was replaced at once with the
present structure, a brick building, 92x28^ erected by W. A.
Morin, of Albert Lea. The creamery began operations April
1, 1891. \V. C. Lawson was the first buttermaker, and for about
nineteen months milk was paid for by the hundred weight, each
patron receiving the same price regardless of test. In Novem-
ber, 1892, the creamery began to test for butterfat and pay for
milk on that basis. The total cash receipts for the first month
were only $1,649.84. As an illustration of the growth of this
institution the following comparison should be noted : For
June, 1891, 430,653 pounds of milk were received of a total cash
value of $2,887.88. Patrons were paid 55 cents per hundred for
milk and charged 16 cents per pound for butter. For June,
1910, milk and cream reduced to milk, received amounted to
688.299, of a cash value of $8,170.61. The average price paid
per hundred of milk was $1.12 and patrons were charged ZSyi
cents per pound for butter. From April 1, 1891, to July 1, 1910,
the creamery has taken in 85,104,622 pounds of milk. From
July 1, 1900, to July 1, 1910, it has received 1,590,395 pounds of
cream. Reducing the cream to milk, the institution has received
since the day it opened up to July 1. 1910, 96,237,387 pounds
of milk, from which 4,294,040 pounds of butter were made. The
amount received for this butter was $935,522.27, of which
$849,846.57 was paid to patrons, the balance being absorbed by
running expenses. The present buttermaker is L. C. Jensen,
who has held this position since April 1, 1898. Two of the
directors elected at the time of organization are still in office,
U. C. Jansen, president, who was elected first as a director, and
F. G. Sloan, secretary, who has held the same position ever
since organization. The other officers at present are : Martin
Lageson, vice president ; G. E. Sloan, treasurer ; John Ellingson,
Lars Caspersen, Nels Jorgensen, directors. The name was
changed from the Berlin and Summit Creamery Association to
the Ellendale Creamery Association at a meeting held at the
Ellendale opera house January 2, 1906.
ELEVATORS.
Among the first buildings to be erected in Ellendale were two
grain elevators, each of about 30,000 bu. capacity. One was
erected by the Sheffield-King Elevator Co., of Minneapolis, and
the other by the Western Elevator Co., of Winona. Gilbert
Christenson was installed as agent for the Western Elevator Co.
and occupied the position for a number of years, when he re-
signed to go into business for himself at Castle Rock, Colo.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 953
Several buyers have held the position since then and the ele-
vator was closed a part of the time. It is now under the man-
agement of Jas. E. Lageson, an old resident of this section who
recently took up his home in the village. The Sheffield-King
Co.'s house was managed by H. L. Dolge until its sale to the
Farmers' Milling & Elevator Co., September 16, 1904. For some
time the farmers of the neighborhood had been dissatisfied with
the old line houses and the agitation for the organization of a
local company to engage in the grain and feed business became
so persistent that it finally culminated in a meeting being called
August 22, 1903, to determine whether or not the sentiment was
sufficiently strong to warrant such a project. U. C. Jansen was
elected chairman and R. J. Dobell secretary of the meeting, which
was well attended by farmers and business men. It was decided
to go ahead with the enterprise and $6,000 was the figure esti-
mated necessary to carry it through. To prevent the shares of
stock from eventually concentrating in a few hands it was voted
to prohibit the issuance of more than twenty of the $10 shares
to any single individual. Geo. Sloan, John Peterson and U. C.
Jansen were named as a committee to investigate cost of build-
ing and equipment and the following were named as a committee
to solicit stockholders : D. J. Sullivan, Chas. Lonergan, Martin
Lageson, Halvor Thompson, F. G. Sloan, I. W. Ferguson, U. C.
Jansen, A. E. Lageson, Nels Jorgenson, H. P. Clemmensen.
The soliciting having progressed satisfactorily, a meeting was
held September 26, at which it was decided to incorporate, and
G. E. Sloan, And. Lageson, R. J. Dobell, Chas. Lonergan and
John Peterson were appointed a committee to draw up articles
of incorporation. At this meeting the following directors were
elected: U. C. Jansen, G. E. Sloan, Svend Svcndsen, Frank
Bunnell, And. Lageson, Maurice Lonergan, F. G. Sloan. The
first of October following, a meeting of stockholders adopted
articles of incorporation and fixed the capital stock at $10,000,
of which $6,000 was to be paid up. The matter of a suitable
site and building being brought up, a portion favored making an
effort to purchase one of the old line companies' plants, while
others wished to ignore them entirely and proceed with plans
for a new house. Not being able to arrive at an agreement it
was decided to let the directors be governed by their own judg-
ment. October 6 the directors held a conference with W. B.
Parsons, president of the Western Elevator Co., relative to buy-
ing the property of his company, but were unable to agree on a
figure. November 19 a site was applied for on the Rock Island
Ry. immediately south of the Sheffield-King elevator. January
13, 1904, the regular annual meeting was held and the board of
directors elected at the September meeting of the previous year
954 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
were retained in office. A payment of 50 cents on each share of
stock was called for to pay for incorporation expenses. The
directors reported that they had not yet secured a site from the
railway company, but had made some progress. They were
instructed by the meeting to get the site as quickly as possible,
and proceed with the building as soon as spring opened up. The
amount of stock subscribed being short of the required amount
by nearly $1,000, the following committee was appointed to make
further solicitation: R. H. Reynolds, L. J. Brynestad, N. C.
Newgard. August 27 a special meeting was called to decide
whether to build or to purchase one of the existing properties,
the Sheffield company having made advances which were thought
favorable to a purchase. The directors were instructed to pur-
chase the Sheffield property if offered at a reasonable figure.
September 16, 1904, a price of $4,650 was agreed upon for the
Sheffield elevator, which included a roller feed mill, and the
property was transferred to the Farmers' Milling & Elevator
Co., of Ellendale, which has operated the business since that
time. H. L. Dolge was retained as manager, but on November
14 he resigned and was succeeded by Chas. O. Roe, of Kenyon.
In September, 1905, after nearly a year of successful manage-
ment, Mr. Roe resigned and his place was filled b}' Geo. Stearns,
of New Richland, who has managed the business in a highly
satisfactor}' manner up to the present time. During the whole
period C. R. Torgerson has been the assistant and he has become
an expert at the business and an invaluable employe. The
company has been very successful. Besides establishing a mar-
ket which is second to none in this section, it has been able to
pay its stockholders 10 per cent on their investment each year
and has accumulated a surplus of $6,200. That the excellent
management w^hich it has enjoyed is not unappreciated is evi-
denced by the fact that practically the same board of directors
control its affairs as at the beginning. They are : G. E. Sloan,
president; A. E. Lageson, vice president; F. G. Sloan, secretary;
U. C. Jansen, treasurer; D. F. Harty, B. O. Flesche, H. P. Clem-
mensen, directors.
SCHOOLS.
Ellendale is in school district No. 67. At the time the village
was platted the school house was located at Cooleyville and
Levi Sanders was the teacher. With the establishment of the
new town greater facilities were needed and a building erected
by Andrew Gregerson for a carpenter shop at the corner of
Second street and Fourth avenue was rented and the primary
grades established therein, with Miss Anna Dunham as teacher.
The higher grades were taught at Cooleyville by Mr. Sanders.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 955
These rather doubtful accominodalious were made to suffice the
first year. June 16, 1902, a meeting was called for the purpose
of designating a site for a building and to auihorize the issuance
of bonds to purchase it and erect a building. A majority of the
voters of the district not being present, this business could not
be transacted and the meeting was adjourned until the follow-
ing evening. The required number being present at that time
the trustees were instructed by a two-thirds vote to purchase
a block of land on the east side of the railway tracks and author-
ized to negotiate bonds to the amount of $5,000 to pay for the
site and the erection of a suitable building. There was a strong
controversy as to the location of the site and much dissatisfac-
tion as to the choice. Many claimed that tliey did not under-
stand the question when it was put and had voted for the location
when they had intended to vote against it. On July 26, 1902, the
directors invited bids for the new school building. When the
bids were opened it was found that not enough money had been
voted to erect the building contemplated and another meeting
was called for Saturday, August 2, to authorize an additianai
issue of bonds to the amount of $1,000. The proposition failed
to carry and the directors, not believing it possible to build
economically with the amount authorized, concluded to bridge
the necessities of the situation with a makeshift and postpone
building operations until a more favorable time. With this
plan decided upon, a block of land was purchased east of the
railway tracks in September and the old school building, which
had seen many years service at Cooleyville, was moved upon
it. Along side of it a one-story frame building was erected at a
cost of $1,000. These two buildings were made to answer the
purpose for eight years, when their lack of capacity and un-
sanitary condition became so notorious that there was a strong
probability of the district losing its share of state aid on that
account. Spurred on by this state of aflfairs as well as by the
desire for a better school, the directors caused a clause to be
inserted in the notice for the annual meeting to be held July 17,
1909, stating that a vote would be taken at that time on the
proposition of voting bonds in the sum of $8,500 for the erection
of a new school building. This brought to the front the old con-
tention relative to the site and those favoring a change to the
west side determined to oppose the whole project in hopes of
holding it up until they could secure the change of location.
For this reason the majority in favor of bonding was very small,
the vote being 45 "for" to 42 "against." The opponents of
bonds, still continuing their activities, found a technical error
in the holding of the first election and succeeded in having it
voided and a special election called for Saturday, August 14, at
956 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
which tliey hoped for a decisive vote in the negative. Con-
trary to expectations the vote v^^as still stronger in the affirma-
tice, being 83 to 60. The matter was then allowed to rest until
the middle of March, after the contract for the new school build-
ing had been let, when another effort was made to change the
site bj^ the petition of ten freeholders for a special meeting to
be held April 12, 1910. The proposition to be voted on was
the exchange of the site on the east side for one on the west
side, the district to be relieved of all cost by the interested parties
who had deposited $1,000 in the Security State Bank as a guar-
antee. This proposition hardly received a vote on its merits.
There was some question as to whether or not the acceptance of
the offer would invalidate the contract with the builders and
result, if in nothing more serious, in the delaying of building
operations for another year, and therefore it was rejected by a
vote of 55 to 79.
Some of the material was already on the ground and aftei'
the meeting was held building operations were prosecuted with
vigor by the contractors, Hammel & Anderson, of Owatonna,
and the school house was ready for occupancy in the fall. "When
completed the building represented an expenditure of $12,000.
It contains four large rooms and is modern in every respect. It
is heated by steam, is supplied with city water and a complete
system of plumbing has been installed, including toilet rooms
and sanitary drinking fountains. The basement contains two
good sized playrooms for boys and girls, and the whole building
represents the highest development, the latest thought, in school
architecture. The school directors are: A. M. Lerberg, F. G.
Sloan and U. C. Jansen.
BEAVER LAKE.
Three miles from Ellendale is Beaver Lake, one of nature's
beauty spots and a resort rapidly growing in favor with the
public as an ideal place for the summer outing. The lake is
something over a mile in length and about three-quarters of a mile
wide. It is noted for the clearness of its waters and their great
depth, the sounding line running out in places nearly 100 feet.
Its shores are heavily timbered with large oak trees and afford
the most delightful picnic grounds imaginable, while its waters
abound with black bass, pickerel, crappies and sunfish, offering
a pleasure ground which attracts enthusiastic fishermen from all
quarters. Ellendale is the railway station for this summer
resort.
CHAPTER XIV
OWATONNA CHURCHES
Baptist — Congregational — Episcopal — Universalist — Cath-
olic — Methodist — German Methodist — Danish Lutheran
— German Lutheran — Seventh Day Adventist.
The city of Owatonna has fourteen churches : The First
Baptist Church, organized in 1857; the First Congregational
Church, organized in 1857; the St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
organized in 1860; the First Universalist Church, organized in
1867; the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, organized in 1867; St.
Joseph's Catholic Church, organized in 1891 ; St. Hyacinth
Polisli Catholic Church, organized in 1903; the First Presby-
terian Cluirch, organized in 1859; the First Methodist Episcopal
Church, organized in 1856; the German Methodist Episcopal
Church, organized in 1875 ; the Danish Lutheran Church, organ-
ized in 1885 ; the First St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church,
organized in 1876; the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church,
organized in 1876, and the Seventh Day Adventist Church, or-
ganized in 1886.
First Baptist Church of Owatonna. — The Baptist Church of
Owatonna was organized June 27, 1857, with the following mem-
bers, who were admitted upon letters from other churches to
which they had previously belonged : Adolphus Town, Ann
Town, Albert D. Low, N. O. Low, J. M. Finch. R. J. Tousley
and Wm. H. Woods. Some time in the fall L. P.. Town, Daniel
Burch and S. W. Breese were also admitted by letter. The
first Baptist meeting held in Owatonna, or Steele county, was
on a Sabbath about the last of April, 1856, at the residence of
A. B. Cornell, about fifteen persons being present, and Rev. A.
Town preached the sermon. Meetings were held in the little
log schoolhouse. In the autumn of 1857 Elder Knapp, one of
the noted evangelists of that period, came to visit a daughter
then residing here, and being invited, willingl}' consented to go
into the little log schoolhouse, and there preached some of his
wonderful sermons, with such power that many believed and
were added to the church. In the winter of 1858 the pastors of
the difTerent churches (Elder Town at that time being the pastor
of the Baptist Church) decided to unite in union meetings, and
a large number were converted. The services were held in the
9S7
958 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
onl}' public building in those early times — the little log school-
house, 16x26 feet in size ; but many were the earnest hearts
that gathered there from day to day and week to week. On
September 11, 1858. the churches of Ashland, Wasioja and Fari-
bault met with the Owatonna church, and organized the Min-
nesota Central Baptist Association, which reported at that time
120 members. In 1859 Elder Town resigned the pastorate, and
Elder Edgar Cady, of Lake City, was chosen to supply the place.
He was followed in 1860 by Rev. A. D. Low, who acted as
pastor imtil February, 1861, when, in consequence of a differ-
ence of opinion among the members, a vote was taken in one
of the church meetings to disband the organization, and a por-
tion of the members left and effected another church organi-
zation. Those who remained chose Elder Town as their pastor,
and regular meetings were held imtil October. 1863. In the
meantime in 1858 preliminary steps had been taken toward
building a church, and during this church difficult}' it had been
left untouched. Early in the sixties, however, while Elder
Town was pastor of the First Church, the building was com-
pleted, and on October 13, 1863, was dedicated; the dedicatory
sermon being preached by Rev. D. S. Dean, of Illinois. Mr.
Dean accepted a call to the pastorate of the church, and re-
mained until April, 1865, when by mutual agreement the two
churches united.
On January 31, 1863. through the differences of opinion which
had arisen, the present Baptist Church of Owatonna was organ-
ized with fifteen members, nearly all who had taken their let-
ters from the old organization placing them here, and this
organization was recognized as the "Baptist Church of Owa-
tonna" by the council of the Minnesota Central Baptist Asso-
ciation held at W'asioja, February 3, 1863. The society met
once in two weeks for worship, being supplied by Rev. J. F.
Wilcox. October 1. 1863. this church was first represented at
the State convention, the delegates being G. W. Shaw and E. K.
Smith. On April 8, 1865, the two Baptist churches were con-
solidated with a united membership of sixty-four, and they
took the name of "The First Baptist Church of Owatonna."
For a time the pulpit was supplied alternately by Revs. J. F.
Wilcox and D. S. Dean. The former, however, continued as
regular pastor of the church until June. 1866, when his labors
closed, and he was succeeded by Rev. A. L. Cole. After the
union of the two bodies, the building which had been erected
under Elder Town's direction had been purchased by the church
and used as a place of worship. In the autumn of 1866 it was
sold to the school district for $1,250, the use of it for one year
being reserved. In the fall a new church building was erected,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 959
size 32x58 feet, with tower, in which was liiing a 1,000-pound
bell. It was dedicated on December 22, 1867, Rev. Parker, from
Austin, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The cost of the build-
ing was $4,152.64, which had all been provided for, leaving
the church free from debt. The following winter will long be
remembered as a time of religious revival. There were forty-
three baptisms, and many more united with the church by con-
version and letter. Rev. Cole resigned in April, 1869, and Rev.
E H. Cressey succeeded him, remaining thirteen months. On
February 1, 1871, Rev. H. H. Beach came from Winona, and
after serving a year and a half he also resigned. Rev. E. P.
Dye succeeded him as pastor and remained until June 28, 1874.
Among the events recorded about this time is found the follow-
ing interesting item : "June, 1873— A deed was presented to
the trustees by Sister Reiggs (now deceased), on behalf of the
ladies of the church, of a lot for a parsonage. On motion a
vote of thanks was extended to Mother Hunkins for her untiring
zeal and her effort in helping to pay for the lot." In 1878 the
lot was sold, and the proceeds used toward paying for the pres-
ent parsonage, bought at that time. The ladies have cheerfully
helped to bear the burden. A sewing society established about
this time is still faithfully attended, the proceeds from which
have been no little help financially. Rev. W. W. Whitcomb
accepted a call to the pastorate September 20, 1874, and re-
mained for three years. The Minnesota Academy, now the
Pillsbury Academy, was located here during his pastorate, and
he was untiring in his efforts to attain that end. Rev. C. H.
DeWolfe succeeded him in February, 1878, and after a service
of nearly five years was, on account of ill health, compelled to
resign, October 25, 1882. The church remained without a pas-
tor until April 26, 1883, when Rev. J. H. Thompson accepted a
call to the place, remaining about fifteen months. After his
resignation they were again without a pastor until the autumn
of 1884, when Rev. W. A. Spinney accepted a call from this
church. During the summer of 1885 material improvements
were made on the church properties in the way of papering and
painting, and a vestry, 16x26 feet in size, was added, so that
the church was spacious, and being well furnished abundantly
filled the purpose for which it was built.
On August 4, 1889, Rev. Stanley A. McKay, D. D., began his
ministry, during which the present brick edifice was erected at
a cost of $17,000. At the time of the dedication, February 9,
1893, the indebtedness was provided for. The beautiful organ
was a gift to the church from Mrs. Margaret S. Pillsbury. On
May 10. 1895. Rev. Elijah B. Jones, D. D., began his services in
Owatonna and for seven years was a potent influence in the
960 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
life of the church, academy and tlie city. Rev*. Edwin S. Stucker
became pastor of the church on March 1, 1903. Mr. Stucker lield
several evangelistic meetings throughout the state during his
ministry. In 1906, Deacon L. C. Woodman presented to the
church a neat parsonage on East Vine street.
Rev. John G. Briggs, A. M., B. D., entered upon his ministry
February 24, 1907, which charge he holds at the present time.
In 1908 Deacon Woodman supplemented his liberal gift by
building a barn on the rear of the parsonage lot. The church
renovated the parsonage in the summer of 1907 at an expense
of $600. During the summer of 1910, the ladies of the church
provided for the redecorating of the auditorium of the church
and for the cork linoleum carpeting of the gallery of the audi-
torium and of the parlors at a cost of $800. Since 1865, there
has been a continued progress from year to year. Revival sea-
sons have been frequent. The church has stood for a fervent
evangelical sjjirit. In 1877 the institution now known as Pills-
bury Academy was opened in Owatonna, the faculty and stu-
dents of which have had a vital part in the effciency and spir-
itual development of the church. The church is thoroughly or-
ganized, and is doing progressive work in most of the depart-
ments. The Sunday school has four departments — the kinder-
garten, primary, intermediate and senior school, with graduating
exercises in the primar}^ and intermediate departments each
fall. The Ladies' Aid Society hold meetings once a month and
assist in the social life of the church. The Mission Circle and
Young Women's Missionary societies have programs once a
month. The Baptist Brotherhood have programs from time to
time. The B. Y. P. U. Society holds its meetings every Sunday
evening. The present officers of the church are as follows :
J. C. Briggs, pastor; J. L. Ingraham, church clerk; deacons, L. C.
Woodman, W. E. Martin, M. P. Price, J. Holland, J. L. Ingra-
ham, E. J. Owen, A. Seidel ; deaconesses. Mrs. M. B. Price,
Mrs. J. L. Ingraham, Mrs. W. E. Martin, Mrs. A. M. Kinyon,
Mrs. N. P. Peterson. Board of trustees : Dr. W. C. Roberts,
chairman; Milo B. Price, secretary board: W. E. Kimball, L. F.
Loomis, N. P. Peterson.
First Congregational Church. Years ago a small company
left their homes in Ohio and traveled by team to Minnesota.
As we reached the top of the hill, just east of the present city of
Owatonna, and gazed upon the beautiful landscape, we could
not as now count many church spires. LIpon inquiry we found
there were no church organizations in the village, although the
Methodist was organized the same month, and they and the
Baptists were holding services on alternate Sundays in the old
log schoolhouse. The first service in Steele county was held
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 961
in Owatonna in 1855. From Mrs. Avery Adams I received the
account of this service. "Our first pastor, Rev. O. A. Thomas,
had, a few weeks previous, arrived in this vicinity in his emi-
grant wagon drawn by oxen, and taken a claim in Clinton Falls
and was preparing the logs for his cabin. On a lovely Sabbath
morning in June, he, with his estimable wife, called at our cabin
door and invited us to accompany them up Straight river three
miles, where there was a little settlement, in order to hold Sab-
bath service. We readily assented, and found a hearty welcome
from Mrs. A. B. Cornell, and a room full of people, seated vari-
ously on boxes, benches, etc., and soon there sounded for the
first time over these beautiful prairies the voice of public prayer
and praise. After the exercises were concluded the rude seats
were removed, the tables spread, and the hospitable lady pre-
pared dinner for us."
From that time, services were held by the different denomi-
nations in the old schoolhouse, until the fall of 1857, when
a few who were wont to worship together called a meeting at
the home of A. N. Stoughton, to discuss the advisability of or-
ganizing a church. After some discussion the meeting adjourned
to meet in the old schoolhouse on Mill street (where our first
ward building now stands), on Thursday, October 22, 1857, at
2 p. m., at which time the organization was completed. The
churches of Faribault and Clinton Falls were invited to assist.
Faribault did not respond. The Clinton Falls church was rep-
resented by its pastor, Rev. Ozra A. Thomas, who preached the
sermon. Rev. John C. Strong, from Bradford, Iowa, who was
in the village for a few days, assisted in the public services of
formation and recognition. Twelve persons entered into cove-
nant as members of the First Congregational Church of Owa-
tonna, viz: A. N. Stoughton, Mary A. Stoughton, his wife; Wait
Stoughton, Melburn C. Burr, George W. Danford, Lydia H.
Hall, George Hall, Emeline Hall, Charles A. Strong, Jessie B.
Gailad, Emery C. Walden and Naomi L. Stoughton (Towne).
As the schoolhouse was occupied by other denominations,
it was not always available for the services of this church, so
during the winter we joined from time to time with the other
denominations in union services which resulted in many addi-
tions to the churches. At our first communion, March 6, 1858,
Rev. I. A. Thomas preached the sermon and seven united with
us, viz: Richard Miles, Mrs. Adaline Miles, Emily A. Raymond
(Chambers), Hannah L. Hall, Mrs. Elizabeth Sibley, Emily
Strong (Donaldson), Minerva Strong (Bodle). At this time we
had but one deacon, A. N. Stoughton, who was elected to that
office February 25, 1858, which office he still held at the time
of his death. At the same time Charles A. Strong was elected
962 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
clerk. Being unable to find a suitable room in which to hold
ou.r meetings, in the spring Deacon Stougliton employed ]\Ir.
Miles to build a wing on the east side of his home (which house
still stands on East School street, between Elm and Grove) for
this purpose. The church worshiped until the fall of 1859 in
this room, and not our church alone but other denominations,
the Methodists, Episcopalians, etc.
In April, 1858, Rev. O. A. Thomas began his labors among
us as pastor of the church at a salary of $200 or $250 a year.
Continuing to reside on his farm in Clinton Falls, he preached
on alternate Sundays to the Clinton Falls and Owatonna
churches, going once a month both to Somerset and Meriden.
In May, 1858, our first trustees, three in number, were elected —
Dea. A. N. Stoughton, Wait Stoughton and Richard Miles.
The summer following was a trying one to the pioneers of
Steele county. The financial panic of 1857 was still felt by the
people of the vicinity. A severe hailstorm, coming just before
the harvest, destroyed all the grain, and many farmers lived on
cornmeal, some on boiled oats, and one family lived for weeks
on boiled pigweed. Barley and peas served for coff'ce, and a
mild weed which grew on the prairie as tea.
It was in the autumn after such a summer that the Ladies'
Mite Society was organized with Mrs. A. N. Stoughton as presi-
dent, Emih' Strong (Donaldson) secretary, and Mrs. Elizabeth
Ware, treasurer. In July, 1858, we welcomed Deacon Thom
and family. He was chosen deacon in 1860 and was never per-
mitted to return to the ranks. We worshiped two years in
Deacon Stoughton's house, and in the summer of 1860 in Mor-
ford's hall (the upper part of the building on Bridge street,
where Mr. Rosebrock's store now is) a series of meetings was
held in which the evangelist. Rev. Morgan, assisted, which
greatly strengthened the church. As soon as the new school-
house was finished, in 1862, it became the meeting place of this
as well as of other denominations. Deacon Stoughton. having
purchased a small organ, carried it each Sabbath morning on
his wheelbarrow to the church. His niece, Mrs. Hughes, often
speaks of how she used to carry a lamp and steady the organ
when going home at night. Before this, "Ye old time choir,"
consisting of Wait Stoughton. John Hale Abbott, Elder David-
son, Mrs. Bliss, Mrs. Abbott, Emily Strong (Donaldson), and
Naomi L. Stoughton (Towne), had taken the pitch from the
tuning fork which \\'ait never forgot to carry.
In the fall of 1863 we bade farewell to Rev. Thomas, who
had been with us through those first trying years, and the
church was without a pastor the following winter.
December 10, 1863, occurred the death of Isaac Styles \Vads-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 963
worth, Mrs. A. N. Stoughton's son, who left a legacy of $1,000
for the church. A part of this was used to buy the lot on which
the house stands, the remainder being the first money received
towards the erection of the building.
The next spring (1864) Charles L. Tappan accepted a call
to the pastorate, which he filled for two years at a salary of
$400 to $450. During his ministry he preached at Somerset,
where a number of the church members resided. In November,
1866, these eight members were dismissed from the mother
church to form an organization of their own.
In the spring of 1865 our Sunday school was organized. Pre-
vious to this a union school had been held with Deacon Stough-
ton as superintendent. Dr. L. H. Kelly was elected superin-
tendent and Raymond A. Stoughton secretary, treasurer and
organist ; teachers. Deacon Thom, Deacon Stoughton, Mr.
Adams, Mrs. Ware, Mrs. Sargent and Mrs. N. L. Towne. In
August, 1866, Rev. Leverett S. Griggs became pastor of our
church at a salary of $800.
In the spring of 1867 work was commenced on our new
church (a part of our present structure). The building was
36x60 feet, with a tower 12x12, and an extension in the rear 7x8
feet for a pulpit, and an orchestra in the west end for the choir.
Although not finished we moved into our building in the fall.
It was grouted upon the sides and sheeted and furnished with
movable seats. Work continued during the winter, the shavings
being swept up every Saturday evening. In October, 1867, five
more of our members, thinking it their duty to help organize a
church in Waseca, asked for letters from our church, which
were granted to Frederick J. Stevens, Lucy P. Stevens, Mrs.
Lydia II. Vinton, W. H. Vinton and Gordon Henshaw. In the
autumn of 1868 the church was plastered. The Methodists
kindly invited us to worship with them, which we did for a
few weeks. In June, 1869. Rev. Leverett S. Griggs was com-
pelled, on account of ill-health, to resign. On July 3, 1869,
Merton made a great demand u])on the church and thirteen
were dismissed. Among the number were Philo J. Sheldon
and wife, Mrs. Abby Tulth and her son Fenrick D. and daughter
Alice. August 22, 1869, Rev. Chester Craigan, a recent gradu-
ate of Chicago Theological Seminar}-, began his work with us
at a salary of $1,000. He was ordained the following year on
February 17. During the session of the general conference, on
Sunday, Octol)er 17, our church was dedicated. In the spring,
1871, Rev. Charles C. Craigan resigned, and in the fall of the
same year Rev. Newton H. Bell took up the work, remaining
with us until 1873, when he went as a missionary to Turkey.
C. W. Hall, a young man who was professor of our high
964 HISTORY OF RICE Ax\D STEELE COUNTIES
school, and is now at the State University, read sermons through
the winter and until the coming of Rev. Orson C. Dickerson,
July, 1874. He remained with us until October, 1876. The
following year, Dr. D. M. B. Thom left us to go to Turkey as
a missionary. In November, 1876, Rev. Darius A. Morehouse
came to us, remaining with us five years, until June 1. 1881.
In 1876 the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was or-
ganized with eleven members. Mrs. Morehouse was chosen
president, Mrs. Spellman, secretary and treasurer. The follow-
ing year the Home Society was organized and the money was
divided between the two societies, and in 1880 we voted that
each alternate monthlj' meeting should be a home meeting. In
September, 1881, Rev. J. Newton Brown began his labors among
us. During his pastorate a Young People's Society was organ-
ized, which held its prayer meetings each Sunday evening just
before the service. A little later the Christian Endeavor Society
was organized.
In 1881, Rev. J. Newton Brown was called. April 28, 1889,
he tendered his resignation, but this was not accepted. Later,
November 24, 1889, he again tendered his resignation, which
was this time accepted. May 1, 1890. came Rev. James A.
Chamberlain, who remained a little over six years. During his
stay, parlors were built on the church and other improvements
made. January 21, 1897, Joseph H. Chandler took up his work
here. After three years he was followed by Rev. J. Sidney
Gould, who in turn was succeeded in 1904 by Rev. James Par-
sons. May 1, 1906, Rev. Everett Lesher took charge of the
pulpit, and he was succeeded about a year and a half ago by
the present pastor, the Rev. Alfred E. Gregory. — Compiled from
article by Mrs. Naomi L. Towne.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The first service of this church
in Owatonna was held by the Rev. J. Lloyd Breck, of Faribault,
June 22, 1858. In the fall of 1859 Bishop Kemper and Mr. Wil-
coxson left Hastings September 29. They reached Faribault at
night, where the bishop preached. The next day's journey
brought the travelers to the rural district of Somerset, in Steele
county. Their route lay up the valley of Straight river, past a
few scattered houses known as the village of Owatonna. They
found hospitability at the house of a farmer, Elijah H. Sibley,
and held a service, the first Episcopal Church service in Steele
county. In the afternoon they preached at Bancroft. October
3 found them in Medford, where the good people gladly listened
to the preaching of the word, and two children of Mr. Colgan
were baptized. A year later there were three communicants.
After the associated mission was formed at Faribault, Owatonna
became one of the regular missions and was cared for by the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 965
Revs. Moses, Breck and Sanford in turn, or by a student from
the Seabury Divinity School. In the summer of 1859 the Rev.
Solan W. Manney became one of the clergy of the mission and
visited Owatonna, holding services every other Sunday. Others
who officiated were the Rev. George C. Tanner and Rev. S. S.
Bruleson, who were also members of the mission, the former
a teacher, the latter a student pursuing his studies and in dea-
con's order. The Rev. Mr. Bruleson was in charge of the serv-
ices for a time, until he moved to Northfield in 1864. At the
time Mr. Breck visited Owatonna, so far as known, there was
but one Episcopal family, Mr. and Mrs. David Potwin, both of
whom were communicants. There were a few people kindly
disposed towards the Episcopal Church, but not members.
Among them were M. A. Daily and family, who kindly gave
Mr. Breck the use of his office, on the corner of Cedar and Main,
for his service; also Mrs. E. Y. Hunniwell, who came to Owa-
tonna in 1857. Though not a communicant, her house became
the home of the missionary. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Yearly
were confirmed by Bishop Whipple, December 21, 1860. Mrs.
Hunniwell and Mrs. Bessie Pearce Hanna were confirmed at
Bishop Whipple's second visit about November 14, 1862.
On August 19, I860, St. Paul's parish was duly organized
by the Rev. Solon W. Manney. M. A. Daily was elected clerk
of the meeting; David Potwin, senior warden; John Clozier,
junior warden; N. M. Donaldson, S. M. Yearly, John Odell,
W. A. Ware, M. D., William H. Kelly, M. A. Daily, vestrymen.
The parish was admitted into the union with the convention of
the Diocese in June, 1861. At the time of the first service in
1858 the population of the village was about 300. Services were
held for a time in the wing of Deacon Stoughton's house. All
bodies of Christians held services here, each using the room
in turn, the people all attending the several services. After
some time a frame schoolhouse was built near the present Bap-
tist Church, and this was the common place of religious serv-
ices. Then a hall known as Morford's Hall, on Bridge street,
was used until the Presbyterian Church was built just west of
the Arnold house, which was loaned to this congregation for
a service on alternate Sundays.
About November 1, 1864, the Rev. J. H. Babcock moved to
Owatonna, took charge of the parish, adding Wilton to his care.
From April 1, 1867, to November, 1886, Rev. George C. Tan-
ner (Faribault) was in charge of the church in Steele county.
In May, 1867, he removed to Owatonna, the first service being
held on Palm Sunday. During the summer of 1867 a small
chapel was erected, with seating for about 125, at a cost of about
$1,500, of which half was given by the people of Owatonna and
966 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the rest b}- the Ijishop and friends abroad. The building was
used for the first lime for divine services in July, though it had
neither windows, doors or pews, and consecrated as a chapel and
parish schoolhouse, November 15. The building was used for
church services until August 17, 1884. Soon a house was built
on Grove and Rice streets, partly with funds given by friends
in the parish and outside and in part with the private means
of the rector. Though known as the rectory, the title was never
in the parish, and when the new church was built, in 1884, the
amount which the church had contributed, $900, was returned
to the parish and used towards the building fund. Dr. Tanner
always held the property of the rectory in his own name.
Dr. Tanner held services regularly part of the time at Wells,
in Blue Earth, Winnebago City, Havana and Lemond. He per-
formed occasional services at Austin. At times he was the only
Episcopal clergyman in the region south of Faribault. For a
few years the church received accessions and the parish pros-
pered. In 1876 some business changes occurred, which caused
removals that were a serious loss; this was followed by emigra-
tions to newer parts of the state, so that in following years it
was a severe struggle to maintain the church. Dr. Tanner was
also superintendent of schools for fifteen years, from 1872 to
1887, until he resigned care of the parish. In this position he
was able to perform many ministrations, which he could not
have done. During a visit to Blooming Prairie a wish was ex-
pressed for the services of the church. A service was held in
the schoolhouse then standing on the site of the present church.
Other services followed, resulting in the building of a church.
Services were also held in schoolhouses within five or ten miles
of Owatonna and in the towns of Aurora, Somerset, Lemond,
Meriden and Dodge City. Dr. Tanner held services in Manter-
ville, Kasson, also at times in Wilton, Waseca, Janesville. Dur-
ing the year he made a monthly visit to Albert Lea and assisted
in raising money for a church there. In the fall of 1883 the
foundation for a new church was laid, and the building was com-
pleted in the following year. The first service ever held in the
new church was the funeral of John Locke. October 18, 1884.
The first service on Sunda}' was by Dr. Tanner, October 26.
The church was consecrated by Bishop Whipple, August 17,
1885; the cost, including the furnishings, was about $5,000. The
last service of Dr. Tanner as rector was held November 21,
1886. The following week he entered upon his duties as chap-
lain at Bethany College, Kansas.
During the winter of 1886-1887 services were kept up by
clergymen from Faribault. After five months. Rev. R. E. Med-
calf entered upon his duties ]\Iay 11, 1887. He was also in
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 907
charge of services in Waseca. From 1887 to June 1 he held
regular services there, and was highly esteemed in both places.
At Ovvatonna his work prospered, and his resignation on Janu-
ary 20, 1889, was sincerely regretted by all. Mr. Medcalf was
followed by Rev. Andrew Harper, who was in charge from July,
1889, until February 2, 1890, when services were supplied from
Faribault. In July, 1891, Rev. P. B. Peabody entered upon his
work in Ovvatonna, in charge until 1894. Dr. Tanner minis-
tered to the people until July, when Rev. Theodore Payne
Thurston was appointed to minister to the people. He resigned
to take duty at Winona, 1897. He was succeeded by Rev. A. G.
Pinkham, who was in charge until November, 1906, when Rev.
Elmer N. Schmuck assumed charge.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunniwell came to Owalonna in 1857. The
church was much indebted to them for the support of services.
Mr. Hunniwell died in 1893, leaving all his wealth to his wife.
She died February 4, 1896. She was a charter member of the
Episcopal Church, a regular and devoted attendant and gave
generously. Being of a liberal and public spirit, she bequeathed
a large part of the estate to public institutions, $20,000 to the
public library of Owatonna ; $32,000 to Breck school at Wilder ;
$10,000 to St. Mary's Hall at Faribault, to provide scholarships
for the daughters of missionaries; to St. Paul's Church in Owa-
tonna, $3,000 for a rectory and $10,000 for an endowment. — By
George C. Tanner, D. D.
The First Universalist Society of Owatonna. The original
organization of the First Universalist Society of Owatonna was
efTected on April 20. 1867, by a few persons who believed in
that faith and who were ably counciled and assisted by the Rev.
J. H. Tuttle, who was then in charge of the Church of the Re-
deemer, of Minneapolis, and who remained the guiding spirit of
that church for many years thereafter, and who was a great
spiritual help to the then struggling society here in Owatonna.
The first trustees and ofificers were chosen at a meeting held on
May 19, 1867, and resulted in the election of S. B. Washburn,
H. J. Lewis and L. L. Bennett as trustees; A. C. Gutterson
treasurer, and Charles C. Cornell clerk, and during the early
part of that year held their meetings in the old one-story wood
schoolhouse in the first ward, very near the present location of
the present first ward school building; soon after, however, re-
moving to the old schoolhouse located in the second ward, where
they remained for several years, but finally locating in the room
known as Dressers' hall, now used in connection with the gen-
eral merchandise business of Nelson Hartvig Company.
At this time the constitution and by-laws of the society were
adopted and such religious services as the societj' was able to
968 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
give were continued until in the following year Rev. S. Wake-
field was chosen and installed as the first regular pastor. Mr.
Wakefield remained with the society until 1870. The society
was then for several years without any regular pastor. In
January of 1875 a re-organization of the society was made. The
old constitution and by-laws, with some few minor changes,
were again adopted, and in the following year Edwin W. Pierce
was called as pastor. Later the Rev. H. B. Butler was a very
acceptable pastor of the society for quite a number of years.
In 1888 the Rev. J. L. Andrew was the pastor. Later, and until
1891 the Rev. W. S. Pechin had charge of the society. Follow-
ing the Rev. Pechin, Rev. J. F. Hammond was the society's
pastor, and in that year was erected the church parlors in the
form of a large addition to the church building, which had been
built several years previous, making a very useful and conveni-
ent room for church gatherings, Sunday school, and various
other purposes. About this time Rev. George Crum was in
charge of the society and remained its efficient pastor until
1901. Following the Rev. George Crum, Rev. John W. Carter
was duly installed as pastor of the society, and for five years
he proved to be a most efficient leader. During the time of his
pastorate the old church, with most of its furnishings, was de-
stroyed by fire, but under his inspiration and the very libera)
donations of the members of the society, a new church building
was erected on the same lots upon which the old church stood,
and is now one of the fine church buildings of which Owatonna
has reason to be proud. The church grounds comprise a plat
132 feet square, located on the corner of Elm and Main streets,
and is estimated to be worth, with building, fully $20,000. Fol-
lowing the Rev. John W. Carter, Rev. Harry L. Canfield was
duly installed as pastor, and so remained until the latter part
of 1908, when the Rev. George F. Hughes took charge of the
society and is still its acceptable pastor.
The history and the life of the First Universalist Society,
like all the other Christian churches established in those early
days, was one of continual struggle for life and establishment,
and it required the pioneer spirit of those days to persevere to
accomplishment the founding of the different religious organiza-
tions. Many of the charter members of the LTniversalist Society
have passed on to the realization of the home beyond. In fact,
so far as it is known to the writer, there are but two living, viz,
Dr. and Mrs. L. L. Bennett. But there is now existing a good
membership of younger people, upon whose shoulders the burden
rests, and under whose care we have every prospect and faith
of the permanency of the society and church, and especially so
for the reason that all strife and bickerings between the different
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 969
Christian organizations of this beautiful city have passed away,
and all fraternize to the fullest extent consistent with their
especial church rules. In fact, the Universalist Church is under
many obligations to all the other religious societies of Owatonna,
and as a whole membership, wish a God speed for the success
of all the other Christian societies. — By L. L. Bennett, M. D.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church was organized in 1891 by the
Rev. P. !■". Kiernan, who still remains as pastor. The church
and parsonage are on Elm and Fremont streets, and the con-
gregation is in a prosperous condition. Father Kiernan has
been in Owatonna longer than any other pastor now living here,
and has taken an active part in the civic and literary as well as
s])iritual and moral advancement nf the city.
St. Hyacinth Polish Catholic Church was organized in 1903,
and at once erected a suitable house of worship. The present
pastor is the Rev. J- Smicch, and the church is in a prosperous
condition.
First Presbyterian Church. The first services of this de-
nomination were held at Owatonna in the winter of 1855-56,
by Rev. Harvey Chapin, who located here in February, 1856,
dividing his labors, however, between this and several other
villages, and organizing churches at Dodge City, East Prairie-
ville and Ashland. On September 13, 1857, he organized the
Presbyterian Church, with the following as the first members :
Mrs. Judge Donaldson, Mrs. Jane Chapin, Mrs. Jane McCaslin,
Mrs. Elizabeth Asliton and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Adair. They
were joined by William Davidson and wife and a few others
within a year afterward. For several years Mr. Chapin preached
in the old log schoolhouse, until 1863, when, principally through
his own influences and indefatigable labors, a church was com-
menced, he and William Davidson hauling the logs for timbers,
and in 1864 it was completed. In this small but neat church
Mr. Chapin continued to preach until the spring of 1865, when
he removed to Tipton, Mo. In that place his ministerial labors
were brought to a sudden and mournful close. His house caught
fire, and, in an effort, as was supposed, to save important papers,
he perished in the flames. Mr. Chapin was succeeded in Owa-
tonna by Rev. H. W. Nelson. In the fall of 1865, Rev. I. Faries,
who had come to Minnesota in search of health, became a tem-
porary supply, but in May, 1867, his failing health deprived the
church of ministrations which had been eminently useful. On
July 22, 1867, Rev. R. J. Cunningham accepted an invitation
from the church and continued his labors here for one year,
when he accepted a call to Rushford. Since that time the fol-
lowing have served as pastors of this church in the order named :
Reverends W. S. Wilson, J. J. Ward, James McCauley, O.
970 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Thatcher, William Pelan. James McGowan, Robert A. Ander-
son, H. Cullen, W. K. Weaver, George P. McGill and J. S.
McCormack.
Services were first held in the old log schoolhouse, and then
for one season in Morford's hall. After this a frame school-
liouse, which stood where the first ward school building is now
located, was used until 1864. when the church edifice was com-
pleted. It was a frame ]:)uilding. just west of the Arnold house.
This building served as a house of worship until 1877, when
the present church was built at a cost of $3,000. The old build-
ing was sold to J. G. A. Dennerline, and was used for some time
by the German Reform denomination. The church was organ-
ized legall}', with corporate powers, in 1859, the certificate of
organization being filed I\Iay 28, 1859. The trustees elected at
that time were D. S. Harsha, \\'. F. Drum, Robert Adair, W^ F.
Pettit and William Davidson.
During the first few years after this church was organized
a Union Sunday school was maintained by all the denomina-
tions, alternating in furnishing the superintendent and officers.
At an early day. however, the Presbyterian Sunday school was
organized, which is still in thriving condition.
The present officers of the session are : Edward Donaldson
(chairman), Sewell Hodgman (clerk), Alexander Ferrier, C. J.
Hansel and Robert Thom. The trustees are : Dr. J. H. Adair
(president), A. G. Scholl (secretary), George R. Kenyon (treas-
urer), Walter Amos and Frank Leggo. Edward Donaldson is
superintendent of the Sunday school ; Miss Esther Adair, as-
sistant superintendent ; Louis Hammel, Jr., secretary ; Lyman
Olson, treasurer; and Mrs. J. H. Adair, superintendent of the
primary department. The church has the usual societies and
organizations.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Owatonna was organ-
ized in October, 1856, with five charter members, viz: W^illiam
B. Norman, Sarah Jane Norman, Amelia Oliver, James Soper
and Emily Soper. So far as I have been able to learn, none of
these are now living. James and Emily Soper are not the James
and Emily Soper that were living here at the time of the build-
ing of the present church, and who bought for their use during
their lifetime one of the pews in the church at the time it was
built. This later family came into the church in 1865. The
Methodist was the first church organized in this city, and was
followed by the Baptist, in June. 1857; the Presbyterian, in
September, 1857; the Congregational, in October, 1857, and the
Episcopal, in 1860. The church held its first meeting in the old
log schoolhouse, situated on the grounds of the present first
ward schoolhouse, where thev alternated with the other denomi-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 971
nations in holding services. From there they moved to the
Baptist Church, later to Morford's hall, and from there to the
Drescr hall, where they remained till the fall of 1857, when
they moved into their own first church, subsequently known as
"the little brown church," which was built on the ground now
occupied by the parlor of the present church. As one of the
then members writes me, "After eleven years of homeless wan-
dering, as we moved into 'the little brown church' we felt in-
deed that we had reached the promised land." That church cost
$2,000, and was built and completed, ready for occupancy, in
sixty days, and continued to be the home of the church for just
the time they had been wandering in the wilderness — eleven
years — when the present church edifice was built, in 1878, at a
cost of about $8,000. The building committee of the present
edifice was George E. Peck, John Q. Ellis, A. C. Hickman, S. W.
Farmer, D. O. Searle and S. N. Lund. The builder was W. H.
Burdick, who commenced work on August 24, 1878, and com-
pleted it November 30 of the same year, and it was dedicated
on the following day by Chaplain (afterwards Bishop) McCabe.
The builder and the building committee, with the exception of
A. C. Hickman, who is now one of the professors in the law
department of the State University, have been called to the
hereafter. The first sermon preached in the new church by the
pastor, Rev. M. S. Kaufifman, was from the text, "The glory of
this latter house shall be greater than the former, saith the Lord
of Hosts, and in this place will I give peace." In 1883 the
church was seriously damaged by a cyclone, the building being-
moved on its foundation about six inches and the plastering
inside largely torn off, so that it had to be entirely re-plastered
and put back on its foundation. In 1902, the church was re-
modeled by diminishing the size of the audience room and add-
ing two Sunday school class rooms, and enlarging and improving
the gallery.
The first parsonage was buili the same year that "the little
brown church" was built, and was occupied by Rev. E. R. La-
throp, who was the past spring elected mayor of the city of
Hastings. There seems to be some uncertainty as to where the
first parsonage was built, whether on what is now known as the
John Donaldson property, adjoining the residence of the writer,
or immediately across School street, but at any rate the John
Donaldson property became the parsonage at a later date, and
in 1877 was traded for the present parsonage lot, adjoining the
church, where the present parsonage was built in 1892. In
1908 a large, beautiful pipe organ was added to the attrac-
tions of the church. The church is now one of the largest and
972 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
most commodious and best adapted for church services of any
in the city.
So much for the temporalities of the church. What of the
men and women who have reared and maintained these temples
of worship? In the nearly fifty-four years of the church's his-
tory, it has had twenty-five pastors, including the present occu-
pant, ten of whom have entered into the promised land. Rev.
J. C. Ogle, who was stricken with death while preaching in the
church, held the longest pastorate, nearly five years. The names
of the pastors and the order of their appointments are as fol-
lows: Solomon Wetzel, 1856; Aaron Matson, 1857; J. M. Rogers,
1859; Robert Hoover. 1860; F. A. Conwell, 1861 ; Ira H. Richard-
son, 1862; Thomas McClary, 1864; E. R. Lathrop, 1866; S. T.
Sterrett, 1867; C. Hoovis, 1869; R. Washburn, 1869; J. W. Mar-
tin, 1871; A. B. Bishop, 1873; H. G. Bilbie, 1875; M. S. Kaufif-
man, 1877; John Whistler, 1880; J. H. Dewart, 1882; G. H. Hare,
1885; J. C. Ogle, 1886; R. N. Avison, 1891; Samuel Ellery, 1895;
W. X. Jamieson, 1898; E. H. Goodell, 1902; W\ R. Keesey, 1903;
M. G. Schuman, 1907; D. M. Johnson, 1910. Of those living,
Ira H. Richardson is now out of the ministry and living at
Ortonville, Minn.; E. R. Lathrop, now mayor of the city of
Hastings ; J. W. Martin, chaplain of the Bethel boat in St. Paul ;
A. B. Bishop, practicing medicine in California; H. G. Bilbie,
residing at Owatonna, Minn. ; M. S. Kauffman, who was the
pastor during the building of the present church, is now at Fall
River, Mass.; John Whistler's home is in Denver, Colo., just
where he is preaching I am unable to state ; R. N. Avison is
now pastor of the Hamline Church ; J. H. Ellery is located at
Newport, Minn.; W'. X. Jamieson, First M. E. Church of Man-
kato; E. H. Goodell, Red Wing, Minn.; W^ R. Keesey, North-
field, Minn. ; and M. G. Shuman, Redwood Falls, Minn.
But few of the laity are still living who were here when
the first church was built. Among them, Mr. and Mrs. J. W.
Doolittle, Miss Jane Doolittle, Mrs. Eliza Warner, Mrs. Mary
Baldwin, Mrs. Mary Burdick, Mrs. Mary Laird (Mrs. Laird
died since writing this article), so far as I know, only remain.
In 1865 the church had a membership of ninety-nine. At one
time it got up to 270. It now has 193 members. The high tide
of prosperity in the church, both financially and religiously,
seemed to have been reached at the time of the building of the
present church, when more than $14,000 was subscribed during
the two years, and 143 taken into the church on probation.
The Sabbath school was organized in 1865, with A. C. Hick-
man as the first superintendent, and a membership of 101. Since
then the membership has varied somewhat, but upon the whole
has gradually increased. The superintendents of the Sunday
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 973
school have been, in the order named : A. C. Hickman, J. S.
Woodard, W. A. Sperry, A. W. Rankin, C. B. Wilkinson, A. J.
McCornack, Frank LaBare, E. J. Gleason and James Manuel,
the present incumbent. — By W. A. Sperry.
The German Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in
1875, with the following members, including their families: Au-
gust Mollenhauer, C. F. Mattwoig, August Mierke, August
Soehler, Carl Settc, William Mundt, Mr. Keller, William Mogler,
John Ellison, Gustave Buche and W. Wocker. At that time
this circuit included Deerfield, Blooming Grove, Owatonna,
Somerset, Meriden and Aurora.
In the fall of 1875, Deerfield and Blooming Grove were taken
from the circuit, leaving the other appointments, which have
been supplied with the following pastors : Rev. H. Schnitker
was the first preacher in charge, but Rev. Jacob Keller served
the newly arranged circuit; F. W. Buchholz came in 1878; E. A.
Borchardt, in 1879; H. E. Young, in 1880; F. Hogrefe, in 1882;
H. F. Lange, 1884; C. A. Borchart, 1886; George Hoerger, 1888;
J. C. Pfeifer, 1890; E. P. Christ, 1895; C. L. Lehnert, 1898; J. G.
Lehnert, 1898; F. J. Weigano, 1900; H. F. Krienke, 1901; H. J.
Hoffert, 1904; J. F. Steiner, 1906; H. Clement, 1907. In 1910
the Owatonna and the Rochester charges were united, and F. C.
Schultz placed in charge.
When the church was first organized in Owatonna, services
were held in a schoolhouse. At that time a Sunday school was
organized which is still maintained. In 1877 a neat building
was erected at the corner of North Elm and Pearl streets, which
has served as a place of worship ever since. This charge con-
sists at present of two appointments, Owatonna and Aurora.
The Danish-Norwegian Lutheran Church, in Owatonna, was
started about 1868, with meetings in private houses and in the
building now occupied by the Seventh Day Adventists. The
Rev. N. Olsen was at that time the pastor in charge. The
church was regularly organized October 22, 1885, and the church
edifice was erected and dedicated in 1897. The pastors have
been the Revs. S. Strand, G. B. Christiansen, N. S. Nielsen, J. P.
Naarup, N. P. Lang, M. T. Jensen and A. N. Lund, the present
capable pastor. The first trustees of the church were William
Mork, Laust Andersen and Simon Williamscn. The first clerk
was L. C. Larsen. N. P. Jefifersen and Nils Jacobson were also
prominent in the early days. Tlie president of the church is
Iver Anderson ; the clerk, Laurence Christiansen ; the treasurer,
Anton Jacobsen ; the trustees, Christ Stophcnsen, Peter Ander-
sen and Eric Jensen.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, .\bout 1870 the
services of this denomination were held in private houses, and
974 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
an organization was effected. Rev. Emniil came here occasion-
ally from Meriden and preached. The first regular pastor was
Rev. F. Hauser, who came here in 1876, and remained about
one year. Rev. .\. 11. Wetzel succeeded him, and during his
pastorate in 1878 a neat church edifice was erected. F. Johl
served a short time, after which Rev. G. P. A. Schaaf, from
Aurora, filled the pulpit until 1880. Rev. Carl Mende was the
next pastor, and remained until 1883. when Rev. Schaaf again
occupied the pulpit for a short time. At this time came a split
in the church, the congregation withdrawing from the Synod
of Missouri and joining that of Iowa and Minnesota. Those
who remained faithful to the old synod formed another church.
Rev. F. Klein preached his first sermon here on March 1, 1884,
remaining until the fall of 1909, when he was succeeded by Rev.
Conrad Winters. A beautiful new church building was erected
in 1899.
First St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. In the early
eighties, when the Missourian and Anti-Missourian controversy
was rife, a part of the congregation of the St. John's Lutheran
Church decided to withdraw from the Missouri Synod and join
that of Iowa and Minnesota. As this body was in the majority,
the whole church withdrew and made the synodical change,
while the ones who remained faithful to the Missouri Synod
continued their organization, and, being without a house of
worship, met in the members' houses. They were served for a
while by G. P. A. Schaaf and John Schulenberg, from other
congregations, imtil 1896, when the latter became the resident
pastor. In 1897 a fine church edifice and parsonage were built.
Later a school addition was erected. In 1903 the present pastor.
Rev. E. H. A. Paul, took charge. He also has charge of the
congregations in Deerfield and Richland townships. Albert
Bartsch is the secretary of the church and A. G. Kranz the
treasurer. The trustees are Albert Bartsch, Herbert Paul and
Carl Lisher. The deacons are A. G. Kranz, Louis Bartsch and
G. Dulitz. The trustees of the school are F. H. Joesting and
Robert Bartsch.
Church of the Sacred Heart. It is claimed that the first
Catholics in Steele county were Thomas and John Bergan,
Michael Barney, Joseph Kiesel, James McLaughlin and James
Lonergan. Rev. Father Keller was the first priest to hold serv-
ices in the county with any degree of regularity. At that time
he lived at Faribault, and had charge of the mission south of
that point to the state line. At first services were held in pri-
vate houses, then in Dresser's & Butsch's halls until a church
edifice was erected. In 1867 a church committee was organized
to take steps for the erection of a building. It was composed
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 975
of M. J. Toiler, president and treasurer; James Lonergan, Joseph
Kaplan and Charles Schoen, of Owatonna, and William Leary,
of Merton. The building was ready for occupancy on Christ-
mas day, 1868. Three or four years later a parsonage was
erected upon the same lot, which cost $1,200. December 17, 1901,
the old church was burned to the ground. It was at once rebuilt
and was dedicated May 21, 1903. The present pastor is the Rev.
John Pivo.
School of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sales. In connection
with the history of the Catholic Church should be mentioned
the educational institution which is located just north of their
church edifice. This school was established at Owatonna in
1876, and the same year a three-story brick building, with a
stone basement, was erected at a cost of $8,500, upon a lot
which was donated to the order by the Church of the Sacred
Heart. The general management of the school is vested in the
Order of Sisters, the general headquarters of which are at
Joliet, 111. ; but they have also state headquarters at Rochester.
The building is divided into school rooms, furnished with first-
class school apparatus. The course of study here embraces all
the ordinary branches, with the addition of music, drawing,
painting, needlework and languages. To these, if desired, re-
ligious instruction is added. No teachers are placed here except
those educated by the order and in their institutions, and they
are especially fitted for and educated in the branches which they
teach.
CHAPTER XXV.
STEELE COUNTY VILLAGES.
Bixby — Clinton Falls — Medford — Settlements and Hamlets —
Anderson — Deerfield — Steele Center — Riverpoint — Merton —
Berlin — Lemond — Meriden — Havana — Pratt — Sago — Hope
Station — Former Villages — Elmwood — Dodge City — Ad-
amsville — Somerset Village — Somerset Postoffice — Elmira
Village — Aurora Postoffice — Oak Glen — Aurora Station —
Postoffices — Railroads.
Aside from Owatonna, Blooming Prairie, Bixby and Ellendale,
Steele county has several important trading points, among which
Medford and Clinton Falls, settled in the early days, and the more
recently settled Bixby take an important place.
BIXBY.
After the burning of Aurora Station, J. S. Bixby, commonly
known as "Jake" Bixby, succeeded in having the railroad au-
thorities select his land as a more advantageous location for a
station. The station was accordingly opened in a box car, on
a siding built on Mr. Bixby 's farm. Gradually the place assumed
importance, and it is now an extensive trading point for the
farmers within a radius of many miles. Several fires have vis-
ited the place, but these have not dampened the ardor of the
people. The village now consists of the general stores of Sam
Ray and Anton J. Haberman, a railroad station, a postoffice, the
blacksmith shop of Frank Styndl, the Oak Glen creamery, the
Laird-Norton yards, of which George J. Johnson is manager, the
B. B. Sheffield elevator, now owned by McLaughlin & O'Hal-
loran, a boarding house kept by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Nelsen, a
public hall ; and, a short distance away, the Danish Lutheran
Church, of which the Rev. M. O. Block is the pastor.
The Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Blooming
Prairie township, is located a short distance from the village of
Bixby. It was organized in 1883, the first trustees being Hans
Jensen, Nils Thimsen and Peter Petersen. The first pastor was
the Rev. S. Strand, who was also the first president of the con-
gregation. Soren Petersen was the first secretary and N. P.
Nelsen, the first treasurer. For some years meetings were held
976
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 977
in the schoolhouse near Soren Petersen's place. The church was
commenced in 1887, and finished and dedicated August 1 of
the same year. The Rev. M. O. Block is the present pastor, the
secretary is R. P. Nelsen ; the treasurer, P. Petersen ; and the
trustees, Nels Larsen, S. Muller and George Johnson. Carl
Rasmussen is deacon and James A. Rasmussen the Sunday school
superintendent. The Sunday school is held regularly after each
service. A young people's society will be organized this fall.
A Ladies' Aid Society was organized in July, 1906, with the
following officers: President, Mrs. Martin Nelsen; secretary,
Mrs. Nels Nelsen ; treasurer, Mrs. N. P. Nelsen. This society
affords opportunity for social intercourse and has proven a
strong factor in improving the church and keeping the building
in repair, as well as in contributing generously toward the cur-
rent expenses of the church. The present officers are: Presi-
dent, Mrs. Nels Nelsen ; secretary, Mrs. Dick Nelsen ; treasurer,
Mrs. Christiana Johnson. — By Mrs. Martin Nelsen.
CLINTON FALLS.
The village of Clinton Falls was laid out in the fall of 1855
by Dr. W. W. Finch. In the village plat a block was platted as
a cemetery, free to everyone. It was not laid out in lots until
after Dr. Finch left. In 1882 the Oak Hill Cemetery Association
was formed and Dr. Finch deeded the block to them and it was
then platted into lots. This was the first cemetery in the county.
The first burial in it was of the remains of Daniel Morrison,
who died in March, 1855. A postoffice was established here in
the fall of 1856, with James Finch as postmaster. The first and
only hotel ever established here was started by C. M. William-
son and T. Burns, in the summer of 1857. It was run by them
for some time and was known as the Clinton House. The first
religious society organized here was the Medford and Clinton
Congregational Society, which was organized by Rev. O. A.
Thomas.
The first store at Clinton Falls was started by Cyi^us Will-
iamson in 1857, with a small stock of groceries and notions. In
1861, Judge Green went to Milwaukee and secured what was
then considered a large stock of goods, which was hauled to this
place by teams from La Crosse, that being the nearest railway
point. Later the store was owned by Dr. Finch. In 1856, Dr.
Finch commenced building a dam across Straight river, for the
purpose of securing sufficient water power to operate mill ma-
chinery, but one-half interest was to belong to the Williamson
Brothers, who were to build a grist mill, and Dr. Finch a saw-
mill, the grist miU to be completed within a year. When the
978 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
sawmill was put into operation, James Finch had a leg broken
by a log rolling upon him. The Messrs. Williamson failing to
get their grist mill completed early enough, Dr. Finch sent to
Chicago and procured a set of small burrs, or what was called
a "portable mill," and put it in operation in his sawmill. This
was the first grist mill in this county. It w^as truly a Godsend
to the settlers, who had frequently been under the necessity of
resorting to their coffee mills to manufacture their meal for
bread. Wheat thus ground was very appropriately called meal,
as it could not be reduced fine enough to be called flour. Set-
tlers used to come here from a distance of forty or fift)' miles.
Williamson Brothers pushed their work on their grist mill, and
in 1857 Hon. G. W. Green purchased an interest, and later the
whole mill, and it was pushed forward to completion under the
superintendence of Moses Hutchinson, the onl}- practical mill-
wright this section of the country then aiTorded. D. R. Mor-
rison was established as miller. Judge Green became sole pro-
prietor and continued to operate the mill for many years.
A division of the Sons of Temperance was organized here
in the summer of 1876, a charter being granted on the 27th of
December, 1876. The charter members were Frank W. Sher-
man, Ella Boynton, Annie McCartney, Matie Brown, Matie
Green, Nellie Knapp, Susan Larson, R. A. Shadick, M. Shadick,
C. C. Finch, F. H. Church, F. R. Green, W. H. Boynton and
Thomas Griffin. The organization was enthusiastically main-
tained for some time. After a time, however, the interest flagged
and it was finally abandoned.
The village at present consists of a church, a store, a cream-
ery and a mill, as well as several residences. A new dam has
recently been built across the river and the village is enjoying
a settled prosperity. C. M. Finch is the postmaster.
MEDFORD.
The village of Medford is located on sections 8 and 0, in a
beautiful valley through which flows the Straight river. The
village was laid out in 1856, on land which had been entered as
government land by Smith Johnson in 1853. The site was sur-
veyed and platted by Rev. O. A. Thomas, for the proprietor,
Smith Johnson, Sr. At a meeting of the settlers to consult upon
a name wherewith to christen the town. Air. Colling said that
he had a son who was born on board the ship Medford and was
named Medford in honor of the ship, and proposed that the town
should be named Medford in honor of the boy, which proposi-
tion was unanimously adopted. The postofiice at Medford was
established in the fall of 1855, with Smith Johnson, Sr., as the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 979
first postmaster. This was the first postoffice established in
what is now Steele county. The office was then kept at Mr.
Johnson's residence, and he retained the position until the time
of his death in 1860. Succeeding him in the early days, came
the following postmasters : Edwin Drake, Albert McKinney,
D. C. Hunkins, E. T. Howard, Orlando Johnson, L. S. Fowler,
John Bailey and S. M. Freeman. The first frame house erected
in Medford village was commenced by Mr. Kinyon, and com-
pleted in 1856 by Smith Johnson. It was run as a hotel until
about 1867, by A. Stebbins. In 1856 the Abbott Brothers put
up a steam sawmill and set it in operation, and it furnished most
of the lumber for this section of the country. The mill was
removed after running a year or two. The same year Messrs.
Melvin, Rideout & Hall erected a fine steam sawmill a short
distance below the village site. It continued in active opera-
tion until about 1860, when it was burned to the ground and has
never been rebuilt.
The first store in the village was started in the summer of
18.S6 by Albert McKinney. He continued it until July, 1857,
when it was rented by W. P. Francis & Co., who put in what
was considered a heavy stock of goods in those days. They
ran the store for a year or two and then exchanged it for real
estate.
In the fall of 1858, Messrs. Sulley & Francis established a
paper here, called the "Medford Valley Argus," removing the
material from Owatonna. The publication of the paper was dis-
continued within a year. Mention of this is made in the general
chapters of this work.
In the fall of 1867 an extensive grist mill was erected here
by E. T. Howard. It was a valuable acquisition to this part of
the county. It had a capacity of 150 barrels a day. Mr. Howard
ran it for several years, and was succeeded by White & Baynon,
and then Raynon & Mace. In September, 1880, the mill was
destroyed by fire and the owners did not rebuild.
In the spring of 1872, Howard & Johnson erected a cheese
factory, which was the forerunner of the present Farmers' Co-
operative Creamery.
In July, 1866, the firet train of cars was run through the
village, on what has since become the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railway. In 1901 the Cedar Rapids, Burlington & North-
ern, now the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, came through.
The Methodist Church in the village was erected in 1875.
The Congregational Church was erected in 1863-4.
On December 20, 1883, a destructive fire occurred in Med-
ford village, destroying five stores and a doctor's office. The
losses were reported to the country papers as follows : Captain
980 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Heath, building and pool table, loss $1,000; G. H. Butler, stock,
loss $550, insurance $400; A. B. Bryant, drug store, loss $800,
insurance $600; J. F. Curtis, drug store, loss $1,500, insurance
$1,000; O. Lee, meat market, barber shop, doctor's office, store
and hall, loss $2,800, insurance $1,350; John Baily's loss was
about $1,000 on store.
A Congregational society was organized at a meeting held
at Clinton Falls, on September 13, 1856. Rev. O. A. Thomas
was chosen moderator and secretary. The following named
were present: Nathan and Phoebe Williamson. Minerva Finch.
Helen M. Finch, Avery Adams, Emma T. Adams, David San-
born, Joseph Sawyer, Anna C. Sawyer and Zachariah Scribner.
At a meeting held in Clinton Falls on April 10, 1857, S. C. Will-
iamson and Zachariah Scribner were appointed as a committee
to hire a minister, and instructed to engage Rev. O. A. Thomas
to preach at Medford and Clinton Falls, as the organization
embraced both points. This plan was carried out and Nathan
Williamson, of Clinton, and Joseph Sawyer, of Medford, were
selected as deacons. In 1864 a church was erected at Medford,
which was dedicated February 18, 1864.
Medford is now a prosperous trading point, and has two rail-
road stations, a postoffice, a fine creamery, several churches, and
the usual stores, shops and the like. Recently the village has
seen a revival of activit}^ and in the past two or three years its
business has increased considerably.
SETTLEMENTS AND HAMLETS.
Anderson, also known as Lysne, the name of the postoffice,
is well located on land originally owned by Thomas M. Ander-
son. It is seven miles southeast of Owatonna, on the C. & N.
W. Railway, and is a hustling little settlement and trading point.
Deerfield is a discontinued postoffice twelve miles northwest
of Owatonna and six miles west of Medford, which is its nearest
shipping point.
Steele Center. A discontinued postoffice six miles south of
Owatonna, the county seat, on the C. & N. W. ; C, M. & St. P.,
and C, R. I. & P. railways.
Riverpoint. A discontinued postoffice ten miles south of
Owatonna, the county seat.
Merton. A discontinued postoffice on the C. & N. W. ; C,
M. & St. P., and C, R. I. & P. railways.
Berlin. A discontinued postofifce nineteen miles southwest
of Owatonna, the county seat. Mail by rural free delivery from
Ellendale.
Lemond. A discontinued postoffice thirteen miles southwest
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 981
of Owatonna, the county seat. Mail by rural free delivery from
Ellendalc.
Meriden. A village on the C. & N. VV. Railway, nine miles
west of Owatonna, the county seat, and six miles east of Waseca,
the banking point. Has a German Evangelical Church. Ex-
press, American. Telephone, Northwestern.
Havana. A postoffice on the C. & N. W. Railway, five miles
southeast of Owatonna, the county seat and banking point. Ex-
press, American. Telephone, Northwestern.
Pratt. A postoffice on the C, M. & St. P. Railway, five
miles east of Owatonna, the county seat and banking point.
Express, Wells-Fargo & Co. The village is named from Horace
Pratt.
Saco. A station on the C, R. I. & P. Railway, six miles
southwest of Owatonna, the banking point and usual postoffice.
Hope Station, six miles north of Ellendale and ten miles
south of Owatonna, on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, was
established at the request of the farmers of this vicinity in 1906.
The farmers appeared before the railroad and warehouse com-
mission, August 8, 1905, and at that hearing the railroad agreed
to establish the station at the location desired. It was opened
the following spring. There is now a creamery, an elevator and
a general store at this point.
FORMER VILLAGES.
EUwood village was platted in 1854, in the southwest quar-
ter of the northwest quarter of section 24, Clinton Falls town-
ship, by F. Wilber Fisk.
Dodge City was started in the northwest corner of Merton
township, in 1856 by a Mr. Coburn who opened a small store
there. The country was so sparsely settled that the store did
not pay, and Mr. Coburn sold out to O. T. Jones, who after a
while sold out the stock and closed the store.
Adamsville was the name originally given to the now dis-
continued postoffice of Berlin. The postofiice was established
in 1856 with Hiram Pitcher as postmaster. Mr. Pitcher car-
ried the mail from Owatonna, many times going on foot and in
the winter using snow shoes. The name was changed to Berlin
in 1857.
Somerset Village. — A village called Somerset was platted on
section 20 in Somerset township, in 1856, by John and William
Catlin and Carles Ellison. They divided a forty-acre tract into
streets, lots and blocks. A store building was erected, but
was never occupied as a store, and finally, after considerable
982 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
effort on the part of those interested, the project was aban-
doned and the site reverted to farm property.
Somerset postofifice was the name originally given to what
afterward became River Point in Somerset township. A post-
office was established here in 1857, with Dr. Thomas Kenyon
as postmaster. Other early postmasters were Charles Ellison,
Mr. Bill, Dr. W. H. Twiford, Lewis Robinson, W. R. Catlin
and D. M. Smith. The name was changed sometime in the
late seventies, so far as can be ascertained.
Elmira Village. — In 1857 a village named Elmira was laid
out on section 18 in Somerset near the township line by Thomas
Twiford, who platted about eighty acres of land. A company
was formed through which a dam was thrown across Straight
river and a sawmill was erected. A frame hotel was erected,
which in those days was considered a credit to the county. Mr.
Twiford also established a store. An earnest and determined
effort was made to start a town here, and considerable stress
was laid upon the prospects of the embryo city as to county
seat honors. Five or six thousand dollars was expended in
placing the village on a good foundation; but as it failed to get
the railroad, the proprietor gave up hope and finally vacated
the plat.
Aurora postoffice was established in the southeast part of
Aurora township at the residence of Charles Adsit in September,
1856. It was moved to Oak Glen station, (in what is now sec-
tion 1, Blooming Prairie township) then back to Adsit's place
and was finally located at Aurora station.
Oak Glen station was an old stage coach station on the mail
line from Owatonna to Lansing. The mail contractor in the
summer of 1856, erected a half-way station here and J. B. Per-
ham divided the site into blocks, lots, alleys and streets. The
postofifice, afterward located at Aurora station, was located in
this settlement for a short time.
Aurora Station was an important point in Aurora township
in the early days of the C. M. & St. P. Ry., and bade fair to
become a large settlement. But it was wiped out by fire, and
the present site of Bixby, selected as a more suitable location
for the village between Owatonna and Blooming Prairie.
POSTOFFICES.
There are at present in Steele county, ten postoffices with
postmasters as follows: Havana, Frank R. Herzberg; Pratt,
Matilda S. Lieb; Bixby, Peter C. Johnson; Blooming Prairie,
Theodore P. Fagre ; Clinton Falls, Cyrus M. Finch; Lysne (An-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 983
derson), Louis W. Thumpson ; Owatonna, James M. Diment;
Meriden, Samuel E. Grandprey; Medford, W. A. Bailey.
RAILROADS.
The cities and \illages of Steele county, while depending to
a large extent on the farmers for their trade, have nevertheless
been made possible in a great degree by the railroads, though
a few are off the route of the steam lines, and many were
founded long before railroads in this county were deemed a
possibility. The county is now crossed by three railroads, the
Chicago & Northwestern, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific.
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. — The Minneapolis & Cedar
\'alley Railroad Company was incorporated March 1, 1856, with
an authorized capital stock of $3,000,000 to construct a railroad
from Minneapolis to a point of juncture with the Root River
Valley & Southern Minnesota Railroad in Dakota county, from
one to six miles from Mendota, and thence in a southerly direc-
tion to Faribault, thence through the valley of the Straight
river to the southern boundary line of the territory. The com-
pany was also to have the right to build at any time, a line from
the Mendota junction to St. Paul, also a like road to Hastings.
The summer previous, 1855, had witnessed a heavy increase
in the population of Steele county. Railroad agitation had
already begun in earnest, all wdio were interested here took an
active part in working the matter up. Railroads, it seemed
absolutely necessary to have and strenuous eiiforts were made
to put the scheme in operation. Persons went to St. Paul to
attend the sessions of the seventh territorial legislature and
the charter above mentioned was granted, and the Minneapolis
& Cedar Valley railroad was incorporated. Among the incor-
porators were : Franklin Steele, Isaac Atwater, D. M. Hanson,
James F. Bradley, Ezra Abbott, R. P. Russell, A. M. Fridley,
II. II. Sibley, John W. North, James Shields, Alexander F'ari-
bault, John C. Ide, Charles Jewett, F. W. Fisk, Benjamin L.
Arnold, William F. Pettit, John H. Abbott, A. B. Cornell, A.
Town, A. B. Vaugn, H. O. Billings, Orlando Wilder and others.
Four men, Henry H. Sibley, of Mendota; Franklin Steele, of
Minneapolis; James Shields, of Faribault; William F. Pettit, of
Owatonna, and A. B. Vaugn, of Austin, were commissioned to
open books and receive subscriptions. The commissioners suc-
ceeded in securing stock subscriptions to the amount of $200,000.
Owatonna, Faribault and Northfield were the most active in rais-
ing this amount of stock. The first meeting of the stockholders
was held in Mendota in February, 1857, at which time the fol-
08i HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lowing named directors were elected : Ezra Abbott, of St.
Anthony; Franklin Steele, of Ft. Snelling; H. H. Sibley, of Men-
dota ; J. W. North, of Northfield ; James Shields, of Faribault ;
William F. Pettit, of Owatonna, and A. B. Vaugn, of Austin;
Ezra Abbott, treasurer; Franklin Steele, secretary, and J. H.
Abbott, chief engineer. In June, Mr. Abbott and L. Kellett com-
menced surveying the route and by the close of September, the
location was made and the estimates for the construction com-
pleted.
May 22, 1857, at a special session of the territorial legislature
called by Governor Gorman by reason of the Congressional land
grant, this road was one of four which received a grant of
alternate sections designated by odd numbers, six miles in
width, on each side of the roads and their branches. The com-
panies were to pay 3 per cent of their gross earnings in lieu of
all taxes and assessments, and the lands granted by Congress
were to be exempt from all taxation until sold or conveyed by
the companies. The corporations were generally given ten
years to construct their respective roads. April 15, 1858, the
legislature passed what was afterward known as the five mil-
lion dollar loan, by which state bonds to that amount were to
be issued for the benefit of the roads. Governor Sibley refused
to issue these bonds, but afterward yielded to the Superior court.
The amount issued to the Minneapolis & Cedar Valley road
was $600,000. But for various reasons the railroads were unable
tsQ dispose of these bonds to advantage, and therefore did not
pay the interest, and work on the railroads was suspended. The
controversy was finally ended by the state legislature in 1860,
when it was voted that the state should enforce its liens" and
become owner of all franchise lands and the roadbeds of the
defunct companies. The Minnesota Central Railroad company
was incorporated in 1862 to follow the same route of construc-
tion originally laid out for the Minneapolis & Cedar Valley rail-
road. In 1865 Faribault was reached, and in August, 1866, trains
were running through Steele county. In the meantime a line
was in course of construction in Iowa, and the lines united at
Rose Creek, near Austin, thus making this railroad the first
to connect St. Paul with the east. In 1874 the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul adopted its present title, having in the
meantime absorbed the Minnesota Central and many other
lines.
Chicago & Northwestern. — The Transit Railroad Company
was chartered March 3, 1855, with a capital of $5,000,000 and
the route designed for it by the act of May 22, 1857 was from
Winona via St. Peter to a feasible point on the Bix Sioux river,
south of the forty-fifth parallel of north latitude, also from
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTreS 985
its terminus to any point on the Missouri river south of the
same parallel of latitude. This act was passed at a special ses-
sion called by Governor Gorman, by reason of the magnificent
grant of land made by Congress that same year. The Transit
company was one of the four railroads, which, by this act o£ the
special territorial legislature of May 22, 1857, received alternate
sections, designated by odd numbers, six miles in width on each
side of the roads and their branches.
This road received $500,000 in bonds under the five million
dollar loan, but was unable to dispose of them to advantage,
or to pay the interest, and forfeited its property to the state in
1860. The Winona & St. Peter Railroad Company, which was
an outgrowth of the Transit line, was organized March 10, 1862,
and completed its line from Winona to Rochester in 1864. Two
\-ears later in August it reached Owatonna. In 1867 the Chicago
& Northwestern Railway Company became interested in this
line and under date of June 7, 1900, acquired it by purchase.
The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific. — The Burlington, Cedar
Rapids & Northern Railway Company reached Owatonna from
Albert Lea, June 13, 1900. It later pushed its way north and
was in operation through Faribault to the Twin Cities in Jan-
uary, 1902. June 15, 1903, the line was acquired by the Chicago,
Rock Island & Pacific.
Red Wing, Duluth & Southern.— In 1887, the city of Owaton-
na voted bonds to the amount of $40,000 to assist in the construc-
tion of a line which was to run from Albert Lea, through Owa-
tonna, thence to Red Wing, and northward. This line was
never constructed, and the bonds were never issued.
The Dan Patch Air Line, designed eventually to become a
part of a system connecting the Twin Cities with Chicago by
electric line, has been surveyed through Steele county and many
of the people of the county have subscribed to its stock.
OWATONNA FIRE DEPARTMENT
The fire department of Owatonna was organized in 1875 by
the election of AI. R. Strong, chief, and I. W. Burch, secretary.
Charles II. Randall was the second chief, serving from 1877
to 1879, at which latter date C. W. Hadley was appointed, serving
until 1884. The membership fee of this company was $1 to join
the fire department, and all members were to run to the fires
without pay. They were also to take charge of their own fire
apparatus, which consisted of two eighty-gallon chemical four-
wheel wagons, weighing about two tons each, which the city
had purchased of the Champion Fire Extinguisher Company, of
Louisville, Ky., paying $2,800 on board the boat at Louisville,
J)86 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Ky. Upon tlie arrival of these fire extinguishers, they made a
test on a burning building situated on South Elm street. In
making the run, a man was killed, the victim being a stranger
who, while helping to draw the apparatus, tripped and fell in
such a way that a wheel passed over him. This apparatus was
used to good advantage, and saved thousands of dollars' worth of
property until the present waterworks were constructed in 1890.
The fire department was disbanded in 1884. by a resolution of
the city council. S. S. Green was then instructed to organize
a fire department, which was to be composed of not more than
forty members, and for compensation they were to receive
twenty-five cents for each meeting, and $1 for each member who
worked at a fire, the member so working to report at the fire
house after the fire fighting was done.
At the reorganization in 1884, S. S. Green became the chief.
In 1886 he was followed by C. E. Luce. In 1887, E. M. Twiford
was appointed and has served continuousl}' with the exception of
the years 1899 and 1900 when Ovid Wood took his place, Mr.
Twiford being mayor of the city those two }'ears. The presi-
dents have been as follows: 1884. H. Luers ; 1886, E. M. Twi-
ford; 1887. S. S. Green; 1890, C. E. Luce; 1892, William Gause-
witz; 1893, L. B. Fanner; 1895, William Gausewitz; 1898, L. B.
Fenner; 1904, L. F. Hammel, who is still serving. The secre-
taries have been : 1884, C. E. Luce ; 1886, Benjamin E. Darby ;
1890, Walter Amos ; 1894, E. A. Brown ; 1896, J. P. Thon ; 1898,
Charles J. Servatius, who is still serving.
The present officers are : President, L. F. Hammel ; secretary,
Charles J. Servatius ; treasurer, John Thon ; chief, E. M. Twi-
ford; assistant, F. G. Schuman; foreman hose cart No. 1, R. H.
Jahreiss ; foreman of hose cart No. 2, William Essler ; foreman
of the hook and ladder company, John Thon.
There are at present twenty-five members of the fire depart-
ment, one of whom is employed continuously and six of whom
sleep in the fire house at the City Hall. There is also a branch
fire house on Rose street, between Oak and Cedar. The appa-
ratus consists of a combination hose and chemical wagon, two
hose carts, a hook and ladder, and other equipment. The chem-
ical wagon has a capacity of fifty-two gallons and has about
200 pounds pressure. There are 16 fire boxes in the city and
125 hydrants, the water having a pressure of about 72 pounds,
gravity, in the business districts. The hose equipment consists
of about 2,800 feet.
The Owatonna Fire Department Relief Association was or-
ganized April 5, 1895, and has been a must im])ortant factor in
the civic growth of the city. Starting with $11 in its treasury,
it has contributed over $11,000 to the city, has cared for its sick
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES DSY
and disabled members, and now lias o\cr $2,500 in its treasury.
The story of its part in the building of the City Hall is told else-
where. The third floor, which was completed by the association,
is a tribute to its generosit)' and artistic sense, the murial decora-
tions alone costing nearly $2,500, and the electrical fittings over
$500. The present officers of the association are: President,
L. F. Hammel; vice president, Henry Sanders; secretary, Charles
J. Servatius ; treasurer, John Thon ; trustees, F. G. Schuman,
Andrew Erdman. E. II. Lipert and J. C. Jahreiss.
CHAPTER XXVI
POSTAL HISTORY
Early Stage and Mail Routes in Steele County — Owatonna Post-
office — Postmasters — Locations — Rural Routes — Free Deliv-
ery— New Building — Present Force — Receipts. — Compiled
With the Assistance of J. M. Diment.
During the winter of 1854-55 Congress, for the purpose of
aiding in the establishment of western mail routes, granted for
that purpose one section of land for every twenty miles of route
operated, under certain conditions. Of course, the stage com-
panies at once prepared to take advantage of this, and stations
were established on these sections, twenty miles apart. The first
stage run through Owatonna was from St. Paul south. This was
late in 1855. Owatonna was the terminus for a time. A post-
office had been established at Medford, but the mail sacks were
not opened at Owatonna until later.
In the winter of 1855-1856, or late in the fall of 1855, as is
claimed by some of the old settlers, stages commenced running
west from Winona carrying mail on west to St. Peter. The first
mail bag that went to the latter place contained one letter of
greeting from the postmaster at Winona to the one at St. Peter.
Stages were not reall}' put on for passenger travel until 1856,
and after that they were run regularly. The manager was a man
named Lord, who lived in Winona and who, as a rule, drove
the stage himself. The route extended from Winona west,
through Owatonna and other points to Travers des Sioux or St.
Peter. The first stage arrived here from the east during the last
week in September, 1855.
A station was located on section 6, near the northwest corner
of Owatonna township. Stages were run weekly to St. Peter
and return to Winona.
In 1856 M. O. Walker, succeeding Lord, became proprietor
of the stage line, and this name became a familiar one in almost
every settlement in the Northwest. This stage line continued
in operation until the railroad reached Owatonna in 1866, and
then moved westward, followed closely by the lines of railway.
Walker at one period, in 1857-1858, became badly involved in
debt. He owned many different lines of stages, and, as the
financial crash, which came at about this time, checked travel,
988
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 98D
many of these lines did not pay expenses. Often the agents or
drivers were unable to pay bills for repairs and keeping con-
tracted along the route, and it seems several of this character
were run up in Owatonna. Finally papers were got out and placed
in the hands of the sheriff, who was instructed to attach Walker's
horses as they drove through, and this procedure was repeated
many times, the sheriff often having from ten to fifteen of
Walker's horses in his charge. Yet it was sometimes a difficult
matter to attach the teams. The stages carried United States
mail, and so long as a mail-sack remained in the wagon, the
sheriff dare not attach the team for fear of violating the United
States statutes in detaining the mails or obstructing the route.
Ordinarily the sheriff would stand behind the corner of the house,
and as soon as the sack was carried into the postoffice he would
walk out and claim the team. The carriers got so they would
watch for this and would get a sack on just as soon as one was
taken off. Walker would invariably pay his bills after a short
delay, and then matters would move on smoothly until the next
creditor would swear out an attachment. In 1859 Nichols &
Wheeler became proprietors of the stage line. They continued
it for about four years, when it was purchased by Burbank &
Co., who operated it until the railroad came in 1877. A north
and south stage line was also put in operation at an early date.
With the beginning of 1856 stages arrived regularly on this line,
which was then operated by Brackett & Co. Williamson & Cot-
ter succeeded them and operated the line until tlie railroad was
built through. Philo Finch, of Clinton Falls, was one of the
drivers on this route for Williamson & Cotter. They also had a
station every twenty miles, located on the lands which they
claimed under the grant. They located a town called Oak Glen
in Steele county, on section 1, in what is now Blooming Prairie
township, and laid plans for the erection of a city. This line
continued in active operation until the railway was put through
in 1866-1867. The proposed city never succeeded in getting a
fair start, and when the railroad reached this locality the village
of Blooming Prairie was laid out on section 25, in the same
township, and Oak Glcn became a thing of the past.
In 1856 a mail route was estaablished from Owatonna to
Geneva, and E. C. Stacy was the first to operate it. Nathaniel
Winship next got the contract and continued to run it for four
years. The mail was carried sometimes with a buggy, again on
horseback and frequently on foot. Hugh Murray is remembered
as having footed it across the country with the mail on his back.
As early as 1857 a mail route was established from Red Wing
to Blue Earth City, and Philo Ilawes became the carrier. Part
of the time he was in company with a partner under the firm
990 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
name of Cotter & Hawes. This was continued until about the
time the railroads were completed to this point.
The following item appears in the issue of the Owatonna
plaindealer, September 22. 1864:
"Burbank & Co. have decided to put on the road between
this place and Rochester, next Monday, two daily lines of stages
each way. owing to the great increase of travel. Last Monday
afternoon there were twenty-seven persons desiring passage
east. Nineteen got on one coach and the rest hired a livery, but
this is not an unusual occurrence. The company have the best
of accommodations on the road for the convenience of the trav-
eling public."
The Owatonna Postoffice was established in 1855, witli S. B.
Smith as postmaster. Up to that time the name of the town had
been spelled "Owatonia," but at this time the "i" was changed to
an "n," and the orthography became the same as it is to-day.
M. A. Dail}' was the second postmaster, and he was succeeded in
turn by John N. Kelley, about 1858; William Wadsworth about
1862, and Twiford E.' Hughes about 1866. April 7, 1870. E.
Easton took possession of the office and remained until January
8, 1876, when he was succeeded by Charles S. Crandall. Mr.
Crandall held the office until April 10, 1884, when he was relieved
by Lewis L. \\'heelock, who was postmaster for some time.
In 1888 Amos Cogswell was appointed, and he was followed
in 1892 by C. E. Luce. M. J. Toher was appointed in 1896 and
the present postmaster, J. M. Diment, was appointed in 1900. Be-
fore Mr. Crandall's administration the postoffice was located on
the north side of Bridge street, on practically the site of the
southern half of the present quarters. Mr. Crandall removed it
to his store, on the present site of 108 West Broadway. When a
syndicate, composed of L. L. Wheelock, E. M. Morehouse, G. F.
Albertus, W. R. Kinyon and H. H. Rosebrock, erected the present
building, extending from Bridge street to West Broadway, the
office was moved to its present quarters.
Congress has passed an act providing for the erection of a
$58,000 postoffice building, on the corner south of the beautiful
building of the National Farmers' Bank. The appropriation will
doubtless be passed at the next session.
This office was made a money-order office in August, 1866.
The first three money orders were purchased by Twiford E.
Hughes, Alverson & Graham and Dr. A. S. Mygatt.
The city free delivery service was established July 16, 1900.
The carriers were: Andrew J. Parolik, Harry H. Luce and
Charles G. Boyer. Arthur H. Lawson was sub carrier. The
service was extended and an additional route assigned for serv-
ice, March 2, 1903, with H. W. Vinton was the new carrier.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 991
The present carrier force consists of Amos B. Colquhoun, Ber-
ton A. Deviny, John A. Diehl, and William J. McDonald. Mil-
ton A. Rions is the substitute.
The rural free deliver)- came into existence in Steele county,
February 1, 1902, with the establishment of routes 1, 2, 3 and 4
out of Owatonna. Routes 5 and 6 were established February 2,
1903. Route 7 was established July 15, 1904; route 8, June 1,
1905 ; routes 9 and 10, November 16, 1906. On this date, Novem-
ber 16, 1906. there was an entire reorganization of the other
eight routes out of Owatonna, and what is known as a com-
plete county rural free delivery service fully established. The
carriers at the present time are as follows: No. 1, T. J. Rions;
No. 2, H. H. Holmes; No. 3, Fred W. Kinyon; No. 4, William
Baldwin; No. 5, William Stransky; No. 6, George W. McCrady;
No. 7, F. W. Schultz ; No. 8, H. A. McCrady ; No. 9, Elias Elia-
son; No. 10, Walter W. Reed.
The Owatonna postoffice force is at present organized as fol-
lows: Postmaster, J. M. Diment; assistant postmaster, J. W.
Andrews; mailing clerk, George C. Toher; money order clerk,
Edward W. Springer; general delivery clerk, Charles F. Rypka;
stamping clerk. Jay S. Whitman ; substitute clerk, Harry C.
McCrady.
The fiscal year at the Owatonna postofifice extends from
July 1 to June 30. Since 1887 the annual postage receipts have
been as follows : 1887, $5,793.89 ; 1888, $6,1 18.38 ; 1889, $6,214.28
1890, $6,936.53; 1891, $7,105.64; 1892, $7,318.63; 1893, $8,348.19
1894, $8,604.49; 1895, $9,368.07; 1896, $9,686.96; 1897, $10,693.01
1898, $11,166.78; 1899, $11,229.77 1900, $13,175.51; 1901
$12,334.15; 1902, $13,742.45; 1903, $14,484.41; 1904, $15,086.08
1905, $16,719.04; 1906, $15,908.91; 1907, $17,645.76; 1908,
$19,622.29; 1909, $21,271.45, thus bringing up the report to
July 1, 1910.
Other postoffices are mentioned in connection with their re-
spective localities.
CHAPTER XXVII
BLOOMING PRAIRIE VILLAGE.
Modern Blooming Prairie — Its Beauties, Situation and Advan-
tages— Coming of the Railroad — Early beginnings — Mu-
nicipal Improvements — Park, Waterworks, Sewer — Fraterni-
ties— Churches — Leading Stores — Elevators, Mill and Cream-
ery— Schools — Grain Industry — Edited by John C. Brainerd.
Blooming Prairie village ranks next to Owatonna in size
and importance in the county, its population numbering about
one thousand souls. Its progress since its founding in 1867 has
been steady, and its situation gives foundation to the belief
that the growth will be more rapid. It receives trade from
four counties, and is not in too close proximity to either Owa-
tonna or Austin. It has a well laid out appearance, a park
which is developing new beauties with the passing years, a
fine system of waterworks, a short sewer, good schools, and sev-
eral excellent churches. Its business men are progressive and
prosperous, and have taken an interest in the welfare of the
village. Good stores, a newspaper, two good banks and a fine
hotel all add to the advantages and comfort of life in this locality.
Blooming Prairie has a population of about 1,000 people.
It contains five churches, a graded and high school, two banks,
one creamery, three grain elevators, one newspaper, a water-
works system, a telephone company, a private sewer system, elec-
tric lights, a railroad station, express and telegraph service, a mill,
a fovmdry and factory, a live stock yard, two lumber yards,
cement sidewalks, a fine park, four blacksmith shops, four physi-
cians, one dentist, one livery, one feed stable, one draying
establishment one undertaker, one real estate office, five general
stores, three lodge rooms, one opera hall, a tow mill, a feed mill,
two meat markets, a hotel, three restaurants, two millinery
rooms, three painting and paper hanging establishments, two
hardware stores, a furniture store and two drug stores, three
agricultural, implement and vehicle dealers, a men's tailor, four
saloons, a cigar factory and a photograph gallery.
Following is a brief business directory of Blooming Prairie.
Physicians, B. Melliy, E. H. Cooley, H. G. Wood, J. W. Warren.
General stores. Alliance Cash Co., Blooming Prairie Mercantile
Co. (also a men's furnishing store), P. H. Dock, A. A. Hrubetz,
992
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 993
Joseph Ruzek. Hardware and agricullural implements, Ed.
Morton, Bell & Herron. Furniture and agricultural implements,
L. S. Ulland ; druggists, Olson & Fjelstad, E. \V. Cooley. Feed
mill, Susan Johnson. Cigar maker, Thos. M. Bruzek. Black-
smiths, T. S. Morton & Son, Walter Rasmussen, Christ Lund,
J. A. Schisler. Tow mill (branch), Union Fibre Co., of Winona.
Men's tailor, Christ Mortenson. Newspaper, Blooming Prairie
Times. Meat markets, R. H. Johnson, B. Betlach. Hotel, the
West. Photograph gallery, Fairbanks Bros. Restaurants, W. C.
Peterson, L. E. Zweiner. Thomas Keefe. Milliners, Blooming
Prairie Mercantile Co., the Campbell sisters. Painting and
paper hanging, Blooming Prairie Paint Co., John R. Harty and
L. Erickson. Other are mentioned in detail in the general his-
tory of the village.
The incorporate limits of Blooming Prairie includes sections
24, 25 and 36 and half of sections 23, 26 and 35 in township 105,
range 19. About 40 acres was included in the original plat. Part
of that tract has been abandoned, a part replatted, and several
additions have been made.
The first buildings erected on the present site of Blooming
Prairie village were the shacks for the men employed in con-
structing the C. M. & St. P. Ry. About this time C. C. Hartley
moved a blacksmith shop from the country to the present site of
the village, and a shack was also built probably as a lumber
office. The first frame house erected was the railroad station.
The second was the residence of C. C. Hartley, long known as
the Western house, and Christ Vollhardt built a place that was
used as a residence, place of refreshment and hotel, being known
as Union hotel.
Christ Vollhart has lived in Blooming Prairie during practi-
cally its entire existence. He came here early in 1867, on a
construction train, and erected hotel. At that time there was
here the railroad station, the boarding house or hotel of C. C.
Hartle)' as well as the blacksmith shop of C. C. Hartley. The
first birth in the village was probably that of his son, Henry Voll-
hardt, in 1868, and the first death was doubtless that of his
daughter, Louise, who died in August, 1868, at the age of
four years.
Among the prominent citizens of Blooming Prairie village
and vicinity, whose names should be preserved for future gen-
erations are the following: A. B. Clark, C. W. Gardner, L.
Ellington, R. I. Fuller, E. B. Sproud, J. N. Dunton, Octave Gar-
riepy, Frank C. Brown, George A. Peterson, John A. McConnell,
J. C. Brainerd, Joseph A. McConnclI, John G. Lennon, C. C.
Hartley, Thomas Feeney, O. A. Veblin, Norman Evans, G. Jen-
sen, Aseph Mayo, M. M. Guthrie, Ole Ecker, L. E. Hatch, Thco.
994 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
L. Hatch, J. Palmer Johnson, C. H. Williams, A. Olson. C. D.
C'liddings, E. Morton, T. S. Morton, George H. Johnson, E. H.
Wheeler, Christ Vollhardt, Aaron Pettie, A. J. Pettie, C. B. Pet-
tie, Harrison Pettie. D. T. Pettie, I. C. Pettie. Dr. Saulsbury,
Thomas Bray, J. A. Beatty, C. E. Hancock, A. Colquhoun,
George M. Topliff, Jos. C. Carey, Peter Haley, Joseph Branning,
Ira Foster, H. A. Gleeson, Alec Hughes. Charles D. Giddings,
George W. Porter, Jacob Ryder, Charles E. Johnson, Thomas B.
Ingersoll, A. G. Ingersoll, J. C. Rae, Charles Rae, Michael Gleen,
Edward Burke, C. H. Scott, Christ Calusen. William Cashman
and H. N. Thurston.
The village of Blooming Prairie is situated in the southeast
corner of the township of the same name, its limits adjoining
the counties of Dodge, Mower and Freeborn. It occupies the
most elevated portion of Steele county and the highest plain
in southern Minnesota, the elevation being about 1,300 feet above
the sea level. A short distance east of the village is the source
of the Cedar and Zumbro rivers, and the Straight and Turtle
rivers rise nearby to the west. The village was very appro-
priately named, as its site is on one of the most beautiful prairies
in the west which was originally clothed with a profusion of wild
flowers changing in their kind and color from the white and blue
of early spring to gold and purple of the autumn day.
The rails of the Minnesota Central Railway, now a portion of
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, were laid through here in
the summer of 1867, and a station and a postoffice opened both
named Blooming Prairies. The first station agent was J. C. Note-
man and the first postmaster, Chas. W. Gardner. About this
time the lots and streets were surveyed and staked. The tract
being a portion of the original land grant to the railway company
and was purchased by Selah Chamberlain, of Cleveland, and
George E. Skinner, of Faribault, who shortly afterward formally
recorded the plat.
The tributary country is one of the most fertile in southern
Minnesota, and as it was fast settling up the town speedily be-
came an important trading point and was soon one of the large
primary grain markets. The first stock of merchandise was
placed on sale by A. C. Hawley, generally known as Captain
Hawley, in a small tent near the present depot building with L.
Ellington employed as clerk. It is reported a heavy storm
occurred soon after the grand opening and many unprescribed
mixtures of tobacco, fish, starch, coffee, etc., were made. The
remaining merchandise was removed to a small warehouse on
the railway grounds south of the depot, one part of which was
used for handling grain, the postofifice was also kept in this build-
ing. Mr. Gardner purchased the stock of merchandise a few
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 995
months afterwards and removed it and the postoffice to a build-
ing which he erected in 1868, on block 7, opposite the depot, and
which is a portion of the building still standing there.
In the spring of 1868 one of the first store buildings was put
up by E. B. Sprant, on block 7, and in which he conducted a mer-
cantile business for some two years when he sold out to J. N.
Dunlon & Son. In 1867 the first hotel was opened by Chris
V'ollhardt and operated as such for some years and called the
Union Hotel. The first blacksmith shop was opened for busi-
ness by C. C. Hartley on lot 12, block 13, in 1867. Mr. Hartley
also erected a hotel in the same year in block 13, which was long
known as the Western house. In 1870 Chas. W. Gardner sold
his mercantile business to Mr. Octave Garriepy, of Minneapolis,
and Mr. Ellington, who was in the employ of Mr. Gardner, was
appointed postmaster. Mr. Garriepy continued in the mercantile
business until the year, 1876, when he returned to Canada, his
native home, where he now resides.
In 1870 E. H. Wheeler purchased a building on block 6, and
opened a blacksmith shop, employing T. S. Morton; the next
year Mr. Morton succeeded to the business and removed his shop
the following year to lot 1, block 8. The building has been re-
paired and additions made, but the old building still stands and
Mr. Morton still works at the old place where he has for these
many years conducted a successful business. For some time his
son, Byron H.. has been associated with him in the blacksmith
and machine business.
In 1871 Lewis Ellington and F. C. Brown opened a small
stock in block 14, on Fourth and the postoffice. Mr. Ellington,
postmaster, was removed to this building. Mr. Brown retired
from the business after a few months and Mr. Ellington united
his business with that of Geo. A. Peterson, who had previously
operated a store in .Xustin, but sent his stock here in 1872, doing
business under the name of G. A. Peterson & Co., and under
this firm name the business was conducted. Mr. Ellington retired
in a few months and Air. Peterson became sole proprietor and
continued in business for .some time when he sold to J. A.
McConnell.
Municipal Improvements. — The \illage of Blooming Prairie
was politically a portion of the township and the physical im-
provements were few for some years ; the streets were ungraded ;
the soil was beautifully black, the road and bridge fund very
small and the street in wet seasons almost impassible. A few
boards were laid down for sidewalks in some favored spots and
removed from place to place as occasion seem to require. The
walks on Main street were very individual in character, some
were on a level with the street and some from one to three
996 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
feet higher, each Ijiisiness place had a walk for its own accom-
modation, a few connecting steps and some connecting planks
made walking much safer in the streets, especially in the dark.
During the legislative session of 1873 and 1874 the act incor-
porating the village was passed. At the first charter election
in March, T. S. Morton was chosen president of the council ;
trustees, G. A. Peterson, H. A. Gleason and Octave Garriepy;
recorder, J, C. Brainerd ; justice of the peace. Peter Haley; con-
stable, J. C, Rea ; W, Bowman, assessor. Village improvements
were now the order of the day, the grade of the streets was
established, sidewalks brought to grade, hitching posts taken
out of Main street, all with many a protest, A parcel of land,
centrally located, was purchased and a voting place and a lock-up
were erected, on this site now stands the two-story brick building
fitted for a voting place, jail and storage for fire apparatus.
The village plot was originally bare of trees. Considerable
interest was soon displayed by all in planting trees on the
streets and lots, which are now so beautifully and abundantly
shaded.
In August. 1889. a fire broke out in the hay mow of the large
barn on tlie Skinner farm, adjoining the village; the villagers
were very active in their efforts to subdue and control the fire,
and Mr. Skinner, as evidence of his appreciation of their good
work, presented the village with a block of ground for park pur-
poses. This was promptly planted with trees, mostly maple,
elm, bass and birch. They have made a rapid growth and are
the foundation of a beautiful park.
The present ofificers of the village are as follows : President,
James Bergin ; trustees, E. W, Cooley, A. O. Bensen, G. F. Hyde ;
recorder, A. A. Peterson; treasurer, T. C. Cashman ; justice, M.
Guthrie; marshal, John Driscoll ; board of health, B, Melby, A,
Fairbanks and John Driscoll ; school board. A, Solberg, Alex,
Fjelstad, E. A. Gilmore, C. W. Ricketts, A, E, Johnson,
Blooming Prairie Village Hall.— This neat edifice was erected
during the administration of M. Guthrie as president of the vil-
lage. The lower floor is devoted to the fire apparatus and the
jail, while the upper floor contains the village auditorium and
the coimcil chambers. The fire apparatus, housed in the lower
part of the building, consists of two hose carts, a hook and ladder
truck, a chemical apparatus and a hand pinnp. The fire de-
partment consists of twenty-four members and was organized
June 29, 190.=;, A, O. Bensen is the chief.
Schools. — The first school building was located on lot 7,
block 4, a site donated by Mr, Skinner to the district. A few
years later the location being desired by a church site an ex-
change was made with Mr. Skinner for a much larger portion of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 997
land, and the school house sold to him. This building was
removed to lot 7, block 13. where it is now occupied. On the
new site a substantial brick veneered school building of four
rooms was erected in 1876, this is still occupied and in good
condition. In 1899 the village school district erected a beautiful
eight-room brick building on a site north of the old grounds.
This building is well equipped with library and laboratory. The
school grounds complete comprise a fine tract of ten lots adjoin-
ing the park. The first teacher in the old school building was
J. K. Bucklin. Professor Fate was the first principal in the
four-room building, and L. II. Isaacs, now superintendent of
schools, in South St. Paul, was the first principal in the new high
school building.
Postoffice. — The Blooming Prairie postofiicc, of which Theo.
P. Fagre has been postmaster for four years, does an annual busi-
ness of nearly $4,000, maintains five rural routes and gives the
village and surrounding country most excellent service. The
postmaster is assisted by Miss Florence Keefe, and S. S. Siverson
has also been sworn in as clerk. The rural carriers are H. L.
Wheeler, Ira J. Smith. Carl G. Jolson, Christ. E. Weger and
John Gorvin. The ofifice was established in 1868 with C. W.
Gardner as postmaster. He was succeeded by L. Ellington, who
served until July, 1876, when A. Mayo was appointed and served
until 1886, when M. Guthrie took ofifice. He served two terms
and was followed by John G. Lennon. Then came Mr. Lennon's
bondsmen, and in 1898 W. L. Buckson assumed ofifice. He was
succeeded in 1906 by the present postmaster.
Sewer. — An embryo sewer, with about ten connections, has
been laid in Blooming Prairie by Albert A. Peterson. The out-
let is in a marsh below the village where a private sewer owned
by the West hotel property, had its outlet. This system will
doubtless, in time, result in a municipal sewer.
Blooming Prairie Cemetery. — The cemetery, which adjoins
the St. Columbanus cemetery and lies about half a mile south
of the platted portion of the village, was early set aside for ceme-
tery purposes by George E. Skinner. April 4, 1892, a num-
ber of citizens decided to form an association, and contributed
a sufficient amount to purchase from Mr. Skinner for $125 such
lots as were not already occupied, in the portion not reserved
for the Catholic people. The organizers, and contributors were
T. S. Morton, Ele Ille, A. Palmer Smith, G. H. Johnson, H.
Noble, T. R. Symes, C. E. Hancock, R. I. Fuller, E. H. Wheeler,
J. C. Brainerd and C. B. Pettie. The present officers of the asso-
ciation are : President and actuary, T. S. Morton ; secretary and
treasurer, J. C. Brainerd. There is also a board of directors.
998 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
GRAIN INDUSTRY.
Grain raising was for several years the principal industry of
the farmers of this vicinity, and buying and handling of grain
was a large trade interest. The first buyers were A. C. Hawley,
Ennis Bros., M. Johnson and C. W. Gardner, who handled grain
in the warehouses erected near the depot.
Messrs. Bassett, Huntting & Co., of McGregor, la., soon built
a warehouse, J. C. Noteman, Chris Vollhardt, L. Ellington and
J. C. Rea buying grain for them at different times, this firm was
the first to erect an elevator here which they did in 1875.
W. H. Valleau bought grain here in a warehouse north of
the depot for a couple of years, Geo. Valleau and A. H. Wiggin
were employed by him. Late in 1875 Mr. Chas. Whitton, who
was a grain buyer for some five previous years, built an elevator
at the foot of Fourth street ; this elevator was sold to G. W. Por-
ter in the spring of 1877 and burned the same fall. On its site
H. W. Pratt & Co. built at once ; this was operated for some
years by Mr. Porter and afterwards by M. H. Hitchcock; after
some transfer it was sold in 1895 to the Farmers' Elevator Co.,
who lost it by fire and built a new elevator which they still
own and operate. F. J. Quinn, now of Colorado, was in
charge of the Farmers' Elevator for a time and was succeeded by
J. R. Edmond, who is their present buyer.
In 1875 M. M. Guthrie, formerly of Dubuque, la., was placed
in charge of their elevator by Bassett Huntting & Co. The fol-
lowing year he acquired an interest in the building and the
business. During most of the succeeding years Mr. Guthrie has
purchased grain at this point, and at present is owner of one of
the elevators.
The grain receipts were the largest in 1875, 1876, 1877, when
they were nearly half a million bushels annually.
Farmers' Elevator Co. — This company was incorporated in
1905, by the election of the following officers : President, Thomas
Herron; vice president, C. E. Symes; secretary, G. A. Peterson;
treasurer, H. A. Peterson: directors, O. G. Anderson, Soren Mil-
ler and John G. Johnson. The company purchased the old Pratt
elevator, and placed F. J. Quinn in charge. In March, 1907,
the building was destroyed by fire. The business was continued
in a rented warehouse, and a new elevator was at once erected.
For several years past, James Edmonds has been the buyer.
The firm is capitalized at $5,000 with about 180 shareholders.
The business amounts to over 100,000 bushels annually. The
present officers are the same as above, with John Jurgenson,
Peter Hanson and O. G. Anderson as directors.
Lumber Yards. — The sawed lumber for the buildings erected
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 999
in the village prior to the building of the railway was hauled
by team mostly from Owatonna. When the railway was com-
pleted Minneapolis and other river points became the natural
wholesale supply market for the territory. A Mr. Searles, of
Owatonna, ])ut in a small stock of lumber in 1867 and erected
one of the first buildings, which was used as an office and dwell-
ing, and situated on lot 1, block 13. Mr. Aaron Pettie & Son
soon succeeded in the business, which they continued until 1872.
In 1871 J. C. Rrainerd established a lumber business and in
the following year Chas. Whitton became a partner. For sev-
eral years the firm of Brainerd & Whitton controlled the lumber
and coal trade and were succeeded in 1878 by Brainerd & Gard-
ner. In 1882 Mr. Gardner retired from the firm and J. C. Brain-
erd conducted the business until 1902, when he sold to the North-
west Lumber Co. A. Solberg opened a yard here in 1892,
and in 1893, O. A. Veblin having acquired an interest, the
firm became Solberg & Veblin and continued under that style
until 1900, when Mr. Veblin retired, his interest having been pur-
chased by Geo. A. Peterson, P. A. Peterson and Thos. A. Helvig.
The firm name was changed to Solberg & Co., and in 1893
the}' incorporated under the style of A. Solberg Lumber Co.
Mr. Veblin in 1900 opened a new yard, which was also taken
over by the Northwest Lumber Co. in 1902. Later this
corporation sold all their lumber and coal interests in this place
to the Laird-Norton Yards and Hayes-Lucas Lumber Co., both
Winona firms. At the present time the latter firm and A. Solberg
Lumber Co. arc the only firms doing a lumber business at the
station.
Blooming Prairie Separator Creamery Co. — Dairying has been
one of the principal industries in this vicinity for several years.
Both wild and tame grasses arc luxuriant in growth ; the water
is plenty, easily obtainable and good. The climate fine and all
conditions are of the best to promote the healthy condition of
neat cattle. In the early years of the country butter was made
at the country homes, under conditions which made the product
a variable one and the price in general was very low. With
the introduction of factory system of manufacture and especially
since the advent of the milk separator there have been many radi-
cal changes and great improvement in methods.
In 1885 the first move was made here for the establishment of
a butter factory, a parcel of land was procured in the village by
a few representative dairymen and business men and a contract
was made with P. O'Reily, of Rawler, la., to erect a building.
The gathered cream custom was then in vogue.
For a few years several changes were made and some of the
eflforts were partially unsuccessful, but generally moving toward
1000 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
success. Mr. O'Reily was succeeded by a local corporation, the
Minnesota Creamery Co. and Potter Lucas Co. followed.
The principal and permanent change came when in 1892 a co-
operative creamer}' company was formed under the style of the
Blooming Prairie Separator Creamery Association. The first
officers were: E. Morton, president; N. N. Hagna, treasurer;
G. A. Peterson, secretar}'; directors, C. B. Peterson. P. A. Peter-
son, Ben Benson, C. E. Symes and Ole A. Anderson. In 1897 the
present commodious brick building was erected and the business
has increased from year to year until the patrons number several
hundred and the product manufactured $90,000 annually. The
present officers are E. Morton, president; Ben Benson, treasurer;
John Jurgenson. secretary; N. N. Hagna, Wm. Ferrington, H.
Noble, Alvin Ille, Ole Embrickson and P. P. Haugen directors.
L. G. Campbell Milling Co. — The first flouring mill in Bloom-
ing Prairie was erected in 1875, by Messrs. H. Hegele & Co.,
but was burned the following year, having in the meantime
handled 175,000 bushels of wheat, most of which was flour. The
present flour mill was erected 1892 by A. S. and L. G. Camp-
bell, who at that time were proprietors of a mill at Austin. In
1895, L. G. Campbell became sole owner and enlarged the plant.
In 1904, electrical apparatus was installed, which furnishes lights
for the village streets, business houses and residences.
The Steele County Telephone Co. operates in Blooming
Prairie, Ellcndale, Geneva, Xewry, Lansing, Bixby and Union,
having 360 instruments in use. It was started in the fall of
1900, and the service was first put in operation August 1, 1901.
At that time the officers were: President, O. P. Rask ; vice
president, A. A. Peterson; secretary and treasurer, S. A. Rask.
The present officers are: President, A. A. Peterson; secretary
and treasurer, S. A. Rask. These two gentlemen and their wives
constituted the board of directors.
HOTELS.
West Hotel. — This popular hostelry was the result of the de-
sire of Halvor J. Hanson to open a first-class hotel in this village.
G. A. Peterson owned a desirable location, and a company was
accordingly formed, consisting of O. A. Veblen, H. A. Peterson,
G. A. Peterson and H. J. Hanson. The building, a three-story
brick structure, was completed and opened in the spring of 1899
with H. J. Hanson as manager. After some years, Mr. Veblen
sold his interest to J. C. Brainerd. Later the property was dis-
posed of to the Sylvester Brothers of St. Paul. Three years ago
the place was rented by S. H. Keeling, the present proprietor.
The Sylvester Brothers disposed of the property to C. S. Nelson,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1001
of Minneapolis, who sold it to E. W. Bunker, of Spooner, Wis.,
the present owner.
Union Hotel. — This was the first hotel in Blooming Prairie,
and was erected by Christ Vollhardt in 1867. The building
was afterward sold to Andrew Pettie, and was occupied as a
residence and by George Camp's harness shop, when it was
destroyed by fire in February, 1889. Among the managers of
the hotel were the Messrs. Vollhardt, Dunton, Hartley and A.
Pettie.
Western House. — This building was erected before the Union
Hotel by C. C. Hartley, but did not open its doors as a hotel
until a short time after the opening of the Union Hotel. The
Messrs. Hartley, Dutcher, Vollhardt, Carey and Guthrie were
among the proprietors. The building was destroyed by fire,
January 10, 1886.
Ferrington Hotel. This hotel was built by A. E. Ferrington
in 1882. He sold out to J. A. McConnell. Among the landlords
were J. Laird, A. J. Pettie, Mrs. O'Toole, Daniel Keefe and J. C.
Cummings. George H. Johnson owned and managed the place
for some years and was conducting a successful business when
he sold out to the West Hotel Company. The building is still
standing, but is not used for hotel purposes.
FRATERNITIES.
Prairie Lodge, No. 123, A. F. & A. M., of Blooming Prairie,
was organized May 7, when Brother Daniels, of Faribault, read
the dispensation of the worshipful worthy grand master, to a
few Master Masons assembled. The following officers were
named: J. Palmer Johnson, M. W. ; Thomas S. Morton, S. W.;
C. Whittcn, J. W.; J. C. Rea, secretary. May 25, these officers
were elected with the following additions : C. D. Giddings, S. D. ;
C. E. Hancock, J. D. ; C. H. Williams, treasurer. The first
candidates elected were: Lewis Ellington, E. Morton and J. C.
Brainerd, the latter being the first to receive the third degree.
Feb. 15, 1876, Brother Daniels, of Faribault, again opened the
lodge, and brought the charter, which is dated January 13, 1876,
and signed by James C. Braden, of St. Paul, M. W. G. M. The
following officers were elected : Charles Whitten, W. M. ; T. S.
Morton, S. W. ; Peter Haley, J. W.; C. E. Hancock, treasurer;
E. Morton, secretary; J. C. Brainerd, S. D. ; J. C. Rea, J. D.;
C. H. Williams, S. S. ; A. Colquhoun. tyler. The worshipful
masters of the lodge have been: J. Palmer Johnson, 1877-1880;
T. S. Morton, 1881-1885; Geo. H. Johnson, 1886; J. C. Brainerd.
1887; George A. Reynolds, 1888; J. Palmer Johnson, 1889; J. C.
Brainerd, 1890-1893; C. W. Treat, 1894; Geo. H. Johnson, 1895;
1002 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Thomas S. Morton, 1896-1900; George H. Johnson, 1901; George
E. Johnson, 1902-1903 ; Ed. Morton, 1904-1910. The present offi-
cers are : E. Morton, W. M. ; B. Melby, S. W. ; George E. Mor-
ton, J. W. ; J. C. Brainerd, treasurer; A. E. Johnson, secretary;
A. A. Peterson, S. D. ; Fred Jurgenson, J. D. ; John Jurgenson,
S. S. ; Henry Peterson. J. S. : R. H. Johnson, tyler.
Oak Glen, No. 177, Order of the Eastern Star, was granted
its charter May 12, 1904, with Melissa Brainerd, W. M.; O. P.
Rask, W. P., and Mabel Morton, A. M. as officers. The charter
members were Mrs. Melissa Brainerd, O. P. Rask, Mrs. Mabel
Morton, Albert A. Peterson, Samuel A. Rask, Mrs. Harriet O.
Rask, Mrs. Oline Rask, Laura M. Brainerd. Mrs. Jessie F. John-
son, Mrs. Bertina Olson, Mrs. Francis Mary Thomas, Edwin
Morton, Mrs. Edna Sauer, Mrs. Ragna H. Peterson, Richard H.
Johnson, Mrs. Caroline Johnson, Rena Claire Brainerd, Anton
Olson, George E. Johnson, I\Irs. Arie Marie Johnson, Mrs,
Wealthy A. Johnson and John C. Brainerd. The present officers
are : Mrs. Frances Thomas, W. M. ; Sam A. Rask. W. P. ; Mrs.
Carrie Johnson, A. M. ; Mrs. Melissa Brainerd, secretary; Fred
Jurgenson, treasurer; Mrs. Rena Johnson, C. ; Mrs. Marie John-
son, A. C. ; Miss Minnie Johnson, Adah ; Mrs. Edna Carman,
Ruth ; Mrs. Harriet Rask. Esther ; Mrs. Mabel Morton, Martha ;
Mrs. Bertina Olson, Electa; Miss Rose Johnson, warder; R. H.
Johnson, sentry; Edwin Morton, chaplain; Miss Maude Jurgen-
son, organist.
Haakon Lodge, No. 83, Sonner of Norge (Sons of Norway),
was organized October 16, 1908. The charter members were :
B. Melby, Alex. H. Fjelstad, Hans Roge, A. A. Peterson, A. Sol-
berg, J. O. Johnson, O. K. Odegard, A. Olson, Benjamin A. John-
son, T. O. Rye, Chris Gorvin, Ole O. Hjelmen, Carl O. Bye, H. T.
Holstenson, P. K. Dock, B. B. Johnson, Edward Hanson, A. O.
Benson, J. M. Christinnson, E. C. Rask, E. O. Haberstad, S. A.
Rask, Theo. P. Fagre, E. E. Simes, Fred Jurgenson and S. S.
Severson.
Cedar Camp, No. 1729, M. W. A., was organized August 1,
1892. The first members were : Harris F. Ackerman, Ole O.
Bye, Carl O. Bye, Andrew S. Anderson, Louis F. Bakke, Martin
Strate, Charles Louis Larson, E. W. Cooley; William Ferring-
ton, Carl Nelson, Peter Prahm, Nathan H. Garrison, Nels John-
son, Jens Jorgenson, Hans Rasmussen, John Sorenson, Robert
Whitelaw, Arnt Solberg, Peter V. Rasmussen, John F. Beatty,
Louis Larson. The present officers are: P. C, A. Solberg; C,
J. C. Petersen ; V. C, Joseph Schisler ; E. B., Albert A. Peterson ;
S., Sam A. Rask ; E., Fred Jurgensen ; I. G., Lawrence Zweiner ;
O. G., Christ Lund ; trustees, A. Solberg, T. E. Cashman and
John Jurgenson.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1003
Freia Lodge, 98, Danish Brotherhood of America, received its
charier September IS. 1896. The first officers were: P. P., Hans
P. Munck; P., Soren Petersen; V. P., Peter V. Rasmiissen; S.,
Peter Prahm ; treasurer, F. M. Madsen; G., A. P. Olsen; I. G.,
Christ Sorensen; O. G., Christian Fredericksen; T. R., Jens C.
Petersen. The present officers are : P. P., C. M. Mortensen ; P.,
Fred Johnson; V. P., C. Lund; S., Hans Jensen; treasurer,
Christ Rasmussen; G., Jes. Brown; I. G.. Walter Jensen; O. G.,
Lawrence Jensen; T. R., Peter Bramsen.
Murray Court, No. 826, W. C. O. P., was organized October
21, 1904. The first officers were: C. R., Mrs. Mary Herron;
J. C. R., Mrs. Tillie Pirkle; F. S., Miss Elizabeth Fitzgerald;
R. S., Miss Hannah Keefe ; treasurer, Mrs. Maria Bell ; trustees,
Mrs. Bridget Leehy; Mrs. Sarah Meehan and Mrs. Rose Benish.
The present officers are: C. R., Mrs. Sara Meehan; V. C. R., Mrs.
Etta Cashman; F. S., Mrs. Mary Coggins; R. S., Mrs. Frances
O'Connor; treasurer, Mrs. Kate Feehan ; trustees, Mrs. Ellen
Cummings; Mrs. Ellen Keenan and Mrs. Hannah Goodnature.
Daughters of Erin, Division No. 2, Ladies Auxiliary, A. O. H.
was organized November 16, 1902. The first officers were :
President, Mrs. G. S. Brainerd ; vice president, Mrs. D. T. Holly-
wood ; recording secretary, Miss Elizabeth Coggins ; insurance
secretary, Miss Kathryne Hanlon ; financial secretary, Mrs. T. C.
Cashman ; treasurer, Miss Margaret Farrell. The present officers
are : President, Mrs. William Trotman ; vice president, Mrs.
John Driscoll ; recording secretary, Mrs. T. C. Cashman ; insur-
ance secretary, Miss Kathryne Hanlon ; financial secretary, Mrs.
T. J. Hanlon ; treasurer. Miss Maggie Farrell.
Blooming Prairie Court, No. 688, Catholic Order of Foresters,
was granted a charter June 13, 1897. The charter bears the
names of Daniel J. Sullivan, Thomas C. Cashman, John M.
Feehan, Eugene B. Keenan, Edmond C. Fitzgerald, William
Fceney and Daniel T. Hollywood.
CHURCHES.
St. Columbanus Roman Catholic Church, of Blooming Prairie.
Doubtless several of the early Catholic priests passed through
what is now the village of Blooming Prairie in the early days.
Father Ravoux is known to have traversed this prairie, but the
first mass of which we have any real knowledge was that said
by Father Prendcgast in a construction shack somewhere near
the site of the present village in the early part of 1867. The
mass was said for the spiritual edification of the construction
crews engaged in laying the tracks of the C. M. & St. P. Ry., but
many devout Catholics from the surrounding farms were in at-
1004 HISTORY OF RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES
tendance. Mrs. Thomas O'Connor, now living in Blooming
Prairie, was present at this service. Father Prendegast was at
that time located in La Crosse, but made frequent trips to this
vicinity. Other services were doubtless held here in the earliest
days of the village b}- Father William Hurley, then stationed
at Austin. Father Paul Genis, then stationed at Austin, and
Father Patrick McDermott, who passed through here on his way
from St. Mary's to Austin. Father Joseph Keller, of Faribault,
also held services here at an early day. Father Thomas Pribyl,
of Owatonna, had charge of the parish about five years and
Father Walter Rawley, of Owatonna, for a similar period. The
early regular services of the church were held in a building in
block 8, later occupied by Thomas Feeny as a hardware store
and still later destroyed by fire. In 1868 a small church was
erected. The present edifice in block 8 was erected in 1877 and
dedicated the same year. Since then a sacristy has been added
and other improvements made. A comfortable parish house
was purchased in August, 1883. To this parish, on October 1,
1882, came Father David L. Murray, of Rhode Island, who was
the first resident priest. Father Murray has remained here
since that date, and abh' fulfills the ideal of a parish priest. For
thirty years he has labored in this and the surrounding country,
and his devotion has endeared him to the people of all denom-
inations and creeds.
Among the pioneers of this church who may be mentioned
are James Barry, Thomas O'Connor, John Hanlon, Daniel Mc-
Callister, Patrick Murphy, James Duggan, Frank Zwiener,
Thomas Barry, Patrick Fallon, Thomas Feeney, Octave Garriepy,
jNIichael Fallon. Edward Burke, Richard McCallister, Peter
Gosha, Peter Steinlitzer, Thomas Feehan, Milo Flannigan, Denis
Moran, James Birgen, Thomas Birgen, M. M. Guthrie and others.
St. Columbanus Cemetery. This cemetery adjoins the
Blooming Prairie cemetery, and was a part of the original tract
set aside in the early days for cemetery purposes. The ground
was consecrated in 1893 by Bishop Joseph B. Cotter, of Winona.
The Episcopal Church was organized here early in the sev-
enties by Rev. G. C. Tanner, of Owatonna. Shortly afterward
the society erected the church edifice at a cost of about $1,400.
In 1896 the edifice was sold to the Presbyterian denomination.
The Presbyterian Church. Services of the Presbyterian faith
were held at various times in the days of the early settlement of
Blooming Prairie. The church was organized December 2, 1896,
and the congregation purchased the church edifice, which had
been erected by the Episcopalians. The first pastor was T. N.
Weaver, and he has been followed by J. M. Swander, Irwin G.
Smith and Egerton S. Carey. The first elders of the church
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1005
were James Campbell, L. G. Campbell, Ed. Morton and George
L. Taylor.
Blooming Prairie Congregation of the United Norwegian
Lutheran Church, of America, had its beginning with services
held by Rev. C. L. Clausen, who organized a society. He was
succeeded by Rev. P. G. Ostby, of Austin, who remained until
1878. Mr. Clausen then came back, and took up his abode here,
but failing health necessitated his securing an assistant. This
assistant, Rev. S. Strand, became pastor in July, 1885, and re-
mained until the fall of 1894. Rev. N. Iverson then came and
remained until 1898 when he was succeeded by Rev. Osmond
Johnson, the present pastor. A church was erected at an early
day, but was sold to the Methodist people in 1876 when the
present edifice was erected. A sacristy has since been added, and
the interior renovated and improved from time to time. The
pleasant parsonage was purchased three years ago. The con-
gregation assumed its present synodical relation in 1890. Con-
nected with this church is a flourishing Sunday school, a young
people's society and two ladies' societies. Among the pioneers of
the church may be mentioned Guttorm Hillson, Ingvald Peter-
son, G. A. Peterson, Even E. Lofthus, Ole Embrickson, Lars
Bekkdal, Sven Olson and others.
The First Baptist Church, of Blooming Prairie, had its begin-
ning May 16, 1868. when a few Baptists met at the school house
near Oak Glen, and organized, with O. A. Williams in the pulpit
and Dr. J. M. Finch, of Clinton Falls, clerk pro tern. Sarah
McGuire, Fannie Pettie and Kate Farrington were received by
letter; A. E. Ferrington, James Carey and Mary Carey on pro-
fession of faith ; and Lydia McDaniels, Julia Thimson, Clarize L.
Smith and Cornelius Smith as candidates for baptism. A. E.
Ferrington was elected deacon. The last entry of this organi-
zation is made in the records in February, 1878. In 1886 Rev.
C. D. Belden began holding services in the Methodist Church, in
Blooming Prairie village, and on Sunday, September 24, 1893,
the First Baptist Church was organized, at the Episcopal Church,
to which the congregation had moved. The first board of
trustees of the church consisted of N. H. Garrison, C. B. Pettie,
Fred P. Thimsen, T. S. Morton and F. G. Brown. In 1896, M. B.
Critchct became pastor. One year later came Rev. A. B. Mur-
phy, who was ordained in Blooming Prairie and also served the
church at Ellendalc. In 1898 a parsonage was built. Rev. Mur-
phy left in 1899, and the pulpit was occupied three years by stu-
dents. January 31, the mortgage on the parsonage was burned
and on the same date it was voted to erect a church edifice.
In 1902, Rev. B. L. Bcrgstrom came and served as pastor one
year and nine months, and then the pulpit was occupied by stu-
1006 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
dent supplies until the Rev. E. A. Gilmour, the present pastor,
came in December, 1905. The church has a Sunday school, a
Ladies' Aid Society and a Ladies' Mission Circle. Mrs. F. P.
Thimsen is clerk ; T. S. Morton, treasurer, and F. P. Thimsen,
T. S. Morton, Stillman Noble, Hannibal Noble and C. E. Han-
cock, trustees. Mrs. B. H. Morton is in charge of the Sunday
school.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, of Blooming Prairie, was
organized shortly after the settlement of the village. A church
was purchased from the X^orwegian Lutlierans and dedicated in
1876. The church is still standing, but is not now in use. Among
the early pastors were Rev. Reuben Washburn, Rev. C. J. Hayes,
Rev. E. S. Bowdish, Rev. Putnam, Rev. Reynolds and others.
COMMERCIAL INTERESTS.
Blooming Prairie Mercantile Co. Tliomas Feeney, an early
settler of Blooming Prairie township, engaged in the mercantile
trade in 1871 in a building on lot 1, block 13. Mr. Feeney was
interested in business here for many years in general mer-
chandise and afterward in the hardware trade. His stock of mer-
chandise was sold to Geo. Jenson and O. A. Veblin, who, after
a remove or two, purchased the building and the business on
lot 1, block 13, from M. O. Wilson. About this time Norman
Evans became a partner in the firm, Mr. Jenson soon retired and
the firm became Veblin & Evans ; the latter a few years later
removed to Sioux Falls. This business was finally incorporated
under the style of Veblin Mercantile Co., which conducted a
successful business until 1907, when it was sold to T. J. Johnson
& Co., who a few months afterwards were succeeded by the
Blooming Prairie Mercantile Co. This company is now incor-
porated, J. C. Brainerd being president, J. J. Bruzek, vice presi-
dent; Fred Jurgenson, secretary; T. J. Cashman, treasurer, and
G. S. Brainerd, manager. This company divided their stock and
are now doing a business in general merchandise at the old stand
and a clothing and shoe house in block 13.
Alliance Cash Company. Early in 1890, the firm of Gage,
Holland & Hayden, of Albert Lea, opened a branch store in
Blooming Prairie. A block was erected the same year and
opened in September. The following year the firm was incor-
porated as the Alliance Cash Company, the officers being:
President, D. J. O'Leary; vice president, F. P. Thimsen; secre-
tary, F. J. Schisler; treasurer, T. C. Cashman. The firm is now
owned entirely by local people, the ofificers being: President,
T. C. Cashman ; vice president, Martin Nelson ; secretary and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1007
treasurer, F. P. Thimsen. The store handles a line of general
merchandise and is doing a large and increasing trade.
Furniture. The first furniture store in the village was
opened by P. Haley, in 1873. Mr. Haley had formerly lived on
a farm about two miles west of the village. The store was
situated in block 8, nearly opposite the old Western house. For
about two years the business was conducted by Mr. Haley,
after which he sold out to William Marshall. John G. Lennon
next succeeded to the business and sold out to A. B. Johnston.
The next owners of the business were M. Olson, Ole Norval and
Swen Embrickson. L. S. Ulland purchased the stock in 1887,
and is still in the business. He soon added to this line that of
farm implements, vehicles, etc. He has been quite successful
and has a large volume of business.
J. C. Guthrie, M. J. Lee and H. O. Houg were each in the
furniture business for a short time.
Hardware. In 1873. Curtis & Dunton opened a small hard-
ware store with a small stock in one room of a double store
erected by J. N. Dunton & Sons. After a few months' experi-
ence, this company sold its stock to David Giddings, of St.
Charles, Minn., who disposed of the goods to Edward Morton
in the same year. Mr. Morton has been one of the leading
business men of the village, and is still actively engaged in the
hardware and agricultural implement trade. He is also the
proprietor of a fine farm adjoining the village, and owns con-
siderable other land in the vicinity.
The Blooming Prairie Iron Works does considerable busi-
ness in manufacturing seed cleaners, pump jacks and other
articles, and is engaged in general repairing. The company was
organized by the Srsoen Brothers, April 12, 1897, and started
operations at once. In 1909 the business was sold to Frank H.
Skalicky and John J. Pribyl.
Physicians. The first physician to locate at Blooming
Prairie village was Dr. Saulsbury, who came here from Owa-
tonna in 1887 and remained about two years. Among others
who are not now practicing here, but who were in former days
may be mentioned the names of Drs. Theodore L. Hatch, W. S.
Wood, J. Palmer Johnson, B. J. Hawkins, Emma Washburn, A.
A. Finch. A. H. Johnson and Drs. Goudy, Hadley, Eberhardt,
Caldwell and Watson. The present physicians in the village
are Drs. Harry G. Wood, Benedik Mclby. E. H. Cooley and
J. W. Warren.'
CHAPTER XXVm.
^ NEWSPAPERS.
Watchman and Register — Medford Valley Argus — Owatonna
Journal — News Letter — Owatonna Representative — Owa-
tonna Register — Owatonna Democrat — Vidette — Owatonna
Register — Owatonna Plaindealer — ^Journal and Herald —
Owatonna Chronicle — Journal-Chronicle — People's Press —
Our Pastime — Morning Star — Daily Herald — Owatonna
Tribune — Ellendale Eagle — Blooming Prairie Times — Com-
piled and Edited by Benjamin E. Darby.
Steele county is the home of six newspapers, all of which
are well edited and well printed, having a satisfactory circula-
tion and exerting an intiuence for good on the community. In
former days still others have flourished, some having been dis-
continued by removal, some by consolidation and some by lack
of patronage. It will be noticed that there are several repeti-
tions of names, several favorite cognomens being frequently
revived.
WATCHMAN AND REGISTER.
The hrst paper started in the county was under the above
title. It was established at Owatonna, in July, 1856, by J. H.
Abbott and A. B. Cornell, who purchased press, type and fix-
tures of Maj. W. A. Hotchkiss, at that time editor and pub-
lisher of the "Northwestern Democrat," at St. Anthony. Mr.
Cornell acted as editor and business manager for a time, when
the services of H. M. Sheetz, an experienced newspaper man,
were secured as editor. Some time in 1857 the word "Watch-
man" was dropped from the name, and the "Owatonna Register"
was published until some time in the winter of 1857-8, with
Abbott & Cornell and W. F. Pettit as proprietors, and H. M.
Sheetz as editor, and then it was discontinued. It had been a
useful means of advertising the locality, and did its full share
in molding the public mind.
MEDFORD VALLEY ARGUS.
This was the second local journal to lay claim to public favor
in Steele county. It was published at Medford, dating its first
appearance about the middle of August, 1858, and was under
1008
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1009
the control of Messrs. Francis & Sulley. It was printed with
the same material which had been used in the publication of
the "Register," the material having been purchased of the com-
pany by William I". Petlit, and Ijy him sold to Air. Bartholomew,
of Medford. Messrs. Francis & Sulley leased it of Mr. Bartholo-
mew. Mr. Sulley soon sold his interest to J. R. Lucas, and the
publication was continued for a short time, when the enterprise
was abandoned and the material was rented to H. M. Sheetz,
who moved it back to Owatonna.
OWATONNA JOURNAL.
This paper was started by H. M. Sheetz wiiii the material
which he had secured at Medford, and made its appearance
shortly after the demise of the "Argus." It was a seven-column
sheet, neatly printed and ably edited, and was received with
marked favor by its patrons. It was Republican in politics and
the earnest and devoted advocate of all reforms. In October,
1859, Mr. Sheetz died, and the "Journal" was carried on by his
widow for some time thereafter. Hon. William F. Pettit, at
that time state senator from Steele county, had started a project
to allow Mrs. Sheetz, who was a woman of considerable literary
ability, to retain the office as a mark of esteem from the public,
whom her husband had so faithfully served, and has already
received $150 from his fellow members of the senate to aid in
carrying out this benevolent project. But upon returning home
he found that the office had been sold to A. B. Cornell, which
at once put a stop to the publication of the "Journal."
NEWS LETTER.
Shortly after the sus])ension of the "Journal," the "News
Letter" was established by A. B. Cornell. He kept up the enter-
prise until 1862, when he took a sutler's position in the army,
and Mrs. Cornell continued the publication of a small sheet
some three or four columns in width until 1863, when Dr. Kelly,
editor of the "Plaindealer," which in the meantime had been
started, purchased the job office and the good will of the "News
Letter," and its publication was discontinued.
OWATONNA REPRESENTATIVE.
In the summer of 1860 Messrs. William F. Pettit and John
H. Abbott, assisted J. W. Crawford in the purchase of an office
in Mantorville, Dodge county, and the publication of the "Owa-
tonna Representative" was commenced. It was an eight-column
sheet, and was very ably conducted and well printed, reflecting
lUlO HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
much credit upon the enterprise of the citizens who sustained it,
as well as those who conducted it. It was continued for about
eighteen months, when Mr. Crawford entered the army, and
Messrs. Pettit and Abbott sold the material to James E. Child,
of Wilton, A\'aseca county.
OWATONNA REGISTER.
This paper was started by A. B. Cornell soon after his return
from the army. It was published in an independent, neutral
manner, consequentl}' meeting with poor success, yet it con-
tinued to drag out an existence for some little time, when it suc-
cumbed from want of proper sustenance, and publication was
discontintied.
OWATONNA DEMOCRAT.
This was a newspaper aspirant for public favor, starting with
Capt. J. D. Wood as editor and proprietor. It was received with
considerable enthusiasm by the Democracy, as it was a purely
Democratic paper ; yet it did not receive sufficient support to
meet the necessary expenditures, and after trying the experi-
ment for about a year it was discontinued.
VIDETTE.
In the spring of 1867, J. A. Spellman started a paper called
the "Vidette." It was a seven-column folio, and independent
Republican in politics. It was continued only for a short time,
when it was merged with the "Journal," Mr. Spellman becoming
one of the proprietors of that paper.
OWATONNA REGISTER.
In 1867 another Democratic paper was started, which was
called the "Owatonna Register," under the control of C. F.
George. He continued its publication at a pecuniary loss for
about one year, when the office was removed to Faribault.
OWATONNA PLAINDEALER.
In April, 1863, Dr. L. H. Kelly commenced the ])nblication of
a paper called the "Owatonna Plaindealer." The town was then
growing rapidly; the business kept increasing until the "Plain-
dealer" became one of the best paying offices in this part of the
state. It was started as a seven-column paper, but in the spring
of 1866 was enlarged to an eight-column folio. In the fall of
the same year the office was purchased by Tappan, Higbee &
Hathaway. The new firm shortly afterward commenced the
publication of the "Republican Journal," and in a few weeks the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COimTIES 1011
firm became Higbee, Spellman & Bickham, and the name of the
paper became the "Owatonna Journal."
THE OWATONNA JOURNAL.
The files of the "'Owatonna Journal" commenced with the
issue of January 13, 1876; at least it is impossible to find any
copies of prior issues. At that time the paper was running as
an eight-column folio. The proprietors at that time were Cran-
dall & Bickham— C. S. Crandail, W. H. Bickham— and Thursday
was the day of issue. It was very neatly gotten up and well
filled with local and general news, as well as having a good run
of local advertising. During the same winter Mr. Crandail, one
of the firm, was appointed postmaster, and that partially severed
his former intimate connection with the management of the
"Journal." The issue of October 19, 1876, was the last bearing
the names of Crandail &• Bickham as editors. With the issue on
October 26, 1876, the name of F. T. Drebert appears at the head
of the columns as editor and proprietor.
At the time Mr. Drebert came, the office was kept in what
was known as the Dresser building. It remained there until it
was moved to the Temple block. One incident in the history of
the "Journal" was its connection with the failure of L. Bixby's
"Review." Mr. Bixby had rented the material of the office to A.
H. Lewis, and in 1879 he made arrangements with Mr. Drebert
to turn over the subscription in the manner of a consolidation
of the two, the publication of the "Review" to cease, and, accord-
ing to the arrangement, while he did not become a partner in
the publication, he was to get a percentage on the job work and
advertising. By consent of Mr. Drebert he moved a lot of paper
and stock into the "Journal" rooms for storage purposes. As
soon as Mr. Bixby learned of this he got out a writ of replevin
and secured possession of the material, making Mr. Drebert a
co-defendant. \Micn the suit was settled Mr. Bi.xby started a
paper called the "Review," having copied the subscription list.
This paper was afterward removed to Minneapolis and became
the "Temperance Review." February 12, 1886, the "Journal"
was consolidated with the "Herald," which had been established
by the Soper Brothers, and the name of the paper became the
"Journal and Herald."
JOURNAL AND HERALD.
Under this arrangement the firm name became Drebert &
Soper Brolhens— F. T. Drebert, J. A. and W. B. Soper. W. B.
Soper retired from the firm in October, 1886, leaving the man-
agement in the hands of F. T. Drebert and J. A. Soper.
1012 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
The "Owatonna Journal" continued under the ownership of
F. T. Drebert and the Soper Brothers until April 27, 1888, when
the Sopers sold their half-interest to W. A. Dynes. This change
was followed a little over a year later by the retirement of Mr.
Drebert. on June 7, 1889, Mr. Dynes buying his interest and
becoming sole proprietor. Mr. Drebert's retirement was gen-
erally regretted, as he was an able and honest editor and highly
respected. He went from Owatonna to Chatfield, where he
bought the "Chatfield Democrat," which he conducted until his
death. On February 14, 1890, W. A. Dynes sold a half-interest
in the "Journal" to I. W. Burch, an old resident of Owatonna,
who assumed the editorial end. It is interesting to note that
even at this early date the "Journal" advocated a reduction in
the tariff. Messrs. Dynes and Burch retired from the business
February 16, 1891, selling to A. J. Truesdell, the eldest son of
J. E. Truesdell. I\Ir. Truesdell considerably built up the paper,
being not onl)- well equipped for business and editorial manage-
ment, but also a most energetic man. In fact, it is generally
believed that his extreme devotion to the end of making a suc-
cess of his venture wrecked his health. He died April 14, 1894,
mourned by the entire community as he was held in the highest
regard.
On May 1 following, J. Frank Dean, who had been in charge
of the mechanical department of the paper, purchased the "Jour-
nal," and from that time on for nearly ten years the "Journal"
had a varied career. For several years Mr. Dean, who was a
very capable business man and especially a clever solicitor,
vastly built up the business. But the establishment of the "Owa-
tonna Chronicle" in 1897, by E. K. Whiting and H. F. Luers,
opened a new epoch in the county's newspaper history, really
the most interesting period of that history, and the competition
thus created gradually sapped tlie "Journal's" prestige and pros-
perity. The history of the "Chronicle" will be later referred to.
Following the establishment of the "Chronicle" and the defec-
tion of its founders, Messrs. Whiting and Luers, from the "Jour-
nal" staff, John Lawson, former editor of the "Northfield Inde-
pendent," was brought to Owatonna to edit the "Journal." His
was a pungent pen. and frequently vitriolic, and the passages-at-
arms which the advent of such a writer invariably causes be-
tween newspapers made spicy reading for Steele county people,
until the publishers at last learned, as is always the case, that
the people soon tire of such arguments and the game is not worth
the candle. Mr. Lawson remained with the "Journal" until May
14, 1903. meantime assisting in starting the "Owatonna Evening
Journal," the launching of which was one of the incidents of
the period of lively competition between the "Journal" and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1013
"Chronicle." During this time both the "Journal" and the
"Chronicle" also tried the experiment of changing from weeklies
to semi-weeklies. This lasted for almost three years, when, find-
ing the experiment iinprofitahle, both papers dropped the semi-
weekly publication by mutual consent. Mr. Lawson was suc-
ceeded as editor of the "Daily and Weekly Journar' by John M.
Cotton, another importation, who occupied the position for two
years.
Meantime, in September, 1903, Mr. Dean, needing new cap-
ital, interested Dr. E. E. Bigelow in the proposition and sold him
a half-interest in the concern. The ownership was vested in an
incorporated company called the Journal Publishing Company,
of which E. E. Bigelow was president and treasurer and J. Frank
Dean, secretary and manager. But the association of Messrs.
Dean and Bigelow was not a success, and the difficulties between
them finally culminated in Dr. Bigelow's application for a re-
ceiver for the company. The district court examined the case
and granted the application in January, 1905, and placed Harvey
S. Dartt in charge of the concern as receiver. The receivership
ended in September, 1905, when Dr. Bigelow bid in the business
at receiver's sale and became sole owner. Meantime Harry A.
Lawson, son of John Lawson, had been placed in editorial charge
and conducted the daily and weekly "Journal" as editor until
March 6, 1906, when Dr. Bigelow sold the concern to C. K. Ben-
nett, who was acting as purchasing agent for Messrs. Whiting
& Luers, the proprietors of the "Chronicle." The consolidation
of the two papers followed as a matter of course, and will be
treated of in connection with the history of the "Owatonna
Chronicle."
The "Journal," at the time W. A. Dynes bought out F. T.
Drebert, was located in the second story of the Lorence block,
on Cedar street. This offiice it occupied until a year or so after
the establishment of the "Chronicle," in 1897. The office was
then removed to the first floor corner office and the front base-
ment of the Metropolitan opera house. Here a very handsome
business office was fitted up, but in general the location was
never ideal, either from a business standpoint or for printing
purposes. The "Journal" occupied this location until its con-
solidation with the "Chronicle" in 1906.
OWATONNA CHRONICLE.
The advent of the "Owatonna Chronicle" into the newspaper
field, as before stated, marked an epoch in the newspaper his-
tory of the county. The founders, E. K. Whiting and H. F.
Luers, who had previously been connected with the "Journal's"
1014 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUXTIES
business and news departments, were young men with progres-
sive ideas and were well equipped for the task of founding and
conducting a first class modern newspaper.
They obtained a footing in the field by first purchasing the
"Farmers' Gazette," a paper which had been established in 1896.
in preparation for the free silver campaign, first as a semi-weekly,
and a little later changed to a weekly. Up to this time the "Ga-
zette" had been a nondescript aflfair, with limited equipment and
little patronage, and had been leading a precarious existence
despite the efiforts of its publisher, M. D. Toof. The object of
Messrs. Whiting & Luers in purchasing the "Gazette" was to
clear the field and get the advantage of its footing as an estab-
lished paper. The new owners continued the publication of the
"Gazette" only until they could buy and install a complete new
newspaper and job printing plant of capacity equal to the pro-
duction of such a paper as they proposed to publish. So soon
as this was accomplished and the new plant was ready for busi-
ness on the east half of the second floor of the Morehouse Opera
block, the "Owatonna Chronicle" appeared, on September 2, 1897,
and the "Gazette" passed into oblivion, both as to name and
character.
The "Chronicle" met with favor from the start. Its pub-
lishers announced it as a Republican paper, but their policy has
alwaj's been one of independence of the dictation of politicians.
The first big hit made by the "Chronicle" was almost at the very
start, when it secured what still stands as the biggest "scoop"
in the newspaper history of the county — the announcement of
the confession of Leigh Hough, who had murdered Joe Clark a
week or ten daj's before, and was subsequently captured in the
south and brought back to Owatonna. The "Chronicle" alone
learned that Hough was about to confess, and was alone repre-
sented when the confession was made. The force of printers was
hastily and quietly assembled and worked all night, and the first
anyone else, including the publishers of other papers, knew of
the confession was when the improvised newsboys were crying
the "Chronicle" extras on the streets, the first extra edition ever
issued in tlie county.
The ginger shown in this enterprise was characteristic of the
policy which built up the Chronicle in less than a decade into
the newspaper of largest circulation in the county. The "Chron-
icle" "set the pace" (and it was often an expensive one), being
in the forefront in adopting new ideas in the manner of pre-
senting news and improving the attractiveness of the paper. It
was a pace which made the newspapers puljlished a few years
before look like backwoods aflfairs.
The natural result of this stimulating and expensive contest
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1015
for public favor was the elimination of one paper, as in a field
such as presented in Owatonna there is room for no more than
three such expensive newspapers as have been published in Owa-
tonna since the establishment of the "Chronicle." It fell to the
"Journal" to be eliminated, by the process of consolidation al-
ready mentioned in the "Journal's" history.
JOURNAL-CHRONICLE.
The consolidation effected, the name of the "Evening Journal"
was changed to the "Daily Journal-Chronicle," and the combined
weeklies were given the name of the "Owatonna Journal-Chron-
icle." The ownership was vested in a stock company, called the
Journal-Chronicle Company, in which E. K. Whiting and H. F.
Luers were the principal stockholders, C. K. Bennett taking a
small block of stock and acting on the directorate. Later E. A.
Brown, foreman of the mechanical department, was sold a small
block of stock, and Mrs. C. S. Crandall purchased C. K. Bennett's
stock.
Under the consolidation arrangement, the quality of Steele
county newspapers, already recognized all over the state as above
par, made another advance, and the "Daily Journal-Chronicle,"
the weekly "Owatonna Journal-Chronicle" and the "People's
Press" are recognized as brilliant planets in Minnesota's firma-
ment of live country newspapers.
The quarters of neither the "Journal" or the "Chronicle" were
sufficient to accommodate so large and busy a concern as the
consolidation created, and immediate arrangements were made
with the National Farmers' Bank for quarters in its famous new
bank building, then just about to be built. The east end ground
floor and two upstairs offices in the handsome new building were
reserved for the "Journal-Chronicle," and built especially for its
use. The result was the handsomest, most conveniently ar-
ranged and completely equipped newspaper and printing office in
the state, outside the twin cities. Further mention of this fine
printing and publishing office will be given in another portion
of this history.
The president of the Journal-Chronicle Company is H. F.
Luers, who is also editor of the "Daily and Weekly Journal-
Chronicle." He was born and raised and has always lived in
Owatonna, and therefore has that intimate knowledge of the city
and count}-, their history and their people, which is so valuable
and desirable in a man occupying the position of editor in a com-
munity. He first entered newspaper work as a reporter on the
"Journal." in 1896, remaining in that position until he joined
with E. K. \\'hiting in founding the "Chronicle," in 1897.
lOlG HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
E. K. Whiting is secretary and business manager of the
Journal-Chronicle Company, and is a man who has won respect
for character and ability as a business and newspaper man since
his coming to Owatonna, in June, 1894, to accept a position on
the "Journal." He had previously had considerable experience
in the management of a printing office in St. Cloud and in the
printing business in the twin cities, and after coming to Owa-
tonna was entrusted with a large share of the business manage-
ment of the "Journal." Consequently he was well equipped for
the large task of building up a new newspaper from the business
end, and as a testimonial to the success of his efforts stands the
"Journal-Chronicle" of today.
Any history of Steele county newspapers would be incom-
plete without mention of E. A. Brown, foreman of the "Journal-
Chronicle," and a stockholder in the Journal-Chronicle Company,
for Mr. Brown has been in the printing business in Owatonna
continuously for a longer time than any other man not the owner
of a newspaper. He came to Owatonna in 1885, and since that
time has served as foreman, first on the "People's Press," later
on the "Journal," then on the "Chronicle," and finally on the
"Journal-Chronicle." He is an expert in his line, and so regarded
by the other members of the Journal-Chronicle Company, and
the printers' fraternity generall}'.
PEOPLE'S PRESS.
The first issue of this paper made its appearance on Wednes-
day, September 2. 1874, as an eight-column folio. It was estab-
lished by B. E. Darby and N. E. Lemen, under the firm name of
Darby & Lemen.
Although the name of Mr. Lemen appears as one of the pro-
prietors of the "Press," he was not an active partner, and on
September 16, 1874, his name was dropped from the head of the
columns, and that of B. E. Darby appeared as sole editor and
proprietor. Mr. Lemen had been running a paper at Kasson,
Dodge county, and when the "People's Press" was established
he sold Mr. Darby the material with which the "Press" office
was then furnished and agreed to get out the first issue. In
this, however, he failed, as Mr. Darby arrived before that time,
and the first number of the "Press" made its appearance through
his exertions. Mr. Lemen never moved to Owatonna.
Mr. Darby continued the publication of the paper alone until
January 6, 1874, when L. C. Martin became associated with him
as partner, under the firm name of Darby & Martin. Mr. Martin
came here from Prairie du Chien, Wis., and worked as a printer
for Mr. Darby during his first year's residence here. In March,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1017
1876, the day of publication was changed from Wednesday to
Saturday. On March 9, 1878, Mr. Darby bought out his part-
ner's interest, and the firm of Darby & Martin was dissolved,
Mr. Darby again assuming full ownership.
October 4, 1878, the day of publication was again changed,
this time to Friday. On October 26, 1878, the "Press" was en-
larged and the form changed to a six-column quarto. When the
paper was started the office occupied rooms in the Bixby build-
ing, on Bridge street. A year later it was moved to H. R.
Moor's brick block, which was then occupied by Searles' hard-
ware store. In April, 1880, the "Press" office was removed to
Lord's block on the east side of Cedar street.
On June 26, 1885, the "People's Press" absorbed a paper
which had been published for some time previous at Blooming
Prairie, under the name of the "Tribune." Under the arrange-
ment made, the "Press" filled out the "Tribune's" subscription
and advertising contracts, and started a Blooming Prairie de-
partment.
The "People's Press" has always steadfastly held to the
Democratic faith in political matters, yet it is a local paper in
every sense. The paper has never missed an issue since its first
number. All official matters have always been published, whether
the "Press" was the official paper of the county or not; yet it
has been the official paper several years in its history. The
"Press" wields a powerful influence, and is recognized as one
of the ablest and most active exponents of Democratic ideas in
the state.
The "People's Press" was the first newspaper in Steele county
and in this part of the state to cover the county by sending out
each week a representative to the small adjoining towns on the
trains and securing the news of interest of each town without
the help of any local correspondent. This visiting of every little
town in the county put the "People's Press" in close touch with
the news and people of the entire county, and resulted in a very
large and increasing circulation.
March 13, 1903, Benjamin E. Darby associated with himself
his son, George F. Darby, who became the editor of the "People's
Press," and his son, Harry B. Darby, who became the foreman
of the newspaper and job printing office, Benjamin E. Darby
remaining the publisher of the "People's Press" and sole pro-
prietor of the newspaper and job printing business. These sons
had been brought up in the business, and while attending school
as boys learned the trade in the office evenings and Saturdays,
and when they graduated from school were fairly good practical
printers.
George P. Darby was a graduate of Owatonna High School
1018 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
in Latin Scientific Course in 1894, and Harry B. Darby gradu-
ated from Pillsbury Academy in 1898 in the Latin Scientific
Course. George F. Darby is a great reader of newspapers,
magazines and good books, and a good news gatherer and an
interesting writer.
Harry B. Darby has given his entire attention to the mechan-
ical department of the newspaper and to job printing, and is a
capable and successful foreman and a very capable business man.
April 4, 1908, Benjamin E. Darby purchased of W. L. Buck-
sen a No. 5 Mergenthaler linotype typesetting machine, which
Mr. Bucksen had purchased the year previous, and which is a
fine, modern, up-to-date machine.
William H. Darby, third son of Benjamin E. Darby, was
given charge of this business as manager, and the name, Buck-
sen Typesetting Company, was continued.
In 1908, William H. Darby graduated from the Owatonna
High School in the English Scientific Course. He understands
liow to run the Linotype machine and knows how to keep it in
running order. The Bucksen Typesetting Company does all the
typesetting for the "People's Press" newspaper and job office;
also the newspaper composition for several other newspapers,
and such brief and book work as comes in from the printing
trade.
The "People's Press" has been regularly issued as a ten-page
newspaper, pasted together at the back, since January 11, 1901.
Previous to that date it had been an eight-page, six-column
quarto for many years. Each issue of the "People's Press" now
contains editorial correspondence from Ellendale, Hope, Bloom-
ing Prairie, Bixby, Pratt. Meriden, Havana and Anderson, Steele
county ; from Geneva, Freeborn county, and from Claremont,
Dodge county. It contains all the local news of any importance
which takes place in any part of Steele county, and all the most
important news of Ellington, Claremont, Ripley and W'estfield,
Dodge count}'.
OUR PASTIME.
A weekly paper bearing this title was established at Owa-
tonna, in 1875, by the Soper Brothers, J. A. and W. B. Soper. It
was a four-column folio, neatly printed and well edited, the sub-
scription price being 50 cents per year. The paper was con-
tinued, being in the meantime enlarged to double the size under
which it was started, for about one j-ear, when the name was
changed to the "Weekly Review," and under this name it flour-
ished for something like another year. During the time A. H.
Lewis became associated with the Soper Brothers, and the firm
name became Soper Brothers & Lewis. This arrangement only
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1019
continued for about six months, when the "Review" was sold
to Luther Bixby. Lewis' connection with the paper assumed a
variety of characters, in turn being that of a partner, a lessor,
editor on salary, and finally terminated. After this, for a time,
Mr. Bixby employed S. C. Harris as editor and eventually the
paper was moved to Minneapolis and became the "Temperance
Review."
MORNING STAR.
This was the name of a small daily started at Owatonna, in
January, 1876, by Hanson & Howe, two energetic young men.
It was only continued for a very short time.
DAILY HERALD.
This paper was started by the Sopor brothers in 1879, with
S. C. Harris as editor. It was a small paper, a four-column
folio, and was issued daily for about three or four months, when
it was changed to a weekly, and became the "Steele County
Herald." The paper was enlarged to a four-column quarto.
The first issue of this paper bore the date of April 6, 1880.
About a year later it was enlarged to a five-column quarto.
Soper brothers continued the publication of the "Herald" until
February 12, 1886, when it was consolidated with F. T. Drebert's
paper, the "Journal," and the name of the paper became the
"Journal and Herald," with Drebert & Soper brothers as pro-
prietors. A history of this paper has already been given.
OWATONNA TRIBUNE.
The "Owatonna Tribune" was established August 30, 1907,
by the Soper-Merchant Printing Company. On January 1, 1908,
Mr. Merchant withdrew, since which time the business of the
paper has been conducted by the present owners, the Soper
Printing Company. The paper is independent in politics.
ELLENDALE EAGLE.
The "Ellendale Eagle" was founded by J. F. Adams and
George H. Chase, both of White, S. D., and the first issue was
published in six-column quarto size, two pages home print,
March 28, 1901. The second of May following, Mr. Chase dis-
posed of his interest to George W. Delany, also of White S. D.,
by whom the paper was conducted under the firm name of
Adams & Delany. September 19 of the same year, Mr. Adams
disposed of his interest in the business to Mr. Delany, and on
October 4 the latter sold a half interest to R. J. Dabell, at that
time the local townsite agent and cashier of the Security State
1020 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Bank. Up to this time the paper had no plant to speak of, and
the press work was done in Albert Lea and the greater part of
the job work sent to Owatonna. With the advent of the firm of
Delany & Dobell, a complete plant was purchased and the num-
ber of pages of home print increased from two to four. March
1, 1902, the business was purchased by C. C. Campbell, of Brook-
ings, S. D., the present publisher, who changed the paper tcr
the seven-column six-page form in which it is now issued. Dur-
ing the first days of its existence the "Eagle" had many abiding
places, one which it occupied for a couple of years being now in
use as an automobile garage. At present it occupies commo-
dious quarters of its own in a good location on the main business
street of the village. C. C. Campbell, the present proprietor, is
a good, capable business man, being both a good job printer and
a good editor. The newspaper, the "Ellendale Eagle," is a credit
to Ellendale and well deserves the success it is achieving under
its present able management. In politics it is Republican.
BLOOMING PRAIRIE TIMES.
The "Blooming Prairie Times" was issued for the first time
on May 18, 1893. It was owned by a corporation under the
name of the Times Printing Company, the stockholders being
mostly business men of Blooming Prairie. W. M. Dynes was
the first editor. The paper was published from the first as an
eight-page paper, and has retained its original form. February
7, 1895, W. H. Annett, of Spencer, Iowa, became owner and
editor, but remained with the paper only a few months, until
October 22 of the same year, when it was sold to W. L. Buck-
sen, of Owatonna. who also became the editor. On August 2,
1897, two young men of St. Ansgar, la., Albert Jeglum and K.
Steenberg, bought the paper. Thej^ published the paper for six
weeks, when it became the property of J. C. Brainerd, with Will-
iam Merchant as editor, on September 17. On October 11 of
the same year, Theodore P. Fagre purchased the plant and stood
by for almost a year, W. L. Bucksen again becoming owner on
July 27, 1898. Mr. Bucksen this time remained at the helm for
almost six years, until June 1. 1906, when Theodore P. Fagre,
who had settled in the village and been engaged in the general
merchandise business, again turned his attention to journalistic
efforts and became editor, with Samuel A. Rask as part owner
of the paper. Mr. Fagre is the present owner and editor.
It will thus be seen that the "Times" has been a "football of
circumstances," having been kicked about considerably, and has
changed hands seven times during its existence of seventeen
years. Its life has proven the prevalent notion that it is difficult
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1031
for one who has once entered Ihe newspaper field to stay out
of it, as Mr. Bucksen owned tlie paper twice, and Mr. Fagre is
now owning it the second time. The paper was run for many-
years on independent lines as far as party politics were con-
cerned, but when Mr. Bucksen became its owner again in 1898
the paper began to lean toward Republicanism, and at present
it is an outspoken organ of Republican principles and policies.
CHAPTER XXIX.
NATIONAL GUARD.
History of Company I, Second Infantry, Minnesota National
Guard— Its Honors and Efficiency— Muster In— First Offi-
cers—Changes in Officers— Erecting the Armory — Social
and Disciplinary Advantages — Conclusion.
Owatonna's crack military organization. Company I. Second
Regiment of Infantry, Minnesota National Guard, deserves a
place in the history of Steele county for especial reasons, in addi-
tion to the fact of its existence for twelve years during the time
when the National Guard was undergoing marked rejuvei.aL.on
and improvement as a means of national defense. These espe-
cial reasons which have made the company notable are such as
pertain to the record of this command alone and make it unique
among the National Guard companies of the state.
From the time it was mustered into service, this company
has continuously shown remarkable ambition. From the first
it claimed first place for efficiency in the regiment to which it
was assigned, and that ranking it has jealously guarded ever
since.
In 1902, at a time in the history of the guard when competi-
tive markings were given the various companies at the annual
inspection, Company I won the distinction of being declared the
best company in the state, and it was the first company working
under the disadvantages of a lone company in a small city which
had ever achieved this distinction, which usually went to one
of the companies in the large cities possessing superior advan-
tages in the form of a large armory, club rooms, etc. The first
rank rating came as the result of an inspection at Camp Lake-
view, where all companies were upon an equal footing. The
inspection markings took into account not only accuracy of
drill movements, but general efficiency, marksmanship, discipline,
care of public property and knowledge of the various duties of
the soldier.
But Company I did not rest upon these laurels, though it had
no opportunity to win them again as the system of competitive
markings was abolished soon after. Ever since that time the
company has maintained an average of efficiency which has
ranked it year after year as one of the five companies rated first
1022
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1023
class, out of from twenty-nine to forty company organizations
in the Minnesota National Guard.
This sustained record, during a time when the Guard was
undergoing vast improvement, is one, we believe, not equaled
by the record of any other company in the state. All companies
have 3'ears when they are good and years when they slump in
form, but Company I is known by every ofificer in the Guard
as a company that always is and always has been first class.
This record has naturally brought distinction to the city in
which the company has its home, has spoken well for the general
character of the city's young men from whom the company has
been recruited, and has reflected credit upon the citizenship of
Owatonna for the evident support and encouragement given the
company.
Another distinction belonging to the company is that it was
the first company in the history of the Minnesota National Guard
to manifest the enterprise to build its own armory, and until
1910 it was the only company in the state owning its own
armory. The armory property is valued at about $11,000, and
is located on west Vine street. The building is 100 by 64 feet,
and has a 32 by 66-foot lawn space in front, on which it is hoped
some day to erect a suitable addition for offices and club rooms.
The armory was built when the company was but three years old,
through the financial efiforts of the members of the company,
aided by generous contributions from business men and others.
The company was mustered into the service in 1898, after
Owatonna had in vain attempted to gain representation in one
of the regiments sent into the Spanish-American war. A com-
pany of 140 men was raised for the Fifteenth Minnesota Vol-
unteer Infantry, but political reasons led the governor to ignore
it. Finally came the Indian outbreak at Leach lake, in which
Major Wilkinson and several men of the regular army lost their
lives. The settlers in that part of the state became frantic with
alarm, and it was brought home to the governor and the people
of the state that they had no military protection, all the Guard
regiments being in the United States service in the war.
Governor Clough thereupon created the Fourth Infantry Re-
serve Regiment of the Guard, and Owatonna provided Company
G of this regiment, which later, as will appear, became Company
I of the Second Regiment.
The company was mustered in October 22, 1898, with Clayton
H. Stearns, an experienced former guard officer, as captain ; W.
E. McClintock, another former guard officer, as first lieutenant,
and Emil W. Theimer as second lieutenant. Lieutenant Mc-
Clintock resigned within a few weeks, owing to the pressure of
private business, and at about the same time, on November 25,
1024 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Captain Stearns was promoted to be a major of the Fourth Regi-
ment. The resulting promotions made Lieutenant Theimer cap-
tain ; Sergeant Harry C. Howe, first lieutenant, and Sergeant W.
C. V. Nelson, second lieutenant, all being commissioned on De-
cember 20, 1898. Major Stearns a little later became lieutenant
colonel of the regiment.
Under these officers the company made an excellent record
at the first annual encampment of the regiment, but the uncer-
tainties of its position made its maintenance, like the other com-
panies of the regiment, very difficult. The equipment provided
by the state was very meager, and the Fourth Regiment had
failed to receive recognition from the legislature so that it could
become a regular part of the state's military force. These con-
ditions, coupled with Captain Theimer's unavoidable absence
from the city at this critical time, finally brought the company,
in the early part of the year I'JOO, to a condition wiicrein strenu-
ous cfiforts were necessary to save the organization.
The result of these efforts made by the loyal and enthusiastic
members, resulted in Mr. Anton Schaefer's being induced to ac-
cept the captaincy. Captain Theimer having resigned on March
28. While Mr. Schaefer had had no military experience, he was
a natural leader of men. a fine athlete, anrl of exceptionally fine
character as a gentleman and as a good citizen. His acceptance
of the captaincy immediately aroused the interest of the leading
young men of the city, who, to the niunber of nearly thirty, en-
listed in the company.
The failure of the legislature to provide any support for the
Fourth Regiment meantime had left the situation very critical,
but Company G was fortified against official dissolution by rea-
son of its record and condition of efficiency. Consequently, when
the regiment finally fell to pieces in April, 1900, the company
was transferred to fill a vacancy in the Second Regiment, and
became Company I of that regiment. At the very first encamp-
ment with the Second Regiment, the fine spirit and efficiency
of the company attracted so much comment and praise that the
company immediately assumed rank as the crack company of
the regiment. This ranking it has never relinquished.
At this point a digression should be made to mention that
from its incei)tion the company had maintained high ideals of
soldierly conduct and duty, and these, consistently maintained
and added to by experience, created for the company traditions
and an esprit dc corps which formed an unshakable foundation
for I lie }'ears to come.
It was under Captain Schaefer, aided by his capable officers.
Lieutenants Howe and Nelson, who were fine drillmasters, that
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1025
the company won its distinction of first place in the State Guard,
in 1902.
Second Lieutenant Nelson resigned on January 12, 1903, be-
cause of removal from the city, and was succeeded by Sergeant
Herbert W. Vinton.
First Lieutenant Howe resigned October 22, 1903, because
of the pressure of his private business. His loss was a severe
one to the company, as he was most enterprising as well as a
very capable officer. He was succeeded as first lieutenant by
Lieutenant Vinton, and First Sergeant Herbert F. Luers became
second lieutenant.
These resignations were soon followed, on April 12, 1904, by
that of Captain Schaefer, who surrendered the command in the
loyal belief that his continual absence from the city, he being a
traveling salesman, was a handicap to the company. His resig-
nation was a most discouraging blow, and one which many com-
panies could not have survived; but Company I's traditions and
esprit de corps then, as since, proved it to be too well organized
to be easily set back.
The unanimous choice of the company for captain fell upon
Second Lieutenant Herbert F. Luers, who thereby rose to the
grade of captain from that of sergeant within a period of six
months. He was commissioned April 25, 1904, as was also the
new second lieutenant, Minot J. Brown, who was invited from
civil life to take this commission.
Under Captain Luers the company continued to hold its posi-
tion in the advance of the great progress being made by the entire
Guard. The debt which remained on the army was reduced from
$4,000 to $2,700; and in addition the armory roof was replaced,
a new hardwood floor laid, and the interior of the building dec-
orated, all at a cost of over $1,200.
First Lieutenant Vinton resigned August 1, 1906, because of
removal from the city, and Second Lieutenant Brown was pro-
moted to his place. Sergeant Albert E. Butsch was promoted to
be second lieutenant.
Captain Luers remained in command for si.x years, the long-
est service of any of the company's commanders, and on July 11
resigned because of that reason which has lost the Guard so
many officers — the pressure of private business. He proved his
intense interest and loyalty to the company, however, by imme-
diately enlisting as a private in the ranks.
The choice of the company for the captaincy fell upon Sec-
ond Lieutenant Butsch, who was formally elected in September,
1910, Lieutenant Brown having declined to consider taking the
captainc)'. Sergeant Hugo B. Theimer, a brother of former
Captain E. W. Theimer, was elected second lieutenant.
1026 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
The new captain is, next to Captain Lueis, the oldest member
of the company, having enlisted in March, 1900. He is a sub-
stantial business man, the junior member of the firm of C. Butsch
& Son, hardware dealers, and enjoys the entire respect of the
community in general, as well as of the men of the company.
He has been one of the most valuable members of the company,
both as a soldier and in rendering loyal service in many ways
outside the regular duties of a member, and there is no question
but that under his command the company will maintain its high
ideals and position at the front.
What Company I has meant to Owatonna. aside from the
reputation it has given the city, may be estimated from the fact
that over 500 young men have received a measure of its fine
training and discipline, during the twelve years of the company's
existence.
What this means may be further illuminated by the state-
ment of the fact that, not by order but by force of tradition,
liquor is never allowed either in the armory or upon the company
street in camp, and the use of vile language in the company's
quarters is frowned upon by common consent. This is signifi-
cant of the place the organization holds in the afifection and re-
spect of its members, and of what it means to be, or to have been,
a member of Company I of Owatonna.
The company has always been prominent in the social life of
Owatonna, and it is noteworthy that its inspections by superior
officers are always attended and witnessed by large numbers of
the leading citizens and their families, who feel a most cordial
interest in and respect for Company I.
PART IV-BIOGRAPHICAL
BIOGRAPHICAL
John H. Adair, one of the leading- physicians of Owatonna,
was among the first white children born in Steele county, having
first seen the light of day in Havana township, Jidy 26, 1858. His
parents, Robert and I'lora (Hunter) Adair, were sturdy old pio-
neers, of Highland Scotch ancestry. Dr. Adair attended the
schools of his neighborhood, graduated from Pillsbury Academy,
and then completed a course in Carlton College, at Northfield,
Winn. In 1880 he went to Chicago, entered the Rush Medical
College, and graduated from that institution in 1883. He began
to practice at Winnebago City, Minn., in 1883, but one year
later came to Owatonna, where he has since remained. Dr. Adair
has served in several offices of a local nature, was county coroner
for many years, and has assisted in the progress of the city as a
member of a number of important municipal boards. Being thor-
oughly ethical in his practice, Dr. Adair has allied himself with
the county, state and national medical societies, and has kept well
abreast of his time in all departments of medicine and surgery.
He was married September 15, 1887, to Mary Lundy Davidson,
and this union has been blessed with two daughters, Flelen and
Catherine.
Robert Adair and his brother, John Adair, were the first white
settlers of Havana township. They were born in the Highlands
of Scotland, and after coming to America, lived for a time in
Canada. They came from Racine county, Wisconsin, where they
had lived five years, to Steele county, in 1855, by wagon, arriving
July 15, 1855. They became prominent citizens, occupied a num-
ber of important local offices, and were universally esteemed.
Robert died June 7, 1877, and John ])asscd away August 4, 1897.
John W. Adsit, the genial and accommodating hotel propri-
etor of Owatonna, is a native of Steele county, born in Aurora
township, December 12, 1869. He was reared on the farm, at-
tended the public schools in his neighborhood, and then took a
course at Pillsbury Academy. After leaving school, he spent
three years buying and selling live stock, and then until 1895
was in the boot and slioe business with his brothers, Charles
and W. B. Adsit, under the firm name of Adsit Brothers. In
the meantime, in 1900, tlie subject of this sketch became inter-
1029
1030 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ested in the hotel business. In 1905 he accordingl}- disposed of
his mercantile interests, and since that date, in partnership with
Dr. G. G. Alorehouse, under the firm name of Morehouse &
Adsit, has devoted himself to the management of the Owatonna
Hotel, conducting it on the American plan with great success.
Mr. Adsit is a public-spirited man and takes an active interest
in affairs looking to the welfare of the community. He has
served several years on the Public Library Board, and was one
of the committee of the Hospital Board to select and purchase
the site for its location. He is a member of the Commercial Club
of Owatonna, and is identified with the Knights of Pythias, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and Yeomen. He is independent
in his political opinions and actions, and carefully weighs the
issues of each campaign, choosing to consider the merits of each
platform and the character of each candidate, rather than to
blindly follow the dictates of party leaders. The family attends
the Congregational Church. On September 29, 1896, Mr. Adsit
married Miss Effie L., daughter of Dr. E. and Mrs. Lorinda
(McRostie) Morehouse. Mr. and Mrs. Adsit have two children:
Eugenia L. and Irene J.
Dr. William W. Arms, a skilled optician of Owatonna, is a
native-born son of the city where he now makes his head-
quarters, having first seen the light of day February 22, 1870.
He received his early education in the public schools of Owa-
tonna. This was supplemented by a course at Pillsbury Aca-
demy. After leaving the academy, he attended the Brad-
ley Polytechnic Institute, of Peoria, Illinois. He is also a
graduate of the American Neurophthalmology, Los Angeles,
California. After graduating from this institution, he located
at Owatonna, where he has since remained, doing a large and
flourishing business. Aside from his regular office trade he
has a circuit of towns which he visits every month, doing
optometry work. He is the only person in Steele county
practicing exclusively in this line of work. Dr. Arms was mar-
ried June 29, 1904, at Owatonna, to Miss Nellie R., daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Ring, of Medford, Steele county, Minn. The
mother died December 13, 1904. Two children have blessed the
tmion of Dr. and Mrs. Arms, viz.: George E., born December 3,
1906; Edward R., born December 19. 1908. The pleasant family
home is located at the corner of Flowervale street and Riverside
avenue. Dr. Arms affiliates with the Republican party. In relig-
ious faith, he is a Baptist. He takes an active interest in church
work and has long been a member of that denomination. He is
also a member of the I. O. O. F.. a member of Minnesota State
Optometry Association, and a member of the American Optical
Association.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1031
George W. and Abigail (Hughes) Arms, parents of Dr. Will-
iam W. Arms, were natives, respectively, of Wisconsin and Can-
ada, coming to Owatonna in 1861. The father is a retired car-
penter and contractor.
James Adair, manager of the Owatonna Creamery Supply
Company, is one of the rising young men of the city, and in the
eight years that he has been here has already established himself
as a reliable and efficient business man. He was born in Wav-
erly, Iowa, September 13, 1870, and received his education in the
public schools, supplemented with a high-school course, from
which latter he graduated in 1890. After teaching a few years
in his native state, he began work in a creamery supply house,
where he remained five years. In January, 1896, he moved to
Albert Lea, Minn., and there remained five years longer, acquir-
ing a proficiency in his business which might well be envied by
many an older man. In September, 1901, after carefully looking
over the field, he decided that Owatonna, as the center of a rich
dairying district, was a suitable field for a creamery, whereupon
he came here and established the Owatonna Creamery Supply
Company, of which he has since been the manager. He has asso-
ciated himself with the life of the community, has a pleasant
home at 246 East Rice street, and has affiliated with the Odd Fel-
lows and the United Commercial Travelers. He is a self-made
man, and owes all that he is and has to his own faithful efforts.
Mr. Adair was married October 23, 1898, at Waverly, Iowa, to
Ella Bachcr, and to their happy union have been born three
children: Helen M., Marion L. and Robert S., all at home. The
family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. James
and Elizabeth (Stuart) Adair, parents of James Adair, came to
Iowa from New York state in 1857, and engaged in farming.
In 1881, the former was elected shcrifl' of Bremer county. He
died in Waverly, Iowa, October 29, 1886, his wife having died
May 30. 1872.
Reynold H. Bach, one of the honored e.x-mayors of Owatonna,
has taken an active interest in the business and civic progress of
the city. Born in Marion, Olmstead county, April 12, 1868, he
there received his education. He dates his residence in Owa-
tonna from 1891, when he came here and opened a small retail
music store, which grew and prospered. In 1907, Mr. Bach made
his first venture in the jewelry business, which he has since con-
ducted, still continuing, however, to handle music supplies of all
kinds. He now has a well equipped, well appointed store, and
carries a large stock of first-class goods. A branch store of this
concern, known as the Bach Music Company, located in Roches-
ter, Minn., is in charge of A. M. Bach, a brother of the subject
of this sketch. Ex-Mayor Bach has met with marked success in
1032 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
all his undertakings and is possessed of those qualities which
count for popularity and respect in the communit}'. He served
the city of Owatonna two years as alderman of the First ward,
and in this capacity did such good service that he was the unani-
mous choice of his party for mayor, and was elected by a goodly
majority. Mr. Bach and family are active members of the Con-
gregational church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican
party. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M., the K. of P., the M. W.
A., and the U. C. T. He is also a member of the Owatonna Com-
mercial Club, and of the National, Alinnesota and Owatonna
Automobile Clubs. Mr. Bach was married November 15, 1894,
to Jessie Newsalt, daughter of Judge Jacob Newsalt. now de-
ceased. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Bach has been blessed with
three children : Lorraine, born December 26, 1904, and Con-
stance L., born October 22, 1906, and one that died in infancy.
The family residence is pleasantly located at 503 South Elm
street. The parents of Reynold H. Bach, Reinhold and Barbara
(Bauer) Bach, were born in Germany, and came to America in
early childhood. The father spent his early life in Wisconsin,
but in 1867 moved to Olmstead county, Minnesota, and took up
agricultural pursuits on the tract of land which he still owns and
conducts. Mr. Bach is a lineal descednant of John Sebastian
Bach, the famous musician.
Armin J. Bosshard, auditor of Steele county, is a lifelong resi-
dent of this vicinit}-, having been born in Meriden township,
November 25, 1878, son of Gottfried and Caroline (Theile)
Bosshard, natives, respectively, of Switzerland and Germany,
the former coming to America in 1851 and the latter in 1849.
Armin J. received his early education in the district schools of
his neighborhood, and in 1892 entered Pillsbury Academy at
Owatonna, graduating in 1896. He then started his career
as an accountant, working two years in the First State Bank
of Owatonna, two years in the First National Bank and one
year in the Farmers' National Bank. In 1903, for a short
period of about two years, re resumed agricultural pursuits on
the old homestead. In 1905 he was appointed deputy county
auditor and was serving in this position in the fall of 1906, when
he was elected to his present position, being re-elected in the
fall of 1908. Mr. Bosshard is prominent in fraternal circles, and
is a high degree Mason, a Knight of Pythias, an Elk and a Mod-
ern Woodman. Public-spirited and progressive, he has taken an
active interest in the welfare of Steele county, and has been
closely identified with the dairy interests, being a stockholder in
the Golden Rule Co-operative Creamery Association of Meriden
township. He is also secretary of the North Star Poultry Asso-
ciation. September 18, 1907, Mr. Bosshard was married to Anna,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1033
daughter of John Meschkc, and the youui; couple are pleasantly
domiciled at 415 South Oak street.
Gottfried Bosshard was born in Germany and came to Amer-
ica with his parents in 1851, locating in Wisconsin. Ten years
later he enlisted in Company D, Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry and served three and one-half years with valor. In
1867 he came to Steele county, purchased 160 acres in Meriden
township and started successful farming operations, gradually
adding to his place until he owned 255 acres. In 1893 he retired
from active life and moved to Owatonna, where he now resides,
enjoying an honored old age.
John S. Brick, a prosperous merchant, of the firm of Brick
& Misgen, Owatonna, is a native born son of Steele county,
having first seen the light of day in Berlin township, December
29, 1872, son of Thomas and Mary (Shea) Brick. He received
his early education in the district schools of his neighborhood
and Pillsbury Academy and later took charge of the old home-
stead until 1901, being most successful in his operations. In
1901, he determined to start in commercial life, and accordingly
purchased a furniture establishment in partnership with M. R.
Hastings. This business relation continued pleasantly for four
years, after which Mr. Hastings sold his interest to F. J. Bush.
October 15. 1909, Mr. Bush sold his interest to Charles M.
Misgen. The company now carries on an extensive furniture
business, and also conducts a well appointed funeral directing
and embalming department. Mr. Brick is a Democrat in poli-
tics, and attends the Roman Catholic Church. He is also promi-
nent in fraternal circles, being a member of the C. O. F., the
A. O. H., the K. of C. and the Y. of A. Mr. Brick is an enter-
prising and public-spirited man who has risen in life by his
own efforts, and being 3'et in the [irime of his activities, he has
yet a splendid future.
Thomas Brick, an early settler of Steele county, was born
in Ireland, and from there migrated to the United States and
engaged in railroad work. In 1856 he came to Steele county
and took u]) his abode on a claim of 160 acres in Berlin town-
ship, which he pre-empted. Later he purchased another quarter
section, and on this farm of 320 acres carried on general agri-
cultural operations, bringing the place to a high stage of devel-
opment, improvement and cultivation. He was actively engaged
in farming up to within a few days of the time of his death. In
the family were eight children: John S., an Owatonna merchant;
Mary, who died in youth; Ellen, who is in a convent; Catherine,
who lives in Owatonna ; Margaret, Susan and Elizabeth, who
are dead; William, who lives on the old homestead, and Thomas,
who is a traveling salesman out of Owatonna.
1034 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Lawrence C. Brown is a well known mechanic of Owatonna,
Minnesota, who has made his own way in the world. He is a
native of Washington county, Wisconsin, where he was born
December 6, 1867. His father and mother, Peter and Margaret
(Donsback) Brown were natives of Germany, wiio came from
the Fatherland in 1846 and settled in ^Vashington county, Wis-
consin, where the father took up a tract of land, which he
subdued and improved and where he made a home and reared
his family and carried on general farming until 1907, when he
retired and moved to Fond du Lac county. The mother passed
away October 21, 1903. Our subject grew up on the home farm
in Wisconsin, having the usual experiences of the Western
farmer boy, and after leaving the district school worked on the
farm until he was eighteen years old. He then learned the
blacksmith's trade in his native county and worked at it there
some four years. On May 4, 1889, he took up his residence at
Owatonna, Minnesota, where he followed his trade working for
different parties seven years. On October 1, 18S)6, Mr. Brown
opened a shop and began business on his own account, and has
carried it on with marked success, having become widely known
as an expert horseshoer. He conducted the business in his
own name until April, 1904, when his brother, H. J. Brown,
came in and since then this up-to-date horseshoeing shop has
been conducted under the firm name of Brown Brothers. Since
March 14, 1910, Mr. Brown has operated the shop alone, his
brother moving to Denhoff, North Dakota, where he engaged in
the same business. ,
Mr. Brown is a Democrat in politics and has represented the
second ward of Owatonna in the city council. In 1910 he was
elected a member of the council at large for a term of four
years. He is active in fraternal societies, and is identified
with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Maccabees, the
Eagles and Knights of Pythias. October 13, 1892, Mr. Brown
married Miss Augusta Bartsch whose parents were natives of
Germany. The father, John Bartsch, was in the hotel business
at Mayville, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and thence moved to
Minnesota where both he and the mother died.
Lewis C. Berg, of Owatonna, a veteran of the Civil War,
was born in Norway, August 23, 1838, and there received his
earlier education, coming to America with his mother in 1845.
After attending the public schools of W'isconsin for a time, he
learned the moulders' trade at Beaver Dam. in the same state,
and was engaged in this business at the outbreak of the Civil
War. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-eight Wiscon-
sin Volunteer Infantry, as a musician and served three years,
being discharged at Brownsville, Texas, and mustered out at
L. ( . lilKlW \
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1035
Madison, Wis. For a short time Mr. Berg lived at Hartland,
Wis., and in October, 1865, came to Owatonna, where he became
a moulder for Lowth & Howe, Mr. Lowth having been his former
employer in Wisconsin. He remained with this firm through
various changes in ownership, and in 1888, when it was incor-
porated under the present title of the Owatonna Manufacturing
Company, he became ornamenter and painter, which position
he still holds. In politics Air. Berg is a Republican. For
eighteen years he served as a member of the Owatonna fire de-
partment. He is also an enthusiastic worker in the James A.
Goodwin Post, G. A. R., being now a past commander. A public-
spirited man in every respect, he has taken a deep interest in
the welfare of the community in which for so long he has made
his home. Mr. Berg was married October 29, 1865, at Beaver
Dam. Wis., to Ellen Lowth, daughter of Edward and Mary
(DufTy) Lowth, who took up a government claim in Wisconsin
in the early daj's and carried on general farming until their
decease. Mrs. Berg was born in Pittsford, Vermont, July 9,
1842. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Berg is blessed with two
children : Frank L., who is now a druggist in Minneapolis, and
Alice M., who is now Mrs. Egbert Brown, of Owatonna. The
family faith is that of the Episcopal Church. The residence is
pleasantly located at 240 East Broadway. Charles and Karen
S. Stave Berg, parents of Lewis C. Berg, were natives of Nor-
way. The father died in 1840 and the mother came to America
five years later with her five children, locating in Waukesha
county, Wisconsin. She died in 1896 at the ripe old age of
ninety-four.
Byron P. Chapin, a merchant of Owatonna, was born in
Courtland county. New York State, March 20, 1851, son of
Rufus H. and .Abigail S. (Putnam) Chapin, of New York State.
The parents came west in 1870, locating at Owatonna, where
the father engaged in the machinery and livery business. He
continued this business until 1895, wlicn he retired from active
life. The father died February 4, 1908, the mother passed away
February 4. 1898. Byron received his early education in New
York State. After leaving school, he engaged in the livery
business, which he continued until 1870, when he came west with
his parents. He purchased 208 acres of land in Havana town-
ship, Steele county, and engaged in farming which he continued
until 1888. He then rented the farm and came into the City of
Owatonna, where he engaged with his father in the livery busi-
ness until 1892. At this time, he bought twenty-five acres of
land in the city limits and again took up agricultural pursuits,
which he followed until April, 1909, when he rented the land
and bought the second-hand store of J. W. Gillett, which busi-
1036 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ness he has continued successfully since. Mr. Chapin was mar-
ried November 7, 1877, in Havana township to Lena Kate Lan-
don. She passed awaj' February 5, 1898, leaving three children
in the care of her husband, viz : George R.. a farmer of Montana ;
Clara, now Mrs. Charles Stewart, of Montana ; Frank L., also
living in Montana. Mr. Chapin was married a second time May
9, 1901, to Miss Myra Greenwood. This union was blessed
with one child, Elizabeth A. Mr. Chapin believes in the Pro-
hibitionist part}-. He is a frugal, enterprising and progressive
business man, who has gained what he posseses by his own
efforts, a good citizen, well appreciated by all who know him.
His home is located at 127 East Vine street.
Guy J. Clefton, an enterprising and popular business man of
Owatonna, was born in Mukwonago, Wis.. May 9, 1874, son of
William VV. and Sarah A. (Smith) Clefton, natives of Wisconsin
and descendants from old New England stock. The father still
makes his home in Wisconsin. The mother died August 11, 1886.
Mr. Clefton received his early education in the public schools
of Wisconsin, after which he took up and learned the plumbing
and heating business. He came to Faribault in 1890 and in the
fall of the same year he moved to Owatonna. In 1895 he became
identified with the Western Supply Company, of St. Paul, acting
as traveling salesman, selling heating and plumbing supplies.
He remained with this firm until 1905 whence he purchased an
interest in the Clefton Plumbing & Heating Compan3% of Owa-
tonna, with C. J. Clefton. February 1, 1910, they changed from
a copartnership to a corporation and are now known as the
Clefton Company ; Guy J. Clefton acting as general manager and
treastu'er. They sell both wholesale and retail all kinds of
plumbing, heating, gas and electric supplies, and are doing an
extensive and constantly growing business in that line.
The subject of this sketch was married January 5, 1898, at
Owatonna to Ora Z. Barncard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Z.
Barncard, who now reside at St. Paul. Mr. Clefton is a staunch
Republican. He with his family belong to the Universalist church.
He is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to the Masons, B.
P. O. E., K. of P., and the Commercial Club. Mr. Clefton takes
an active interest in public life, and is now serving as alderman
of the first ward. Fle has a pleasant residence at 213 East
School street.
William P. Canfield, jiroprietor of the Canfield School of
Business, Owatonna, was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sep-
tember 16, 1864. He is a son of J- Marshal and Mary (Mills)
Canfield, natives of New York and T\entucky respectively, who
came to Iowa in the early sixties, locating at Cedar Rapids. The
father was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods until
CrV ,1. ( I.KI'TDN
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1037
after the Civil War when he established a dyeing and cleaning
business. He died December 3, 1906. The mother survived
him and passed away September 5, 1909. William P. received
his early education in the public schools of Cedar Rapids, which
was supplemented by a course at the Epworth Seminary, Coe
College and a course at the Cedar Rapids Business College,
graduating from the latter institution in January, 1885. His
talents were recognized and he was engaged as a teacher in the
commercial department of the above named institution, which
position he filled for two years. He then went to Richmond,
Virginia, where he was engaged as teacher in the Smithdcal
Business College for a short period. He then established a
business as an expert accountant, remaining in Richmond until
1891. Owing to illness he returned to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where
he went to work for the Goodyear Publishing Company, remain-
ing in their employ for six months, after which he went to
Stillwater, Minn., and conducted the Stillwater Business College.
He remained here until the fall of 1897, whence he moved to
Owatonna and established the Canfield School of Business, which
he has conducted with success ever since. Mr. Canfield was mar-
ried September 7, 1888, at Bromley, Marshall county, Iowa, to
Mary Moore. Five children have blessed their union, viz : Ross
M.; Paul M.; Faith P.; Dwight R. ; Wyne W., all living with
their parents. Mr. Canfield affiliates with the Prohibition party.
He worships at the Methodist-Episcopal church. He is also a
member of the I. O. O. F. The family reside at 512 East Main
street. Mr. Canfield is a loyal citizen, a progressive educator,
and has built up his institution by hard work and persevering
effort.
William B. Clarkson, a hustling and progressive citizen of
Owatonna, Minnesota, was born July 16, 1862, in Bond county,
Illinois. Shortly after his birth, his parents removed to Alton,
Illinois, where he was educated in the public schools. Leaving
school at the age of seventeen, he enlisted as an apprentice boy
for the term of his minority in the United States navy, receiving
an honorable discharge and continuous service certificate on his
twenty-first birthday. He at once adopted the business of selling
farm machinery and associated himself with his brother. James
D., at Carthage, Missouri, severing his connections five years
later to accept employment as a traveling salesman in the same
line of business, and in this form of occupation he has been
continuously employed to the present time. He is at present
associated wiiii the Gale-Monroe Comi)any, of Minneapt)Iis.
Minn., in charge of their southeast Minnesota territory, and
has made his home at Owatonna since September 1, 1906, residing
at 357 East Broadway. The Masonic order claims him as a
1038 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
valued member, and lie is also identified with the order of
United Commercial Travelers of America where his activities
along fraternal lines have been mostly directed. At the time of
this writing he is serving as Grand Junior Counselor in the Grand
Council of Minnesota, the Dakotas, Manitoba. Saskatchewan
and Alberta, United Commercial Travelers of America, one of
the highest offices in the gift of this organization, and a sincere
testimonial to the rank he holds in his profession. September
29, 1886, at Nebraska City, Nebraska, he was married to Edith
Eugenia Madison, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Madison,
late of Nebraska City, since deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson
have four children: Bessie Belle, a graduate of the Owatonna
High school and the kindergarten department of the State Nor-
mal at Winona, Minn.; she is engaged in teaching; Carol Lowell,
who is an assistant librarian of the Owatonna public library;
Eugene Douglas, a student in the local High school; and Mil-
dred Edith, also a student in the local High school. The family
are loyal supporters of the Congregational church. James and
Elizabeth (Douglas) Clarkson, parents of William B., were
natives of England, the father being born in Yorkshire, and the
mother in Newcastle. Emigrating to America in 1850, thev first
settled in McDonald county, Illinois, and in 1861 moved to Bond
county, Illinois, near Greenville, the county seat, all of this time
being engaged in farming until the fall of 1862 when they moved
to Alton, Illinois, and entered the hotel business, in which they
continued until after the close of the War of the Rebellion, later
engaging in retail merchandising. Mr. James Clarkson (the
father) passed over in 1874. Mrs. Elizabeth (Douglas) Clarkson
(the mother) still survives, living at her home in Alton, Illinois.
Levi A. Disbrow is a real estate dealer at Owatonna, Minn.
He was born at Alden in McHenry county, Illinois, June 15,
1848, to Nathan and Nancy (Battey) Disbrow, who were natives
of the Empire state. Flis father, born in 1816, and a farmer by
occupation, moved to Illinois in 1834. Lie was the first white
man to make the trip from Chicago to the head of Lake Geneva
with team, driving over the Indian trail and fording Fox river
with the aid of Indians. He established a camp in the woods
on the banks of Lake Geneva, building a log cabin, and there
spent the winter of 1834-35. In the spring of 1835 he pre-empted
a section of land near Alden in McHenry county, Illinois, and
there established his home, experiencing all the hardships and
privations and trials incident to pioneer life in a wild, unsettled
country. But he persevered through all, and improved and culti-
vated his land and here carried on general farming for fifty years
and yet lives to enjoy the fruits of his labors. He sold his pos-
sessions in 1895 and retired from work and now makes his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1039
home with his son. lie was an influential and leading man in
his community and active in all matters looking to the develop-
ment of the country, and took active part in the local affairs of
the Republican party in its early history. His wife passed away
in 1887. Levi A. grew to manhood on his father's farm and
acquired a good common school education, and continued farm-
ing till he was twenty-six years old. In the summer of 1887
he built a creamery at Havana, Minn., which he conducted
eight years, till his removal to Owatonna. Here he engaged in
the manufacture of the combined churn and buttermakers some
three years. For nine years following 1897, Mr. Disbrow gave
his attention to the real estate trade. In 1906 he returned to
the manufacturing business in connection with the Perfection
Churn Manufacturing Company, but a little later sold his inter-
ests here and resumed buying, selling and dealing in real estate.
Mr. Disbrow takes an active interest in fraternal societies, being
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a Republican in his
political opinions and action and in religious belief holds to the
faith of the Methodist-Episcopal Church. On March 14, 1888,
Mr. Disbrow married Mrs. Lothera Jones, widow of Mr. William
Jones, deceased, and a daughter of Mr. Robert Hatley, of Havana,
Illinois. Of two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Disbrow, the
eldest, Roy R.. is deceased and Archie S. lives with his parents.
Judge Francis A. Dunham of the Owatonna Municipal court,
has taken an active interest in the growth and progress of Owa-
tonna and Steele county. His articles written to give an im-
petus to local industry have been of good effect, and his work
in behalf of the various municipal interests of the city have
been productive of satisfactory results. The part he has taken
in public life is shown by the fact that he is at the present time
serving as secretary of the Owatonna Commercial Club, secre-
tary of the Steele County Street Fair Association, secretary of
the Owatonna City Hospital Board (resigned, 1910, on account
of press of other business,) and secretary of the Owatonna Busi-
ness Men's Club. Francis A. Dunham was born in Faribault,
Minn., March 1, ]875. son of Cornelius F. and Catherine Dun-
ham, of English and Irish descent respectively. He spent his
early boyhood in Owatonna, graduated from the Owatonna High
school in 1897 and from 1898 to 1901 read law with the Hon.
Thomas H. Quinn, at Faribault, being admitted to the bar in
1901. In 1903 he purchased the law library from the late
C. J. O'Brien, and became a member of the Disbrow, Kinney
Land Company January 1, 1904. January 1, 1908, he purchased
the insurance business of that company, and has been in busi-
ness for himself since that time, enjoying a large patronage.
1040 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
In 1908 he was elected judge of tlie municipal court of Owatonna,
and his excellent work in behalf of the peace and order of the
city won his election to succeed himself in 1910 without oppo-
sition.
Harvey S. Dartt is a wide-awake and influential citizen of
Owatonna, Minnesota. A native of Green Lake county, Wis-
consin, he was born June 16, 1866, to E. H. S. and Lucretia
(Brooks) Dartt, who were natives of Vermont and Erie county,
Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was a school teacher
in early life and became a noted horticulturist. He went to
Wisconsin in 1844, and lived there till 1869 when he settled
with his family at Owatonna, where he entered the nursery
business and later engaged in the real estate business and be-
came the proprietor of Dartt's first and second addition to the
city of Owatonna. Meantime he was interested in horticulture
and conducted an experimental station for the state until his
decease, which occurred June 30, 1903. The mother passed
away January- 21, 1876. Harvey S. attended the public schools
at Owatonna and graduated from the high school there with the
class of 1886 and then turned his attention to civil engineering
which he has since followed with marked success at Owatonna,
where he has continuously lived, with the exception of nine
years, during which he traveled for the Northwest Publishing
Companj', of Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Dartt made the surveys
for the Crane Creek ditch in Steele and Waseca counties and
also for Judicial District No. 1 of Dodge county. Mr. Dartt
is decidedly a man of affairs and has filled numerous public
offices at Owatonna. He has served as mayor of the city, as
alderman two terms, two terms as county surveyor and three
years as city surveyor, and has been a member of the Owatonna
Hospital Board. He stands high in fraternal orders, being identi-
fied with the local Masonic lodge. Knights of Pythias, Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America.
In politics he adheres to Republican principles. On August 26,
1896, Mr. Dartt married Ella M. Haworth, whose parents, How-
ard and Margaret (Shelton) Haworth, removed from Indiana,
their native state, to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where they now reside.
Mr. and Mrs. Dartt have four children, viz : Mabel L., Donna
Emir, Walter Scott and Harvey S., Jr., all of whom live at home
with their parents.
Christ P. Fynskov, a prominent merchant of Owatonna, was
born at Madison, Wisconsin, July 24, 1875. son of Peter J. and
Mary W. Fynskov, natives of Denmark. They emigrated to
America in 1875, locating at Madison, Wisconsin, where they
remained for a short time. In 1877 they came to Steele county,
driving the whole distance by team, they located in Marton
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1041
township, Steele county, where three years later the father pur-
chased forty acres of land and engaged in general farming
for five years. He then sold this first farm and bought eighty
acres in Havana township ; some years later making an addi-
tional purchase of eighty acres in Merton township where he
was engaged in farming until 1902. He then sold the farm and
went to Douglass county where he bought land ; he also bought
land in Todd county adjoining the land in Douglass county, mak-
ing a farm of 270 acres, which he still tills. They were the par-
ents of nine children, viz: James, contractor and builder of De-
troit, Michigan; Christ P., the subject of this sketch; Andrew,
a retired sheep-ranch man, now of Detroit, Michigan; Mary, now
Mrs. Albert Borderson, of Sebeka, Minnesota; Hans, a ranch-
man in Dakota ; Anna, now Mrs. Segward Peterson, of St. Paul ;
Henry. Martin and Ernest, who are all residing with their
parents.
The subject of this sketch received his early education in
the district schools of Steele county. Then came to Owatonna
where he learned the baker's trade; later he became engaged with
the Robson Company, of Owatonna, who were conducting a
dry goods store. He remained with this firm for sixteen years,
ten years of which time he was department manager and buyer.
On November 22, 1906, he formed a copartnership with a Mr.
F. W. Simon. They opened a general store on South Cedar street
where the)- built up a large business. The firm was known as
Fynskov & Simon for three years; then Mr. George Webber
purchased Mr. Simon's interest and the business has since been
conducted under the firm name of Fynskov & Webber. They
are both verj' enterprising and popular young men, doing a thriv-
ing and increasing business. Mr. Fynskov was married June
22, 1898, at Owatonna, to Helen, daughter of H. C. and Lena
(Peterson) Larson, natives of Denmark, who emigrated to
America in 1874, were married here and located in Lemond
township, Steele county, where they have been engaged in farm-
ing ever since. They had seven children, namelj-, Theodore,
who lives at Owatonna; Helen, wife of our subject, was born
January 9, 1878; Walter, lives in Denver, Colorado; Mary, lives
at Owatonna; Alfred, who lives at Mankato; Louis and Edith,
who are residing at home. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fynskov
was blessed with two children, Stanley E., born March 25, 1900,
and Lowell, born March 18, 1904. Mr. Fynskov is a Republican
in politics and belongs to the Lutheran church. He also belongs
to a number of fraternal organizations, viz : K. of P., A. O. U. W.,
B. A. Y. The family is domiciled in a pleasant residence at 309
South Cedar street.
1043 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Henry F. Fritsch was born in Europe, May 17, 1887, son of
Frederick and Anna (Simper) FVitsch, natives, of Austria. They
came to America in 1893 and located at Garner, Iowa, where they
still reside. Henry F. received his education in Austria and
came to America with his parents in 1893 ; he attended school
at Garner for about three years and then entered the studio
with his father and after lie had learned the business formed
a partnership with his father, and conducted a branch at Thomp-
son, Iowa, for one year, when he sold out and bought a studio
at Mason City, Iowa, in 1905, which he conducted for four
years when he again sold out and came to Owatonna and pur-
chased the old Mueller studio at 132 West Vine street. He is
now the sole owner and proprietor and has met with marked
success. He was married May 20, 1908, to Miss Adolphina
Smith, of Garner, Iowa. In politics Mr. Fritsch is an independ-
ent voter, and in his religious belief he is Catholic. He is a
member of the I. O. O. F. and of the K. of C. He makes his
home at his studio on Vine street ; he has won his success by
his efforts and enjoys the respect of all who knuw liim.
Charles Green, of Owatonna, was born in Pittsford, Ruth-
land county, Vermont, May 28, 1853, son of Harvej' and Sophia
(Segar) Green, natives of Vermont. He came west with his
parents in 1866. locating in Somerset township, Steele county,
where the father purchased eighty acres of school land. Fie im-
proved the land, built a home and followed general and diversi-
fied farming up to the time of his decease, March 2, 1874. The
mother died March 13, 1900. Charles received his early edu-
cation in the district schools of Somerset township. After leav-
ing school, he worked at Faribault and Owatonna. In 1889 he
was elected city marshal, which position he filled for seven con-
secutive years. He then purchased a farm in Medford township
and engaged in agricultural pursviits for a period of five years.
At this time he sold the farm, came to the city of Owatonna and
bought an interest, with Mr. Jefferson, in the livery and city
bus line business. This business relation continued until 1901,
when they took in a third partner, Mr. Twiford. They have
built up a large trade making a specialty of the liver\' business.
Their efficient service is recognized and they are popular among
the traveling public. Mr. Green was married October 11, 1884,
to Mary Layman, who died July 24, 1894, leaving four children
in the care of her husband, viz: Ellen S., born October 15, 1885,
married H. H. Peavey of Redwood Falls, Minnesota ; George H.,
born March 24, 1888,' died May 13, 1900; Nora M., born July 29,
1890, lives at home ; Robert R., born February 18, 1894, also lives
with his father. Mr. Green married a second time at Owatonna
September 1, 1895, to Carrie S. Pratt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1043
Pratt. Their union is blessed with two children, viz: Alice J.,
born March 26, 1897; Mary J., born February 25, 1899. Mr.
Green is a Democrat. In religious faith he adheres to the Uni-
versalist church. He is also prominent in fraternal circles, being
a member of the I. O. O. F.. the B. P. O. E., the M. W. A., the
W. 0-. \V.. the A. O. U. W. and the F. O. E. He is a loyal
and highly respected citizen and has twice served his city as
mayor. The family lives in a pleasant residence located at 506
South Cedar street.
C. Hudson Gordon, the leading photographer of Ovvatonna,
has received high encomiums for his excellent and artistic work,
taking, as he does, an aesthetic as well as commercial interest in
his chosen line. He was born in Summit township, Steele
county, June 4, 1875, son of Charles S. and Viola A. (Sheldon)
Gordon. He received his education in the public schools, and
after leaving school engaged in the grocery business with his
father. In 1899, after the grocery business was disposed of,
he learned the art of photography and opened a studio, which
he has since conducted, putting out work of the highest degree
of excellence. Mr. Gordon was married January 30, 1901, to
Alice Moran, daughter of Cornelius Moran, and to this union
has been born one son, Charles Irving, November 7, 1909. Mr.
Gordon is a Republican in politics and affiliates with the Masonic
fraternity.
J. D. Gordon, and his worthy wife, were among the earlier
settlers in Berlin township, Steele county, taking up their abode
in that locality in 1857. Mr. Gordon was born in Lowville,
Lewis county. New York, in 1823, and .spent his early life in the
East. After farming in Berlin township from 1858 to 1881, he
and his wife moved to Owatonna and retired. Their golden
wedding anniversary, celebrated January 26, 1907, was the occa-
sion of universal rejoicing among their friends and relatives.
But scarcely had the rejoicings died awaj', when on February
14, 1907, Mr. Gordon fell from a porch, and died March 9, at the
age of eighty-four years. His wife is still living. Of their
three children, C. S. died April 28, 1908; Anna L. is Mrs. A. J.
Chamberlain and Henry died in 1901.
Charles S. Gordon, business man and farmer, now deceased,
was born in Lowville, Lewis county, New York, son of J. D.
Gordon. He came to Steele county with his parents in 1857,
completed his education in the schools of Berlin town.ship, and
farmed for a number of years. In 1885 he moved to Owatonna.
and engaged in the grocery business with his .son, C. H., under
the firm name of Gordon & Son. In 1899, the firm sold out,
and C. S. Gordon retired. April 3, 1908, he was stricken with
paralysis, and died April 28, 1908, at the age of 59 years. His
1044 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
wife, Viola Sheldon, a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, whom
he married in 1871. is still living. The sole fruit of this union
is one son, C. Hudson Gordon, of Owatonna.
Stephen C. Goff, Jr., clerk of court of Steele count)', was born
Ala}' 4, 1882, in Lemond township, Steele county, son of Stephen
C. and Florence E. (Bemis) Goff, natives of the United States,
of Scotch and English descent. The father came to Minnesota
in 1879 and located in Dodge county, where he married. In
1881, he came to Steele county, locating in Lemond township,
where he has been engaged in farming up to the present time.
The subject of our sketch received his early education in the
common schools of Steele county. After leaving school, he took
up teaching as a profession, which he followed from 1902 to 1905.
He then accepted a position as shipping clerk for the Owatonna
Creamery Supply Compan}', in which position he was engaged
until in July, 1906. At this time he was elected clerk of court
of Steele county, which office he has now filled for four jears.
Mr. Goff was married May 4, 1909, at Owatonna, to Pearl M.
Barnard, who died October 4, 1909. In politics Mr. Goff is
Republican. In religious faith he affiliates with the Baptist
church. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of
the K. of P., M. W. A.. F. O. E. and the Commercial Club. Mr.
Goff is a progressive young man. He has gained his position
by his own efforts and his uncompromising honesty in discharg-
ing his duties as a public ofificer has won for him the confidence
of the community as a good citizen, well liked by all who know
him.
Peter Ganser, proprietor of the Owatonna City Brewery, is
one of those substantial citizens, who, in building the founda-
tions for their own fortunes, find the time to take an interest
in all wortliy causes that tend toward the development of the
communit}'. He combines liberality with shrewd common sense
and business ability, and from his first settlement here he has
had an unbounded faith in Owatonna's future. Mr. Ganser
was born in Prussia, Germany, June 24, 1836. He received his
early education in the public schools and remained in his native
country until 1854, when he came to America and located in Dane
county, Wisconsin, where he lived for a time and then went to
California. In 1863 he returned to Wisconsin and there remained
imtil 1865 when he came to Owatonna and, together with his
brother, Adam, purchased the city brewery, which they con-
tinued together until 1872, at which time the brother died. The
subject of this sketch then became the sole owner and proprietor.
In 1878 the brewerj' was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of
about $12,000. Undaunted by this loss, Mr. Ganser rebuilt,
but in 1884 again suffered a similar disaster. The present
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1045
building, to which additions and improvements have been made
from time to time, was erected in 1884. In 1879, Mr. Ganser,
in company with Jacob Glaeser, erected the building then known
as the Germania Hall. Mr. Ganser has carried on a large and
increasing business from year to year. In 1894 he sold out his
business and for six years lived a retired life. In 1900 he again
came into possession of the brewery, which he has since con-
ducted. Mr. Ganser was married in 1867 to Mary Knight, who
was born in Indiana. The fruit of this union was three children,
viz: Margaret, now the wife of William Fleckenstein of the
Fleckenstein Brewery at Faribault ; Adeline, now Mrs. W. C.
Zamboni ; Kate, now Mrs. H. D. Brown, of Owatonna. Mr.
Ganser is a Democrat in political faith. He takes an active
interest in public affairs, and served as a mayor of Owatonna one
term, and alderman of the fourth ward for two years. Mr.
Ganser is a self-made man, enterprising in business, and has
won his position by persevering efforts. He lives in a very
fine residence at 508 South Oak street.
Thomas Y. Hostad, a successful real estate dealer of Owa-
tonna, was born in Norway, August 30, 1876, son of Thomas
and Gertrude Hostad, also natives of that country. The parents
emigrated to America in 1877, and located in Dodge county,
Minnesota, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until
1887. They then removed to Westfield township and continued
farming operations until 1906, in which year they died, the
mother December 22, and the father December 24, both being
laid at rest in the same grave. Thomas Y. received his early
education in the district schools of Dodge county, and in the
Blooming Prairie high school, this training being supplemented
with a course at Darling's College, at Rochester, and one at
Breckenridge College, at Decorah, Iowa. He then studied one
and a half years under Attorney Littleton, of Owatonna, and
subsequently took a correspondence course with the Chicago
Law School. After following the occupation of bookkeeper at
Blooming Prairie for a time, he opened a hotel, with livery and
feed stables in connection, at Kenyon, Minnesota, in 1897. He
sold this business in August of the same year and moved to
Owatonna. Later in the season he went to Claremont, Dodge
county, and purchased a stock of furniture and hardware, in
connection with which business he had the agency for the
McCormick farm machinery. He continued this business with
success for one year and a half, then sold out, retaining the
hardware department. This w-as soon burned, causing a loss of
over $1,600. His next venture was at Blooming Prairie, where
he engaged in the general merchandise business with his brothers
and C. P, Stevens, the firm name being Hostad Brothers &
1046 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Stevens. In January, 1900, the subject of this sketch sold out
his interest in this concern, and accepted a position as manager
for a retail shoe store in the same village, a position he retained
one and a half years. Next he clerked for a similar period in
Owatonna, and then took charge of the closing out of the Shea
stock of clotliing, conducting sales in Owatonna, Wells, Minne-
sota Lake and Blue Earth. Subsequently he again clerked for a
short period, and then embarked in the real estate business, in
which he has been most successful. His office is in the Parrott
and Smith building, and here are handled various lines of real
estate, insurance and abstracts in considerable volume. Mr.
Hostad affiliates with the Repul)lican party and belongs to the
Norwegian Lutheran church. He is an enterprising business
man and a good citizen, taking an active interest in everything
that tends toward the progress of the community. November 7,
1895, he was married at Owatonna to Elizabeth M. Mason, of
Blooming Prairie. This union was blessed with two children,
Edna L. and \'era G. November 10, 1009, Mr. Plostad married
Elizabeth A. Ochs, of Owatonna.
Robert W. Hutchinson was born in Andover. Windsor
county, Vermont, May 7, 1834, son of Moses W. and Parynthia
(Dodge) Hutchinson, also natives of Vermont, where they
were engaged in agricultural pursuits all their lives. The subject
of our sketch received his early education in Ando\er. and when
nineteen years of age, came West, locating in Wisconsin. Two
years later, in 1855, he came to Steele county, where he filed
on 160 acres of land. He made final proof of this land and in
1857 returned to Wisconsin. There he joined the union army.
Company L Thirty-second Regiment Wisconsin \'olunteer In-
fantry, August 15. 1862. He served with this regiment until
June, 1865, being honorably discharged at Washington, after
which he returned to Wisconsin and remained there until 1866.
He then came back to Steele county and engaged in farming on
his claim, which he had filed on in 1855 in Owatonna township.
He remained here until 1894, when he sold eighty acres of the
claim and removed to Owatonna village, where he has lived a
retired life since. Mr. Hutchinson was married October 6, 1862,
to Percilla W. Benedict. She died January 24, 1867. He was mar-
ried a second time December 10, 1871, to Mrs. Augusta (Lord)
Pound. She died March 12, 1902. She had two sons by her
first marriage, Charles L. Pound, of Owatonna, and William O.
Pound, of Billings, Montana. Mr. Hutchinson believes in the
principles of the Republican party, but never has aspired to
public office. He is a consistent member of the Universalist
church, and on account of his distinguished war record, has
allied himself with the James A. Goodwin Post. G. A. R. The
PUBLIC LIBR,
ASTO'ft, LCNOX Aun
TILDEH FOUN
i
TlliiMAS .1, iiowi-;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1047
subject of this sketch is an estinial)lc citizen in every respect,
and has made his way in life unaided by outside influences. His
pleasant home is located at 209 East Broadway in Owatonna.
Although past the alotted "three score years and ten," Mr.
Hutchinson is hale and hearty, and his judgment upon all im-
portant matters is highly valued by his friends.
Carl G. Herold, a progressive business man of Owatonna, was
born in Germany, August 28, 1875. His parents, Jacob and
Christina Herold, natives of Germany, left the shore of Europe
to seek the larger opportunities and establish a home in the
new world, in 1882, locating first at Owatonna and later going
to Todd county, where they have been engaged in farming ever
since. Carl received his early education in the public schools
of Owatonna. After leaving school, he took up and learned the
tinning and plumbing trade, which he followed until 1905. At
this time he formed a copartnership with L. A. Schoen, establish-
ing a plumbing and heating business. This business relation
continued for two years, when Mr. Herold purchased his part-
ner's interest in the firm, and then took as a partner Mr. J. W.
Harty. The firm is now known as Herold & Harty, heating,
plumbing, electrical and gas supplies. Mr. Herold was married
September 16, 1899, to Bertha Buboltz. They reside in a pleasant
residence at 408 Riverside avenue.
He is a member of the order of I. O. O. F. Mr. Herold has
made his way in the world by his own efforts and perseverance.
He is a good citizen, well liked by all who know him, and the
fact that he enjoys a large trade is proof of his business in-
tegrity.
Thomas J. Howe, a primiincnl manufacturer, now deceased,
had an im])ortant part in the industrial upbuilding of Owatonna,
and established the business which under the present name of the
Owatonna Manufacturing Company has grown to wide propor-
tions. He was for many years a familiar figure in and about
Owatonna, where he was a leading citizen. Just to all and
affable to his friends, he established for himself an enviable
reputation in the community. His death was deeply mourned
and his life and work will be long remembered. Thomas J.
Howe was born in I'inckney, New York, January 15, 1827, son
of Gideon and Mary ( Jeffers) Howe, natives of Jefferson county.
New York. After receiving a common school education, he
learned the business of woodworking in a mill owned by his
father. In 1848. he came west to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where
he was emplojed at various occupations. Some ten years later,
Mr. Howe entered the employ of J. S. Rowell & Co. in the manu-
facture of grain drills and seeders, the plant being located at
Beaver Dam. This business occupied Mr. Howe's attention
1048 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
until 1865 when he came to Owatonna, and in company with
Michael F. Lowth, established a plant for the manufacture of
grain drills and seeders. As noted above, this plant has now-
developed an important industry. Mr. Howe was a member of
the Universalist church and a high degree Mason. In 1873 he
was pursuaded to serve as mayor, and so successful was his
administration of public affairs that he was reelected in 1874
and 1875 with no opposition. He also did able service on the
high school and librar}- boards for many years. August 27,
1908, he departed this life, and his body was followed to its last
resting place by a large concourse of sorrowing mourners. The
subject of this sketch was married at Watertown, New York,
May 6, 1861, to Sarah M. Chapman, who died July 3, 1893. To
this union three children were born. Fannie was born April
29, 1864, and died when six months of age. Jessie B. was born
July 29, 1865, married George S. Barr and has one child, Virginia.
Harry C, born November 16, 1873, is secretary and treasurer of
the Owatonna Manufacturing Company. In September, 1903,
Thomas J. Howe married Matilda S. Lieb, who survives him.
Harry C. Howe is closely identified with the manufacturing
interests of Owatonna, in which city he was born November 16,
1873, to Thomas J. and Sarah M. (Chapman) Howe. He received
his education in the public and high schools of his native town,
graduating from the Owatonna High school in 1890. In the
fall of that year he entered llie state university, and was dili-
gently pursuing his course, when, in 1893, his assistance was
demanded at his father's office at the plant of the Owatonna
Manufacturing Company. Here he started as bookkeeper, gain-
ing knowledge of every detail of the business, until in 1903 he
was elected secretary of the company, which position he still
holds, and in 1910 was elected secretary and treasurer. From
1898 until 1903, Mr. Howe served as first lieutenant of Company
I, Second Regiment, Minnesota National Guards. He was in
the line of promotion to the captaincy, but was forced to resign
by reason of the increase of his manufacturing interests. Mr.
Howe is well liked in Owatonna, and is regarded as one of the
rising young men of the community. He was married June 20,
1900, to Jane Semple, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Milliken)
Semple. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Howe has been blessed
with two children: Sarah C, born November 10, 1901, and
Samuel S., born October 4, 1909. The family faith is that of
the Episcopal church. Mr. Howe is affiliated with the Masonic
order, being a member of the Blue Lodge, chapter and com-
mandery.
The Owatonna Manufacturing Company was started in 1865
as a partnership between Michael F. Lowth and Thomas J.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1049
Howe, the firm name being Lowth & Howe. In 1873, H. N. La
Bare purchased one-half of Mr. Lowth's interest, and the firm
continued until 1878 under the name of Lowth, Howe & LaBare.
At this time, Mr. Lowth disposed of his interest, and the name
was changed to Howe & Co. August 20, 1888, the company was
incorporated under the name of the Owatonna Manufacturing
Company. D. J. Ames was elected president and T. J. Howe
was elected secretary and treasurer. In 1898, Frank LaBare,
son of H. N. LaBare, was elected president, and in 1903, Harry
C. Howe, son of T. J. Howe, was elected secretary, T. J. Howe
remaining as treasurer and general manager. The present offi-
cers are: Frank LaBare, president; Geo. S. Barr, vice-president;
H. C. Howe, secretary and treasurer. The company manufac-
tures grain drills and seeders and a combined churn and butter
worker for creamer}- use.
Hon. Hector M. Hastings was one of the prominent millers
of Minnesota and was universally esteemed both for his quali-
ties as a man and his ability as a promoter. He was born in the
little town of Horseheads, Chemung county. New York, in 1835.
There he was reared to sturdy boyhood, receiving such advan-
tages as the district schools of the neighborhood aflforded. Dur-
ing this period surrounded by the love of a devoted mother and
the care of a just father he laid the foundation of that staunch
character which was to individualize his after-life. At the age
of twelve years, in 1847, he was taken by his parents to Illinois.
While there, he was married in 1854 to Mary A. Roberts who
proved a loving and faithful companion throughout his life. Two
years later the young couple decided to try their fortunes in what
was then the new Northwest and accordingly settled near Elys-
ian, in LeSueur county. There they were residing during the
great Sioux outbreak of 1862. Mr. Hastings' conduct during
that trying period illustrated the indomitable and vigorous
character of the man. First bringing his family to Owatonna
for safety he then proceeded to buy all the powder in the com-
munity, amounting probably to one keg. With this he set out
in a sulky to join Colonel Brackett's force, which was then
proceeding against the Indians. Alone he traveled through the
country and finally joined the command somewhere near the
present site of St. Peter. He took part in the battle of Fort
Ridgely from which he escaped unharmed. Later he witnessed
the hanging of the thirty-eight Sioux ringleaders at Mankato.
With this experience he sought to enlist in the Civil War, but
was refused on account of a slight physical disability. In 1863
Mr. Hastings moved to Steele county and settled in Lemond
township where, in time, he acquired over two thousand acres
of land. In 1885 he formed a partnership with O. E. Edson and
1050 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
W. H. Willsey to go into the milling business under the firm
name of H. M. Hastings & Company, purchasing the Reidell
mill. Shortly afterward Mr. \\'illse3'"s interest was purchased
by the Hon. J. M. Diment. The mill was destroyed by fire in
1891, but such a disaster, great as it was, the property being
uninsured, did not discourage such energetic and forceful busi-
ness men as Mr. Hastings and his partner. They took Lynard
Virtue into partnership and the firm became Hastings, Diment &
Company. This concern purchased the old Beynon & Maes mill
building, which they remodeled, refitted and enlarged. The
business prospered and the fame of the mill grew imtil the name
of the Hastings flour became known throughout this country
and abroad, considerable quantities being shipped to England.
The firm underwent some changes in 1897 when Mr. Hastings
bought out his partners and changed the firm name to The
Hastings Milling Company. But shortly afterward Mr. Virtue
again bought an interest.
Operated for a time by the estate after Mr. Hastings' death
and eventually was sold to L. G. Campbell Milling Company.
Mr. Hastings was a man of strong individuality. Trained
amid the hardships and exigencies of early frontier life, he
acquired a decision of manner and speech sometimes seemingly
blunt, yet, on acquaintance proving a valued quality as men
of plain and fearless speech are rare. He left no doubt in the
mind of the hearer as to where he stood on any question and
his energetic decision in business matters soon caused him to
tower above most of his fellows as a successful man. He had
many excellent qualities of mind and heart of which his liberality
to the poor and the unfortunate deserves special notice. A
staunch Democrat in politics, he was a delegate to nearly every
Democratic state convention, and in 1879 he served with distinc-
tion in the legislature. Aside from his milling interests he was
president of the Central Dakota Telephone Comjjan}-. Mr. Has-
tings died May 7. 1899. He was survived by three children,
George W. Hastings, Mrs. Ida Slaid and Mrs. G. F. Cardofif.
Mrs. Mary Adelia Hastings, wife of the Hon. H. M. Hastings,
was one of Steele county's pioneer women and was held in high
esteem by all who knew her. She was a true type of that ad-
mirable class of w-omen — the wives of pioneers. Devoted to her
husband, bright, unselfish and ambitious, she labored unceas-
ingly and happily to foiuid a home, to care properly for her
family and to advance its material and spiritual fortunes. The
important share which such women have in the success attained
by their husbands cannot be overestimated, and it is certain
that Mrs. Hastings proved a rare helpmate to her husband all
her married life. She was an unusually bright woman and found
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1051
her greatest happiness in searching out and performing such
duties as slie believed fell within her scope of action. One of her
most prominent characteristics was the happiness and cheeriness
of her disposition, which lightened the labors of all near her as
well as her own. A reply she made not long before her death, in
answer to the remarks that the early days must have been hard
ones for women coming out into a new country to find homes,
was characteristic of her. She declared that those early days
of hard work and privation were the happiest of all. Even when
sickness had laid its heavy hand upon her, Mrs. Hastings lost
not one whit of her cheerfulness and hopefulness and to the last
viewed the future with happy optimism as a place of joy and
peace. This fact is believed to have prolonged her life past
the time when the average woman would have succumbed to the
cares of life and to the weight of years. It is not strange that
such a woman should have won respect and confidence even
though she was of a retiring rather than of a naturally sociable
disposition. Mrs. Hastings' maiden name was Mary Adelia
Roberts. She was born in Pennsylvania, September 17. 1837.
While she was 3-et a small child the family removed to Rockford,
Illinois, where in later years she met Mr. Hastings and became
his wife. Aside from the three children mentioned above Mr.
and Mrs. Hastings had a son, Frank, who died in early youth.
Mrs. Hastings passed to the Great Beyond May 1, 1903, and her
death caused a vacancy in the hearts of friends and relatives
which will never be filled until the Last Resurrection.
S. M. Hastings was one of the early settlers of Steele county,
having come from Illinois in 1857. He was a native of New-
York where little more than half of his life was spent, emigrating
from there to Illinois in 1849. He lived to be one of the oldest
residents of the county, and was highly respected by his many
friends. He died in 1886.
Thomas L. Slaid, who, after giving unusual promise of becom-
ing one of the leaders in the business life of this vicinity, was
cut off in the prime of his young manhood, was a native of Wis-
consin, born at Beaver Dam. March 8, 1833. His parents, Oscar
and Emily CIngraham) Slaid, were both natives of Massachu-
setts. In 1844 they went to Wisconsin and there remained until
1869, when they moved their family to Iowa. The father died in
Dumont, Iowa, in 1905, and the mother passed away in 1884.
Thomas L. received his early education in the public schools of
Wisconsin and Iowa. After leaving school he came to Owa-
tonna from Ackley, Iowa, in 1874, and entered the employ of
Buxton & McReynolds, Mr. Buxton being his imcle. He con-
tinued in this employ and some three years before his death was
taken into the firm as a full partner. The firm was doing a
1052 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
large business in tlie sale of agricultural implements and hard-
ware at the time of his untimely death, which occurred February
12, 1881. In politics Mr. Slaid was a Republican. He affiliated
with the Odd Fellows. Mr. Slaid was married October 13, 1880,
to Ida L. Hastings, a daughter of H. M. and Mary Adelia (Rob-
erts) Hastings. To this union one child, a daughter, Thomasia
A., was born August 22, 1881. She was married December 28,
1904, to C. A. Tincher, and to this union one child, Richard S.,
was born December 25, 1906. Her death, April 2, 1907, caused
profound mourning among those to whom her winning ways
and lovable character had enshrined her in their hearts.
Louis F. Hammel, the well-known contractor and builder, is
giving the city of Owatonna an able administration in the
mayor's chair. He is a native of Bayfield county, Wisconsin,
and was born October 1, 1862. After completing his school days
in Owatonna, to which city his parents moved in 1864, he joined
his father in the contracting business, the firm continuing until
the latter's death. From that time until October 1, 1909, Louis
F. and John L. Hammel conducted the same business, under the
firm name of Hammel Brothers, general contractors and builders.
Mr. Hammel is a practical man of affairs and has filled various
local offices, having served eight years as alderman from the
Fourth ward of Owatonna and six months as acting mayor before
being elected to his present position in March, 1909. In the lat-
ter office he succeeded himself one year later. He has also done
good service on the library board. The Democratic party has
found in Mr. Hammel a loyal supporter, and in religious faith
he holds to the tenets of the Presbyterian Church. He is iden-
tified with the Modern Woodmen of America and also with the
Masons, U. C. T., and the Modern Workmen. On June 20, 1889,
Mr. Hammel married Celia, daughter of William and Ann (Hart-
becker) Severin, and this union has been blessed with five chil-
dren : Irwin William, Louis, Maria, Sidney and Kenneth. The
parents of Mrs. Hammel came from Germany, their native land,
and settled at Cedar Falls, Iowa, where the father died and
where the mother now resides. John C. and Maria (Steagut)
Hammel, parents of Louis F. Hammel, were both natives of Ger-
many. The father, who was a contractor and builder, settled
in Wisconsin in 1854, and ten years later removed to Owatonna,
where he followed his regular occupation a quarter of a century,
passing away in 1889. The mother died in 1871.
Fred H. Joesting, proprietor of the Emporium store, Owa-
tonna, was born at La Porte, Ind., Januarj^ 5, 1870. He is the
son of Fredrick and Catherine (Voebert) Joesting, natives of
Germany. They immigrated to the United States in 1863, locat-
ing at La Porte, Ind., where the father was engaged in railroad
L. 1-. JIAMMKI.
ORlf]
A8T0B. LfNOS
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1053
work until 1880. He then removed to St. Paul, Minn., where
he had charge of city parks up to the time of his death, in
August, 1893. The mother returned to La Porte, Ind., where
she now resides. The subject of this sketch received his early
education at the public schools of La Porte and St. Paul. In
1883 he began life as a salesman in a dry goods house at St.
Paul. In 1892 the firm opened a branch store at Little Falls,
Minn. There Mr. Joesting became manager, in 1900. The firm
became incorporated, with Mr. Joesting as secretary and treas-
urer, which position he filled with honor until 1905. He then
sold his interest and came to Ovvatonna, where he opened the
Emporium Department Store, of which he is sole owner and
proprietor. He conducts an up-to-date establishment in every
respect, and the fact that he enjoys a large and steadily increas-
ing patronage proves his ability and honest dealings as a mer-
chant. On June 19, 1899, Mr. Joesting was married, at La Porte,
Ind., to Minnie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Decker, who are
now living with Mr. and Mrs. Joesting, in Owatonna. Mrs.
Joesting was born at La Porte, June 5, 1875. Five children have
blessed their home, viz.: Theodore, born at Little Falls, July 11,
1900; Fredrick H., born in the same place, July 15, 1903; Her-
bert A. was born at Little Falls, Minn., April 17, 1905; Clement
H., born in Owatonna, April 17, 1907, and Regina E., born May
6, 1909. Mr. Joesting is a Republican in politics. In religious
faith he belongs to the German Lutheran Church. The family
resides at 227 East Mill street, Owatonna.
Richard H. Jahreiss, of Owatonna, was i)orn in Germany,
November 6, 1873, son of Leonard and Margaret Jahreiss (de-
ceased). The parents spent their lives in their native land. Rich-
ard received his early education in Germany. He then took up
and learned the cabinetmaker's trade. He immigrated to Amer-
ica when a boy of about seventeen years of age, in 1891. After
arriving in America, he located in Owatonna, where he entered
the employment of Fred Hagedorn. He continued to work at
his trade here for five years. He then tended bar until 1903,
when he entered the employment of Hammel Brothers, con-
tractors, as foreman of their factory, which position he still
retains. Mr. Jahreiss was married November 13, 1894, at Owa-
tonna, to Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. Her
father is deceased; the mother still lives in Owatonna. Three
children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jahreiss, viz.: Ella,
born June 26, 1896; Edwin, Edna, born June 26, 1900. The chil-
dren are all attending school in Owatonna. Mr. Jahreiss is Dem-
ocratic in his political views. The family attends the Presby-
terian Church. He is a member of the F. O. E. and Mystic
Workers. He is also a member of the Owatonna fire department.
1054 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUxNTIES
The family lives in a pleasant residence at 122 West School
street. Mr. Jahreiss is an enterprising business man, a hard
worker, and has made his \va}- in the world by his own efforts.
Michael H. Keefe, marble and granite worker of Owatonna,
was born in Bombay township, Franklin county, N. Y., Juh' 25,
1851, son of David and Elizabeth (Gardner) Keefe, natives of
Ireland. The father came to America in 1840, locating in New
York, where he engaged in farming. The mother emigrated to
this country in 1847. The father was a stone mason and con-
tractor, which trade he followed together with farming both in
New York state and after coming to Minnesota. They moved
to Minnesota in 1863, locating on a farm in Freeborn county,
where they remained until 1896, when the father retired from
active life and moved with his family to Austin, IMinn., where
he passed away December 13, 1905. The mother died May 28,
1873. Michael received his early education in the district schools
of New York state. He came to Minnesota with his parents
when twelve vears of age. and finished his education in the public
schools of Austin. He then started life as a farmer in Bloom-
ing Prairie township. Steele county, where he owned 160 acres
of land. He also owned considerable land in Freeborn county,
but sold all except the 160 acres in Blooming Prairie, which he
still looks after in connection with his business at Owatonna.
He came to Owatonna in 1905. engaged in what is known as the
Star Granite & Marble Works, and has since conducted a pros-
perous and constantly growing business. IMr. Keefe was mar-
ried February 24, 1881, to Margaret L. Farrell. Seven children
have been born to them, viz.: A\Mlliam R.. who travels for his
father; Charles J., who lives at Kenmare. N. D. ; Mary }■■ de-
ceased; Florence, deceased, and George B., Margaret and John,
residing at home. Mr. Keefe has made his way in the world
by dint of hard work and persevering effort. He is a generous
neighbor, a good husband, a loving father and a good citizen.
He has served Blooming Prairie township as supervisor for sev-
eral years, and as assessor for five consecutive years. He helped
to organize the school district of which he served as clerk. Mr.
Keefe is an independent voter. He adheres to the Catholic faith ;
is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the M. B. A.
S. Grant Kinney, of the firm of Disbrow & Kinney, has inter-
ested himself in the upbuilding of the county and is a thorough
believer in the future possibilities of the agricultural resources
of this vicinity. He was born in Lemond township, this county,
May 24, 1869, and received his earlier education in the district
schools, supplemented by wide reading and ideal home train-
ing;. His father, an advocate of higher education for boys, sent
him to Pillsburv Academv, from which he graduated in 1888.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1055
At once upon graduation he took up work on the home farm, and
there remained until 1895, wlicn he went to Canby, Minn., and
after a short period as a farm machine agent there, went on the
road as a salesman for nursery stock, in which capacity his
genial nature and knowledge of Northwestern farm conditions
won him success and friends. Early in 1897 he was recalled to
Steele county by the death of his father, and until late in 1898
he looked after the family farm and estate. Subsequently he
again went on the road, selling nursery stock two years for the
Cannon Falls Nursery Company, In the meantime he purchased
a tract of land in Dodge county, which he gave more or less of
his attention. In seeing the opportunity for a live real-estate
agency in this locality, he started in that line of business,
with L. A. Disbrow for a partner. The office of this firm is in
the Kelley Block on Broadway, where is done a large business in
real estate and insurance. Mr. Kinney also handles nursery
stock for O. F. Brand, of Faribault. Aside from various holdings
in the county, Mr. Kinney owns stock in the Dan Patch Air Line
Company. He is an independent voter and a member of the
I. O. O. F, and the M. W. A. The family affiliates with the
Universalist Church. Mr. Kinney has never cared to engage act-
ively in politics, but at one time he consented to serve as assessor
of the township of Owatonna. His residence is at 219 East Mill
street. S. S. Kinney was married February 29, 1904, to Sadie
Shank, of St. Paul. To this union has been born one daughter,
Leona M., July 22, 1905.
Judge Willis E. Kenyon, judge of probate for Steele county,
is serving his first term in this position, and has already dem-
onstrated his fitness for the ofifice. He wisely adjudicates the
matters which are brought before his court, and has given gen-
eral satisfaction to the people at large. Willis E. Kenyon was
born in Chautauqua county, New York, November 5, 1852, son
of Thomas and Mary (Smith) Kenyon, the former an early phy-
sician of Steele county. The subject of this sketch secured his
early education in the public schools of his neighborhood, and
after leaving school engaged in farming for six years in Suniiiiit
township. He then purchased eighty acres in Somerset town-
ship and there followed general farming until 1903, when he
sold his farm and moved to Owatonna. In the fall of 1908 he
was elected to his present position. This, however, is not the
only public service he has rendered his county. He served five
years as assessor of the township of Summit and one year as
chairman of the same town. For three years he was assessor of
the township of Somerset. Being interested in the advancement
of the interests of the farmers, he served seven years as secretary
of the River Point creamery. Judge Kenyon was married Janu-
1056 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ary 10, 1884, to Annie Schweiso, and to this union have been
born five children: Nellie M. is a public school teacher; Jessie
M. is also a teacher; Irvin W.. Orrissa M. and Ferna A. are
students in the Owatonna iiig'h school. The family residence is
beautifully located at 235 East University street.
Dr. Thomas Kenyon was one of the pioneer jdiysicians of
Steele county, and his qualities as a man as well as his ability
as a physician merit the high esteem in which his memory is
held. He was born in New York state, November 29, 1812, being
the oldest of a family of thirteen children. His schooling and his
medical education were received in New York state, and there
he practiced until 1856, when he came to Steele county and
located in Somerset township. Here he engaged in farming, and
also practiced his profession, being of the true type of rugged
country ph3'sician. Some years before his death, which occurred
April 17, 1882, he had retired from active practice. Dr. Kenyon
was married August 18, 1833, to Mary Smith, born in New York,
August 14, 1818. To this union were born ten children. Marion
Ambrosia, wdio married Thomas J. Clark ; Phoebe, who married
George Crooker ; Eliza, wdio married L. Robinson ; Edgar, who
married AUecia Twiford ; Lois, who married S. Anderson ; Wal-
ter, who married Abbie Smith; Willis, now judge of probate for
Steele county; Frank, who married Sarah Hurlbert; Darwin,
who married Dora Mitchell, and Fred, who married Minnie
Schweiso. Mrs. Kenyon died January 10, 1906, and is laid at
rest beside her husband in Somerset township.
Emma A. Lewis, a skilled practitioner of osteopathy, is the
only member of her particular profession in Owatonna, and has
won much favor among a wide circle of patients. Dr. Lewis
was born in Junction City, Ore., April 11, 1876, daughter of John
and Rhoda (Thompson) Lewis. She received her early educa-
tion in the public schools, graduated from the high school at
Allison, Iowa, and took courses in the Minnesota School of
Business at Minneapolis and the State Normal School at Winona.
In 1890, after a thorough preparation, she was graduated from
the Northern Institute of Osteopathy at Minneapolis. Her first
office was at Prairie du Chien, Wis., where she successfully prac-
ticed for two years. December 2, 1901, she came to Owatonna,
and opened an office, her success being insured from the very
start. Dr. Lewis has allied herself with the American and Min-
nesota Osteopathic Associations. She has kept w'ell abreast of
her times, not only in her own profession, but also in the profes-
sions closely allied to hers, and her wide circle of friends predict
for her a successful future, even more felicitous than her past.
John Lewis, now living in retirement at Owatonna, was born
in Indiana, and there spent his boyhood. He enlisted at Madi-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1057
son, Wis., in Company K, Twelfth Wisconsin Volunteer Infan-
try, and served three years under General Sherman, being dis-
charged at Chattanooga, Tenn. While in the army, Mr. Lewis
contracted the typhoid fever, from the effects of which he has
never fully recovered. I lis wife, Rhoda Thompson, is a native
of Ohio. They are the parents of four children: Nelson H. is
a physician at McDonald, Kan. ; Emma A. is practicing at Owa-
tonna; Zerelda is now Mrs. Charles I. Norman, of Minneapolis;
and Eniillie is now Mrs. George Plood, of Allison, Iowa.
Peter Mallinger, since 1866 a resident of Owatonna, with the
exception of seven years' residence in Barnesville, this state,
was born in Germany, and there spent his early life, embarking
for America April 6, 1855. His first residence in this country was
in PjufTalo county, Wisconsin, where he was living at the out-
break of the Civil War. His excellent record during this con-
flict is appended below. At the close of the war, Lieutenant
Mallinger returned to Wisconsin, and five months later, in the
fall of 1866, he came to Owatonna, engaging in the mercantile
business, which he continued until 1882, when his store was
destroyed by fire. He then retired from active commercial life,
but remained in Owatonna until 1900, when he removed to Ban-
ner City, Clay county, Minn., where he and his wife still reside.
The Mallinger home has been blessed with six children: Anna,
born July 29, 1868, is the wife of John Deviny, of Owatonna;
Minnie, born February 11, 1870, is the wife of Michael Ryan,
of Hillyard, Wash.; Adolph is chief of police at Owatonna;
Gustav, born June 16, 1873, lives in Salt Lake City, Utah;
Charles, born March 4, 1875, lives in Minneapolis, Minn. ; Mary,
born December 3, 1877, is now Mrs. William Pennman, of De-
troit, Mich.
The following record is carefully preserved in the Mallinger
family: "Certificate of Service. State of Wisconsin. Adjutant
General's Office. No. 682, United States, 1895. This is to cer-
tify that the records of this office show that Peter Mallinger,
late a sergeant in Company F, of the Ninth Regiment of Wiscon-
sin Infantry Volunteers, was enrolled at La Crosse, Wis., on
the 4th day of November, 1861, was mustered into the military
service of the United States at Milwaukee, Wis., on the 13th day
of November, 1861, for the term of three years, and was mus-
tered out with Company at Milwaukee, Wis., on the 3d day of
December, 1864: appointed corporal October 10, 1862; sergeant,
January 1, 1863. The records further show that Peter Mallinger
enlisted in Company K, Forty-eighth Regiment of Wisconsin In-
fantry, March 8, 1865, at Fountain City, Wis., was mustered into
the U. S. service March 27, 1865, at Milwaukee, Wis., for one
year; appointed first sergeant, .\pril 5, 1865; commissioned sec-
1058 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ond lieutenant of the same company, November 9. 1865 (not
mustered), and was mustered out as first sergeant with company,
March 24, 1866, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. The records further
show that said soldier, when first enlisted, was twenty-five years
old, had brown eyes, dark hair, dark complexion, was five feet
ten inches in height, and by occupation a farmer. In testimony
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official
seal, at the capitol in the City of Madison, this 26th day of
December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and ninety-five. Worthie H. Patton. Acting Adjutant General."
Adolph Mallinger, head of the police force of Owatonna, has
given the city excellent service in this capacity. L'nder his ad-
ministration, the peace and order of the city has been excellently
preserved, and the laws of the state have been duly observed.
He was born in Owatonna, July 26, 1871, son of Peter and Cecelia
(Buchstor) Mallinger, who were married July 13, 1866. He
received his early education in the public schools of Owatonna,
and at the age of nineteen years took up railroad work as brake-
man for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, on the
Iowa and Minnesota division. By hard work and strict attention
to business he worked his way up, and in 189.S was promoted to
conductor on the same division, continuing in that capacity until
February, 1901, when he resigned. At this time, he was elected
city marshal of Owatonna, which office he held two terms. In
1904 he accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Clinton
Falls Nursery Company. This he followed until March, 1908.
when he was appointed captain of the night police force, serving
in this capacity tmtil April 1, 1909, when he was again elected
chief of police, which position he now holds. He was married
April 5, 1890, at Owatonna, to Nettie Morgan, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Clark Morgan, of Owatonna. Mrs. Mallinger was
born May 24, 1874. Their union was blessed with two children:
Guy, born January 8, 1892, is a graduate of the high school of
Owatonna, and is now an operator for the Chicago & Northwest-
ern Railroad Company, at the above place, which service he en-
tered when seventeen years of age; Claude A., born September
11, 1895, is a student of the liigh school of Owatonna. In political
faith Mr. Mallinger is a Republican. He and his family worship
at the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the
A. O. A. and Maccabees. He is a loyal and genial friend, a good
neighbor, and a public-spirited citizen, taking an interest in every
movement that has for its object the betterment of Owatonna
and Steele county.
Charles B. Misgen, one of the prosperous merchants of Owa-
tonna, and partner in the firm of Brick & Misgen, the well-
known furniture and undertaking house, was born in Pierce
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1059
county, Wisconsin, April 5, 1859, son of John and Christine
(Meyers) Misgen, who, before locating in Pierce county, came
from Germany and lived for a time in Illinois. In 1863 they set-
tled in Richland township. Rice county, and there became sub-
stantial and respected agriculturists. In 1873 they removed to
Berlin township, Steele county, where they have since followed
farming. Charles B. was educated in the district schools of Rich-
land and in the Faribault high school, and after leaving school
took up farming with his father until 1896, when he came to Owa-
tonna and served for three years on the night police force. He
was then elected as sheriff of Steele county, and served in that
office for four years. Subsequently he became chief of police of
Owatonna and held that position for four years. In 1909 he
went to Sauk Center, Minn., and engaged in the restaurant and
confectionery business for a short time, but returned to Owa-
tonna and bought the interest of Mr. Busch in the furniture and
undertaking business, the firm now being Brick & Misgen. He
was married July 12. 1893, at Owatonna, to Mary Degnan, who
died August 18, 1894. He was married a second time January
12, 1897, to Margaret Lonergan. Three children have been born
to them : Harold, Glenerva and Herbert, all living at home with
their parents. In his religious faith Mr. Misgen is a Catholic
and in politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the A. O. A.
and of the E. F. U. By hard work and strict attention to busi-
ness Mr. Misgen has won his success, and he has the respect and
confidence of the citizens of Owatonna.
James E. Malone, the popular insurance agent of Owatonna,
was born in Norway, Racine county, Wis., February 2, 1855.
July 4, 1856, he came to Steele county, at the age of one year,
with his parents. His early education was received in the schools
of Merton township, and later he studied two years in the paro-
chial school in Faribault. This, together with wide reading, pre-
pared him for the profession of teaching, which he followed for
three years. The succeeding eight years were spent on a farm.
In 1892 he came to Owatonna, and for seven years engaged in the
retail coal and wood business. This gave him a wide acquaint-
ance, and in 1899 he determined to enter the insurance business.
Accordingly he sold his other interests and opened an office.
He now represents twelve companies and does a heavy business
in fire, accident, tornado and plate glass insurance. Mr. Malone
is a Democrat in politics, and while living on the farm served
his township as treasurer of the school board and as a justice of
the peace. He has been assessor of the city of Owatonna for the
past nine years. At one time he was vice president of the First
State Bank of Owatonna for three years. He also served a like
period in Company E, Third Regiment, Minnesota National
106O HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Guard. Air. Malonc was married February 10, 1891, to Margaret
Lonergaii. a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Lonergan. now
deceased. Air. Malone has had his share in the upbuilding of
the county, and liis opinions on public matters are highly re-
garded by his friends. Patrick Malone and Julia Burke, his wife,
were natives of Ireland. The father came to America in 1836,
landed at Quebec, and then went to New York, from that city
reaching Chicago, and finally settling in Racine county, Wiscon-
sin, where he was married. After five years on a farm there,
the}^ came to Merton township, Steele county, July 4, 1856. Here
they pre-empted 160 acres of land, bringing it to a high degree
of improvement. To this farm was afterward added 160 acres,
making in all a fine place of 320 acres, on which they followed
general farming until 189.^. They then sold their farm and
came to Owatonna, where the mother died October 20, 1899, and
the father in 1904. They were highly respected early pioneers,
and their memory will long be honored in this county.
Dr. George A. Nesse, a promising young dentist of Owatonna,
was born at Mabel, Minn., December 6, 1883, to Theodore and
Clara (Larson) Nesse, natives of Illinois. The father when
first coming to Minnesota engaged in and conducted a flour mill;
later he engaged in the hardware business for several ^ears,
when he was burned out, stock and building being completely
destroyed. He then engaged in general and diversified farming
in Fillmore coiint_v. Minnesota, which vocation he has ever since
followed. The subject of this sketch received his preliminary
education at the district schools of Fillmore county, which wa5
supplemented by one year at the Decorah Normal school at
Decorah, Iowa, and two years at the State Normal of Winona.
In 1906 he entered the State University of Minnesota, graduating
from the dental department in 1909. On July 20, 1909, he came
to Owatonna and opened a dental office, where he follows his
profession successful!}- in all its branches. Dr. Nesse is inde-
pendent in politics and does not affiliate with any party. Besides
our subject there are three brothers and one sister in this family,
viz.: Charles, James and Arthur, at the State University: Ella,
who is a graduate of the university, is now a registered pharma-
cist at Minneapolis. Dr. Nesse is an enterprising and painstak-
ing young man, and has met with a marked degree of success at
Owatonna.
George Parrott, of the firm of Parrott & Smith, successful
hardware merchants, was born in Schoharie, N. Y., April 11,
1852, son of William and Maria (Beck) Parrott, substantial resi-
dents of that state. He received his education in the public
schools and then attended the Schoharie Academy, after which
he learned the tinner's trade. In 1879 he came to Owatonna,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1061
and followed his trade until 1884, when, with John Smith for a
partner, he purchased the hardware business of D. O. Searle,
forming the firm of Parrott & Smith. The firm owns its own
building and carries a fine modern stock of hardware of all
descriptions. In 1906 the store was destroyed by fire, entailing
a loss of $15,000 above the insurance. Undaunted by this dis-
aster, they at once erected a large fireproof brick block, three
stories high, on the corner of West Vine and North Cedar
streets, where they are now doing business. Mr. Parrott is a
Republican in politics, and is now serving his seventh year as
president of the school board, which board he has participated in
as a member fourteen years. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., the
K. of P., and the M. W. A. Mr. Parrott was married November
17, 1882, at Owatonna, to Mary Cole, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
James Cole. This union has been blessed with two children :
Alfred Cole, born December 14, 1883, now clerk for his father,
and Roy William, born November 20, 1888, clerk in the National
Farmers' Bank. William and Maria (Beck) Parrott, parents of
George Parrott, came from England in 1830, and located at Scho-
harie, N. Y., where the father followed his trade as a baker.
Later he established the Parrott House, which he conducted at
Schoharie for several years. The hotel still bears the same name.
He then engaged in farming the remainder of his life, passing
away in 1895. His wife died in 1854.
Christian Peterson, M. D., was born in Denmark, April 5,
1857, son of Cresten and Anna (Vaber) Peterson, natives of
Denmark. The father died in Denmark in 1869. The mother
immigrated to America in 1875, locating at Cleveland, Ohio.
She moved to Minnesota in 1878 and passed away at Owatonna
in 1903. The subject of our sketch received his early education
in Denmark. He emigrated to America when a youth, coming
here May 10, 1872. He first located at Perth Amboy, N. J.,
where he remained for three years. In 1875 he came to Cleve-
land, Ohio, and followed the seafaring life on the lakes for a
year. He then removed to Clinton, Iowa, where he was occupied
as a clerk in a store one year. Leaving this occupation, he went
to Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1878, and attended the high school of
that place one year. He later attended the medical department
of Michigan State University one year, and then went to De-
troit, Mich., where he was employed as a pharmacist. In 1880
he removed to Rochester, Minn., where he was employed in a
drug store two years. From there he went to Blooming Prairie,
Steele county, Minn., and purchased a drug store, conducting
same until 1884. At this time he moved his stock of goods to
Owatonna and entered into the drug business, which he con-
ducted with success for twelve years. In 1896 he went to Chi-
1062 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
cago, where he took up the study of medicine at the Illinois Uni-
versity, graduating from that institution the same year. To
gain an additional knowledge of the subject, he took a course in
the Chicago Physicians' and Surgeons' College, supplemented
by a course in the Illinois Medical College at Chicago. He has
been in the practice of medicine and surgery at Owatonna since
1896, and has met with a marked degree of success. Dr. Peterson
was married December 29, 1883, at Blooming Prairie, to Anna
M., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jens Johnson. Their home is
blessed with two children, viz. : Alvin C, born November 28,
1884, is now engaged as a telegraph operator and secretary at
the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific station at Owatonna ; Ella J.
is engaged with the Olkon Dry Goods Company. Dr. Peterson
is a Democrat in political sentiment ; he is a member of the
Lutheran Church, also a member of the A. O. U. \\'., the Danish
Brotherhood, the E. F. U.. and the M. N. R. He has held a
number of local offices, having served as county coroner one term
and one term as justice of the peace. He was elected city physi-
cian in 1899, which office he held for eight consecutive years.
He was again elected in 1908 and 1909, and is still holding that
office. The doctor resides in a pleasant residence on Flowervale
street and West side. He enjoys a very extensive practice and
makes a specialty of the treatment of the eyes.
Rev. John N. Pivo was born in Bohemia on May 12, 186.^,
son of Francis and Theresa (Svoboda) Pivo, natives of Bohemia.
They came to America in 1888 and located at Chicago, where
they remained for a period of fifteen j'ears, when they removed
to Jackson, Minn., where they now reside. Rev. Pivo received
his education in the classics at Budweis, Bohemia; he then went
to Belgium and took up the study of philosophy in the American
Seminary of Louvain ; he came to America in 1887 and entered
the St. Paul Seminary and graduated from that institution Xo-
veinber 15, 1890. He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood at
St. Paul by Rt. Rev. McGolric,'of Duluth, Minn. He first took
up his duties at Madison, Minn., but remained there only three
months, when, on the death of Father Singer, pastor of the
Sacred Heart Church, he received a call to that parish, on June
14, 1891, where he has since remained. He has a congregation of
100 families.
Joseph W. Rowland, register of deeds for Steele county, was
born in Liverpool, England, March 7, 1864, son of Dr. Henry M.
and Ann Jane (Wren) Rowland, natives of England. His father
was a physician and practiced his profession in the city of
Liverpool until his death, December 23, 1864. His mother is still
living. Joseph acquired his early education in the private schools
of England, and after leaving school went to work in a cotton
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1063
broker's office in his native city, where he remained for six years.
In 1884 he came to America and located at Owalonna. He
worked at farming for tyo years and then entered the hardware
store of E. Y. Hunnewill, where he remained two years and
then accepted a position as bookkeeper at the Owatonna cream-
ery, where he was engaged two years. He then moved to Minne-
apolis in 1889 and became assistant bookkeeper for the Minnesota
Creamery Company. After remaining there for one year he went
to Dukith and took charge of the wholesale commission house
of the Potter-Lucas Companj-, where he remained for two years,
and then returned to Owatonna and opened a real-estate and
insurance office which he conducted until he was elected register
of deeds of Steele county in 1904. He was re-lected in 1906 and
1908 and still holds the office. In politics Mr. Rowland is a con-
sistent adherent of the Republican party. Before assuming his
present position, he served in various public capacities, including
a three years' term as city recorder. Mr. Rowland has achieved
his success by fidelity and hard work, and well deserves the hon-
ored position he has attained. Amid a life filled with industry
he has found time to develop the social side of his nature, and
has affiliated with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias,
the Royal Arcanum and the IModern Woodmen of America. The
subject of this sketch was married March 11, 1891, at Owatonna,
to Eva M. Doolittle, and this union has been blessed with two
children, Frances M. and Josephine W., both living at home.
The family residence is at 405 East Vine street, Owatonna.
Henry R. Sander, a wide-awake merchant of Owatonna, was
born in Columbus, Wis., March 23, 1879, son of Henry and
Elizabeth (Reickman) Sander, natives of Germany. The father
emigrated from his native land in 1873, locating at Madison, Wis.
In 1874 he went to Columbus, Wis., where he engaged in the
bakery business until 1879. He was married in 1877, to Miss
Elizabeth Reickman. He then came to Owatonna and en-
gaged in the same business, which he continued until 1902,
when he sold out to his son, Henry R., and retired from
active business. He died April 2, 1907. The mother is still
living in Owatonna. The subject of this sketch received his
early education in the public schools of Owatonna, which
was supplemented with a course at Pillsbury Academy. Leav-
ing school, he entered the employment of his father in the
bakery in which capacity he continued until 1902. At this
time he formed a co-partnership with Clarence Porter, and
they purchased the bakery business from his father. In 1903
Mr. Emil Buboltz purchased Mr. Porter's interest, and they
then continued under the name of Sander & Buboltz until Janu-
ary 14, 1908, at which time Mr. Sander bought out Mr. Buboltz,
10G4 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
and lias since been tlie sole owner and proprietor. He conducts
an up-to-date bakery and restaurant. He also manufactures ice
cream and candy. He sells wholesale and retail and does a
flourishing and steadily increasing business. Mr. Sander was
married June 28, 1905, at Owatonna, to Mamie, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. John Huber, of Owatonna. Mrs. Sander's mother died
November 27, 1896. In religious faith he belongs to the Lutheran
Church. Mr. Sander is a good citizen and a deserving young
business man. He resides at 117 North Cedar street.
Dr. Clayton H. Stearns, one of the leading dentists of Owa-
tonna, is well qualified both by nature and training for the pro-
fession that he has adopted. He has a well equipped ofifice, and
his skill has attracted patients from even beyond the limits of
the county. Dr. Stearns was born in Dodge county. Minnesota,
July 2, 1859, son of Truman and Cornelia (Thayer) Stearns. He
grew to boyhood on the parental farm, and attended the neigh-
borhood schools, after which he took up the study of dental
practice and surgery. After thoroughly mastering his chosen
profession, he started practice in Elkader, Clayton county, Iowa,
in 1878. In April, 1880, he went to Zumbrota, in Goodhue
county, Minn., where he followed his profession until 1897, when
he was attracted to Owatonna by the wider opportunities offered.
His well equipped ofifice, which he has since maintained, is a
model for service and convenience. While in Zumbrota, Dr.
Stearns served five years in Company D, Third Regiment, Minne-
sota National Guard, and a part of that time was on the colonel's
staflf, with the rank of captain. After coming to Owatonna he
was instrumental in organizing a company which was known as
Company I of the Fourth Regiment, and was made captain. Later
he was promoted to major and one year later to lieutenant
colonel, in which capacity he served until the regiment was mus-
tered out. Pillsbury Academy had the advantage of five years
of his service, during which time he had charge of the military
features of that school as commandant. In the profession of
dentistry Dr. Stearns takes high rank. He has devoted much of
his time to the advancement of his chosen life work, has sub-
mitted several results of his study and research to the state and
national societies, and has written articles that have occasioned
wide discussion. He is a member of the National and State
Dental Associations, and of the Southern Minnesota Dental Asso-
ciation. Of the latter he was one of the organizers and first
president, and he has also been president of the state association,
serving with credit. Although a stanch Republican in politics,
he has not found time to mingle in public life. Dr. Stearns is
a Chapter Mason, and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and
the Odd Fellows. Clavton H. Stearns was married May 17,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1065
1886, at Waseca, to Clara Beierwalter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John Beierwalter. This union has been blessed with three chil-
dren: Josephine, Genevieve and Geraldine. The two older chil-
dren are students at Carleton College, at Northfield, Minn. The
family residence is located at 908 South Cedar street. The par-
ents of Dr. Stearns were Truman and Cornelia (Thayer) Stearns,
natives of New York state. They came westward to Minnesota
in October. 1856, and were consequently early pioneers. They
located in Dodge county, took up a claim, and engaged in farm-
ing in Ashland township. The mother died August 2, 1890, and
the father, after renting his farm, took up his home with his son,
and resided with him until his death, April 13, 1907.
Andrew Stageberg, secretary of The Kelly Company, Owa-
tonna, was born in Minneola township, Goodhue county, Minn.,
April 12, 1872, son of N. A. Stageberg, of Goodhue county. An-
drew received his early education in the district schools of Min-
eola township, which was supplemented by two years in the Red
Wing Business College. Leaving school, he started life as a
clerk in a general store at Roscoe, Minn., which vocation he fol-
lowed for three years. Having learned the details of the general
merchandise business, he accepted a position as manager of a
store at Zumbrota, remaining there one year. The following
year he engaged in the real-estate and insurance business at
Zumbrota. September 28, 1899, he came to Owatonna and
engaged as manager of the shoe department for J. H. Robson,
in whose employ he remained for four years. At this time Mr.
Robson sold to Mr. Kell)', and the establishment was incorpo-
rated and is known as The Kelly Company. Mr. Stageberg
became a stockholder in the new company, and was elected sec-
retary, which position he still retains. Mr. Stageberg was mar-
ried June 1, 1903, at Owatonna, to Marie J., daughter of C.
Larson, of Lemond township, Steele county. One child was
born to this union, viz.: Norman Clifford, born April 7, 1905.
Mr. Stageberg affiliates with the Republican party. He is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church, also a member of various fraternal
organizations, viz.: M. S., B. A. Y., K. of P. Mr. Stageberg is
a very enterprising young business man.
F. M. Smersh, M. D., one of the honored physicians of Steele
county, was born in Moravia, Austria. October 4, 1848, son of
Thomas and Rosalie (Maca) Smersh. He came to America with
his parents and lived in Pittsburg, Pa., and Davenport, Iowa,
before coming to Owatonna in 1878. Dr. Smersh obtained his
early education by much toil and self-sacrifice, mostly in the
night schools of Pittsburg. He took a course in the Owatonna
high school, and then attended the Kings Medical College of
Des Moines, Iowa, one year, graduating from the Bennet Col-
106G HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lege of Eclectic Surgery, March 20, 1888. Subsequently he
attended the Homeopathic Hospital College at Cleveland, Ohio.
His first practice was at Allegheny City, Pa., but the climate not
being suited to his health in that city, he came to Owatonna,
where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profes-
sino, having also an interest in the Smersh & Kubat Drug Com-
pany. Being thoroughly ethical in his practice and profession,
Dr. Smersh has allied himself with the national, county and
state medical associations, and also belongs to the Minnesota
Anti-Tuberculosis Society and the American Public Health Asso-
ciation of the United States, Mexico and Canada. He has been
chairman of the board of health of Owatonna since May, 1894,
has served as alderman from the Third ward for a total of seven
years, and has served on the library board for a number of terms
past. The wide scope of his ofifice-holding shows the wide diver-
sity of his interests, and the service he has given shows his
ability as a man, a citizen and a physician. Dr. Smersh was
married June 20, 1891, to Amelia Slezak, and to this union have
been born three children : Jerome, Rosaria and Clement. The
family residence is at 216 North Oak street. In addition to the
sanitarj' and medical societies mentioned above. Dr. Smersh is a
member of the I. O. O. P., the M. B. A., the P. O. E., the Sons
of Herman, the Z. B. G.. and the C. S. P. S. His wife is also
prominent in fraternal circles. Dr. Smersh is also at the head of
the Ancient Order of Aztecs, being the chief ofificer of its grand
lodge. Casper Slezak and Anna, his wife, were natives, respect-
ively of Bohemia and Steele county. The former makes his home
with Dr. Smersh, and the latter died July 29, 1898. Thomas
Smersh and Rosalia Maca, his wife, parents of Dr. P. M. Smersh,
were natives, respectively, of Moravia and Bohemia. In the old
country the father was a weaver. They came to America in
1867, and located in Pittsburg, Pa., remaining until 1876, then
going to Davenport, Iowa. In 1878 they came to Owatonna, and
here the mother died in Fel^ruarv, 1888. The father died June
25, 1900.
Harry W. Stout was born in Kasson, Minn., October 1, 1881,
and received his early education in the neighborhood schools
and in the Kasson high school. This he supplemented with a
course in the Mankato Commercial College. In 1901 he came to
Owatonna, and for two years worked for the Owatonna Hotel
Company, winning many friends. In 1903, seeing a good busi-
ness opening, he purchased the cigar stand and tobacco house of
C. W. Zoehrlout. In this business he has since continued, the
place having increased rapidly in popularity and volume of trade.
Mr. Stout keeps everything found in an up-to-date store of this
kind, and caters to the most fastidious tastes. Aside from his
r\i'
'ji
C. J. SKKVATirs
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1067
case trade, he does a large wholesale, jobbing and manufacturing
business. In the manufacturing line, he makes a specialty of
La Pelata, a clear Havana, which has met with much favor from
discriminating smokers. The Force, a popular five-cent cigar,
has also met with wide sales. The output of the cigar-making
department of the establishment is about 300,000 cigars annually.
Mr. Stout is a self-made man, and has made all he possesses by
his own effort. That he has succeeded in life is testified by his
constantly filled tobacco house and his large amount of orders.
Although not an active politician, he is a stanch Republican in
politics. Being of a fraternal nature, he has affiliated himself
with the Knights of Pythias and the Union Commercial Trav-
elers. June 9, 1909, Mr. Stout allied himself with Louise C.
Rasskopf, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Rasskopf, of Owa-
tonna. The family residence is at 362 East Main street. John
L. and Jennie (Hemingway) Stout, parents of Harry W. Stout,
came from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin, and in 1870 located in
Dodge county, where the father engaged in the furniture and
undertaking business in the village of Kasson. In 1903 they
removed to Kentry, Kan. John L. Stout is now practically
retired, but still looks after his extensive real-estate interests.
Charles J. Servatius was born in Faribault, Rice county,
Minn., on Christmas day, 1868, a son of Henry and Margaret
(Mayer) Servatius, natives of Austria, who came to America
as children, the father locating first in McHenry county, Illinois,
engaging in farming. In 1856 they came to Minnesota and a
short time after reaching the state settled in Rice county, farming
until 187(S, v.hen they moved to Owatonna and took up the busi-
ness of market gardening, which vocation he followed until his
death, on April 11, 1885. The mother is still living with her
son. Charles received his education at the Sacred Heart Acad-
emy of Owatonna. After leaving school, he commenced work
for himself and filled various positions of trust until 1904, when
he was elected city clerk of Owatonna. He has been elected
every year since and still holds the office. His political affilia-
tions are with the Democratic party, and in his religious belief
he is a Catholic. He has been secretary of the Commercial Club
for the past four years, has been a member of the Owatonna fire
department for over nineteen years, and has served as secretary
of the department for the past twelve years. He has been con-
nected with the management of the Metropolitan Opera House
for the past nine years, is now its active manager and has been
for the past four years. Mr. Servatius is one of the enterprising
young men of Owatonna, and is interested in all that pertains to
the best interests of the city and county. He lives at his pleasant
IOCS HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
home on South Oak street, with his aged mother, and enjoys the
respect and esteem of all who know him.
Herman Schmidt, a prosperous real-estate dealer of Owa-
tonna, was born in German}-, Jul}- 27, 1838, son of August and
Augusta (Frank) Schmidt, natives of Prussia. The father, who
was a school teacher all his life, died September 17, 1862. The
mother passed away December 23, 1880. Herman received his
early education in the public schools of Prussia. Leaving school,
he took up the mercantile business, which he followed until 1859.
At this time he entered the military service, in which he remained
two years and eleven months. He then clerked in a store for
some time, and in 1864, when the war with Denmark broke out,
he was again called to serve his country. He was discharged
from service with honor the same year. At this time he obtained
a pass from his government and emigrated to America, locating
in New York City, where he remained for a short period. He
entered the service of the United States during the time of the
Civil War, being enlisted three years in the Army of the Poto-
mac, Company C, Fourth Regiment New Jersey \^olunteer In-
fantry, of the Sixth Corps. He was discharged with honor July
16, 1865, at Hall's Hill, Va. After being discharged from the
army, he went to Columbus, Wis., and engaged in the mercantile
business, which he conducted until June, 1866. At this time he
went to La Crosse, Wis., thence to St. Paul, thence to St. Cloud,
and from there to Faribault. Leaving the latter place, he came
to Owatonna, June 5, 1866, and engaged in the saloon and mer-
cantile business, which he continued until 1878. At this time he
sold out his mercantile establishment on account of ill health
and engaged in conveyance, insurance and real estate, which
business he has continued w-ith success ever since. Mr. Schmidt
was married September 5, 1872, at Owatonna, to Mrs. Margaret
Ganser (nee Bauer). Six children were born to this union, viz.:
Mary, wife of C. F. Albcrtus, cashier of the Security Bank ; Carl
A., who is engaged in the grocery business at Peever, S. D. ;
Alfred, a clerk in the Security Bank of Owatonna ; Carl A. ;
Hugo; and Ella, deceased. Mr. Schmidt is an independent voter
and a member of the A. O. U. \\'. He is a man who is held in
high esteem, and has served the city and county in a number of
local ofifices, being six years a member of the city council, five
years on the school board, tw-elve years county commissioner,
serving eight years out of the twelve as chairman ; three years
on the library board, serving part of this time as secretary of
that board ; and thirty years as trustee of Forest Hill Cemetery.
In 1895 Mr. Schmidt built a beautiful modern residence at 805
South Cedar street. He also owns a block on North Cedar
.1. II. VJ.NKK
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1069
street, and is the owner of 124 acres of land in Otter Tail county,
Minnesota.
John Smith, of the firm of Parrott & Smith, hardware mer-
chants, was born at Dittersbach, Austria, April 30, 1860. He
was the son of Frank and Mary (Marek) Smith, natives of Aus-
tria, where they w^ere engai^ed in farming. The father died in
1885 and the mother in 1888. John was educated in the public
schools of Austria, and emigrating to America in 1875, located
in Owatonna township, where he went to work on a farm. He
attended school in this country two winters and by persevering
effort acquired a good knowledge of the English language. He
followed farming until 1881, then came to Owatonna, where he
clerked in the hardware store of D. O. Searle. He remained in
the employ of Mr. Searle for three years, during the last part of
which period he acted as manager. In 1885 he formed a co-part-
nership with Mr. George Parrott. This partnership purchased
the store from the D. O. Searle estate, and they have since con-
tinued to do a flourishing business, enjoying a wide patronage
and universal confidence. Mr. Smith was married January 1,
1883, at Owatonna, to Eva Morrison, daughter of Isaac N. and
Mrs. Morrison, of Clinton Falls township. The father died
March 20, 1906. The mother is still living at Clinton Falls. In
politics Mr. Smith is affiliated with the Republican party. In
religious faith he, with his family, belongs to the Congregational
Church. Mr. Smith is also prominent in fraternal circles, belong-
ing to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias,
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the A. O. A. Mr.
Smith is a good citizen, and takes an active interest in the public
affairs of his community. He served as alderman of the First
ward two years — 1900-1901. He was elected county commis-
sioner and served four years — 1903-1907. The family is domi-
ciled in a beautifid residence at 222 South Grove street. Novem-
ber 19, 1906, the store of Parrott & Smith was completely de-
stroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $15,000 above insurance. Not
daunted by this loss, they immediately commenced to rebuild,
erecting a beautiful three-story fireproof brick block, where they
are now located.
John H. Viner, the well-known proprietor of the Ideal Cement
Tile Company, at Owatonna, is a native of Skane, Sweden, and
was born May 25, 1868, a son of Hans and Annie (Person)
Viner, both natives of that country. The father, a farmer by
occupation, was active in political affairs, and represented his
district in the Riksdagsman, or Swedish Congress, eleven years.
He died March 28, 1883. The mother passed away in November,
1898. John H. spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attended
the public schools, and after leaving school worked as a farmer
1070 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in Sweden till he was thirt)--one years old. In 1899 he came to
this country, landed at New York, November 11, and went
thence to Chicago, where he was variously employed till the
spring of 1900, when he came to Minnesota and for two years
was employed at cement work. Settling at Owatonna, May 28,
1902, he there followed the same occupation one year, and in
February, 1903, purchased the business owned by Mr. Nels Nel-
son, taking contracts for building sidewalks. He continued that
line of work alone some six years. In the spring of 1909 Mr.
E. L. Haines came into the business, and the present company
was formed and the scope of the work enlarged to include all
kinds of cement tile blocks, building material and every descrip-
tion of cement work. Air. Viner has made a careful study of his
line of work and is known as a thoroughly informed expert in
everything pertaining to it. He has devoted himself closely to
his business and has had little time for outside afifairs. He is a
Democrat in his political principles, but has never sought or held
any office. He is interested in fraternal fellowship, being identi-
fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal
Arcanum, and in his religious faith holds to the tenets of the
Presbyterian Church. On October 5, 1900, Mr. Viner married
Annie Nelson, who came from Sweden, where her father now
lives, and where her niothed died in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Viner
have one child, Aneta Viola by name.
O. E. Williamson, alderman of the Second ward in the city
of Owatonna, and a prosperous business man, was born in Nor-
way, February 20, 1875, son of Erick and Martha (Ristie) Will-
iamson, who in 1879 came to America and engaged in farming in
Kenyon. Goodhue county, Minn., where they still remain, being
honored and esteemed citizens, now living retired from active
work in Kenyon.
Our subject came to America with his parents when but four
years of age. He received his early education in the country
schools. He then engaged in the meat cutting trade with D.
Gochnauer & Son, of Kenyon, in whose employ he remained for
nine years and three months, learning the trade from A to Z,
from the slaughter-house to the block. In 1902 he came to the
city of Owatonna and entered the employ of J. M. SchafTer,
where he remained for two years. Then he entered the copart-
nership with P. J. Rockwood, conducting a market until 1909,
at which time he sold his interest to Mr. Rockwood and pur-
chased the meat business of D. H. Denison, which is the old
Schafifer place, where he first started in Owatonna. Mr. William-
son is now the sole owner and proprietor, and carries on a very
successful business. He buys and slaughters all his beef and
manufactures all his lard, sausages, ham and bacon, etc. He
O. ]•:. WILLIAMSON
-T-UE ME"^ YCU..
THE NEW
PUBLIC
ASTOM, LtH.
TILOK" FOUN'
K. T. WOODAKT)
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1071
keeps an up-to-date market, sanitarj^ in every respect. His hon-
est dealings and integrity answer for his large and flourishing
trade. Mr. Williamson was married T'ebrnary 4, 1903, at Austin,
Minn., to Miss Charlotte E. Furtney, a faithful, loving and de-
voted wife. Mr. W'illiamson is a Republican in political senti-
ment. He is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to the
A. O. U. \V.. I. O. O. F.. F. O. E., K. O. P., and the Owatonna
Commercial Club, which he aided in organizing. In January,
1910, he was elected chancellor commander of the Knights of
Pythias. In 1906 he was elected alderman nf the Second ward
and re-elected in 1908 and 1910 without opposition. Ilis home is
beautifully located at 222 East ?ilain street.
William Wavrin, proprietor of the Owatonna Dye Works,
was born in Steele county. December 4, 1879, son of Joseph and
Paulina (Belina) W avrin, natives of Rohemia. The parents emi-
grated from their native land in the fifties, locating in Steele
county, where the father engaged in farming. William received
his early education in the district schools of Merton township,
which was supplemented with a high-school education. He later
took a business course at Canfield Business College of Owatonna.
Leaving the latter institution, he started life on his father's farm,
where he remained until 1903. At this time he went to Owa-
tonna and bought the dye works from his brothers, who had
previously conducted that business. Mr. Wavrin is doing a flour-
ishing business, his ability and business integrity being recog-
nized by the public. Besides our subject there are four brothers
and one sister in this famil}-, viz. : John, Frank and Joe, who are
all farmers in Steele county ; A. M. works with William in the
dye business; Anna, later Mrs. Jos. Martinck, died in the vear
1904.
Mr. Wavrin is a Democrat in political failh. lie is prominent
in fraternal circles, being a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America, the C. S. P. S., the A. O. A., and the Z. C. B. T. and
C. A. O. S.
Rufus T. Woodard, who has the distinction of having been
one of the famous Roosevelt Rough Riders, has seen life in
various parts of the globe, and has had a wider experience than
usually falls to the lot of a native-born Minnesotan. He first
saw the light of day in Berlin township, Steele county, August
12, 1872. a son of R. L. and Julia (Barrett) Woodard, natives of
Pennsylvania. He received his education in the schools of Fari-
bault, and from several correspondence schools, and first started
out for himself as an acrobat, traveling with a circus for two
and one-half years, and visiting every state in the Union. He
then traveled all over Europe with Colonel Cody's Wild W^est
Show. He was there for a j'ear and one-half, and visited every
1073 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
country in Europe. After his return to America he located in
Chicago, 111., and worked at the trade of bricklayer, going from
there to Kansas City, Mo., and thence to Galveston, Texas,
where he worked at the concrete business for a while, and then
moved to St. Paul, where he learned the sculptor and carver's
trade. In the spring of 1898 he went to San Antonio, Texas,
and at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he enlisted
in Troop H of the United States Volunteer Cavalry, "Roose-
velt's Rough Riders." They were first ordered to Tampa, Fla.,
and thence to Cuba. He participated in all the battles of his
regiment, and was mustered out September 4, 1898, at Montauk
Point, Long Island. He then returned to San Antonio, where
he put together a moving picture and vaudeville show, which
was known as "Woodard's Congress of Rough Riders." and
which he conducted for six months. In the spring of 1899 he
went to St. Paul and engaged in the concrete business until
August, when he returned to his old home in Faribault. During
the year 1901 he went to California and worked in all the princi-
pal cities to better acquaint himself with his line of business.
In 1902 he returned to Faribault and in the spring of 1903 came
to Owatonna and formed a copartnership with Mr. C. K. Ander-
son by purchasing the Hammel interests in the contracting, con-
crete and cement company of Hammel Brothers & Anderson,
the business now being carried on under the name of "Guar-
antee Concrete and Construction Company." Mr. Woodard was
married September 9, 1892, at St. Paul, Minn., to Marie Dahl, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dahl, of Walcott township.
Three daughters have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wood-
ard: Alivetta LaFlossetta. Virginia Lorina and Bluedella Corine.
Mr. Woodard's political affiliations are with the Republican
party, and in his religious belief he is a Congregationalist. He
is a member of the U. C. T. and the F. O. E. and of the Owa-
tonna Gun Club. He is also a member of the Armory Athletic
Association, of which he has served as instructor for several
years. He is a member of Company I, Second Regiment of the
Minnesota National Guard, and also belongs to the North Star
Poultry Association. Mr. Woodard is a self-made man, and
lives at his pleasant home, No. 416 Glendale avenue. He is inter-
ested in all that pertains to the best interests of his adopted city
and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him. R. L.
Woodard and Julia Barrett, his wife, were natives of Pennsyl-
vania. They came to Steele county at an early day and located
in Berlin township, engaging in farming until 1880, when they
removed to Faribault, where R. L. is still living, his wife having
died March 25, 1909.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1073
Hans Peter Anderson was born in Denmark, April 3, 1859,
son of Andrew and Stina Jacobson. The father was a car-
penter and builder in Denmark, and lived there until his death
in 1878. The mother died in 1860. Hans Peter received his edu-
cation in Denmark ; coming to America in 1882, he attended the
American schools for one year, and then located in Steele county
and engaged in farming. In 1890 he purchased a farm of seventy-
five acres in section 20, Blooming Prairie township, and here he
has followed general farming ever since, dairying being his chief
industry. Hans Anderson was married March 9. 1883, to Stina
Jensen, of Denmark, and three daughters have blessed their
union : Mary, born November 22, 1884, now Mrs. Amond Ander-
son of Blooming Prairie township; Emma, born March 2, 1886;
and Agnes, born July 3, 1890. In politics Mr. Anderson is a
Republican, and a member of the Free Christian Church. He has
twice served his township as supervisor, the first time for a
period of three years, and was again elected in 1909, and still
holds the office. He has served as a member of the school board
of district No. 84, and is also the manager of the Union Creamery
Association of Blooming Prairie township. He has a fine farm
which is well improved. He is a self-made man and is highly
respected by all who know him.
John Antel, a well-known farmer of Havana township, Steele
county, Minn., was born in Bohemia, June 27, 1850, where he
passed his boyhood and received his education. He left the
Fatherland in 1876, locating in Steele county, engaging in farm-
ing. Ten years after his arrival in this country he purchased a
quarter section of land, where he continued general diversified
farming for some time. Later he sold eighty acres of this tract
and, in 1899, bought what was known as the Hewett farm, con-
sisting of 120 acres of good land, located in section 5, Havana
township, Steele county. This, with his other eighty, now con-
stitute his farm, on which he is still actively engaged in its culti-
vation and improvement, having built up one of the most up-to-
date and well cared for farms in the county. Mr. Antel has
always given much of his time to dairying and is one of the
stockholders in the Havana Creamery. In politics he is inde-
pendent, believing in the best man for the office, regardless of
his party affiliations. Community affairs have always claimed
much of his attention, however, and he is at present serving his
school district as a member of the school board. As to religious
belief, he is a follower of the tenets of the Presbyterian Church.
He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and
the C. S. P. S. June, 1887, he married Anna Relina, by whom he
has four children, who. named respectively in the order of their
ages, are: Wencl, Fredrick, Venc and Anna.
1074 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
L. J. Brynstad, a native of Norway, was born September 17,
1862. He passed his boyhood in his native country and there
received his education, coming to tliis land of opportunity at the
age of twenty years, and locating in Steele county, Minnesota,
where he was engaged in carpentering for five years. He then
purchased ninety acres of land in section 14, the cultivation of
this taking his time and attention for the ne.xt five years, after
which he bought 160 acres in section 26. Numerous buildings
were erected Ijy him and other improvements added from time to
time, in keeping with j^rogressive agriculture, thus making his
farm one of the most modern and up-to-date in the county. Mr.
Brynstad is a follower of the principles of tlie Republican party,
and is always interested in enterprises for the upbuilding of the
county. He is at present serving his school district as clerk, this
being his fifth year of office. He has in\ested his savings in bank,
creamery and elevator stock. The Lutheran Church claims him
as a member. Januar\' 23, 1886, he was married to Elsie Quit-
ber, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Axel Ouitber. Seven children
have blessed this marriage: Clara, who is a student at the State
Normal School at Winona; Jennie, a teacher, and .\lma, Robert,
Laurence, Alice and Lydia, who live at home with their parents.
Jens and Engel (Joakim) Brjmstad. parents of L. J., were
natives of Norway, residing in the fatherland all their lives. The
father was a sergeant in the Norwegian army. His decease
occurred in 1908, the mother having died eighteen years earlier.
Mrs. L. J. Brynstad's father. Axel Ouitber, was a native of
Sweden, born January 31, 1827. in St. Olaf, in Skone. At the age
of sixteen he learned the carpenter's trade and worked at this
until thirty years of age, at which time he emigrated to America
and located in Louisiana and Florida, where he kept up the same
trade for three or four years. He came to the state in Minnesota
in 1861 and located in Geneva. At that time the country was
wild and part of it was surrounded with water so that people
could paddle a canoe from Geneva to Owatonna. The same year
he purchased 160 acres in section 26, which w'as covered with
timber and shrubs. He was prominent in all doings which be-
longed to a newly settled life. He w-as among the first ones that
organized a congregation here. This congregation belonged to
the Lutheran Church. It was called the Beaver Lake Congre-
gation. He improved his farm from time to time until his death,
which occurred October 23, 1889, when he left his property to his
wife and daughter. Mrs. Carrie Quitber, mother of Mrs. L.
J. Brynstad. was born in Aurland Sogn in Norway, where she
spent her childhood, until the age of thirty years, when she emi-
grated to this state. She died in 1898 and is now resting by her
husband's side in the Geneva cemeter}-.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1075
George S. Brainerd, a prominent business man of Rloomini^
Prairie. Minn., is a native of that town, being born August 7,
1871. He received his education in the public schools, afterwards
going into tlic lumber business with J. C. Brainerd and Company,
his father being the principal stockholder. The company had a
very extensive patronage, having yards located in Blooming
Prairie, Bixby, Watham, Elkton and Albert Lea, all of Minne-
sota, George S. being the manager of the Blooming Prairie
branch and a stockholder. In 1904, they reorganized, incor-
porating as the Northwest Lumber Company, Mr. Brainerd,
becoming a director and retaining the management of the Bloom-
ing Prairie yards until 1905, when he disposed of his lumber
interests to Laird Norton and Company. The clothing business
engaged his attention lor the following three years, after which
he purchased the stock of the Veblin Mercantile Company, which
he incorporated as the Blooming Prairie Mercantile Company.
He is still proprietor of this establishment and has met with
marked success. Mr. Brainerd is a staunch adherent of the
Republican party and has served in numerous ofifices, being a
member of the State Board of Equalization in 1904, a delegate
to the National Farm Land Congress at Chicago, in 1909, and
was a delegate to the celebrated Conservation Congress. He was
also town treasurer for two terms. He is affiliated with num-
erous benevolent and patriotic organizations, being a Mason, a
member of the Blue Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, Modern Woodmen of America and the Order of Hoo
Hoo and is also a leading spirit in the local Commercial club.
The Universalist church claims his attention in religious matters.
August 9, 1893, he united in marriage with Mary A. Toher,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Toher, of Ovvatonna. They
have six children, Marie, born August 21, 1894; John C, born
April, 1896; Richard K., David L., Thomas E., and William G.
The family residence is on Second street. Mr. Brainerd is the
son of John C. and Melissa ( Burnliam) Brainerd, whose sketch
appears elsewhere.
Andrew A. Berg was born in .Xorway. January 10, 1860, son
of .Abraham and Xccolaia (Loceth) Berg, natives of Norway
who came to America in 1864 and located in Wisconsin, where
they engaged in farming until 1871, when they came to Minne-
sota and located in Freeborn county, where the father followed
his occupation of a farmer until his death October 1877, the
mother died in 1901. .Andrew received his education at the dis-
trict schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota. In 1880 he purchased
eighty acres of land in Section 27. and since that time has added
to it until he now has a farm of 280 acres all in Berlin township,
on which he has built his home and buildings and carried on
1076 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
general diversified farming. He owns in addition 240 acres of
land in Grand Forks county. North Dakota. Andrew was mar-
ried December 9, 1880, to Miss Isabelle Lageson. a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. (Elling) Lageson and twelve children have blessed
their home: Edwin, with the Ellendale Mercantile Company;
Nels, who conducts a saw mill and threshing machine ; Albert
at home, farming part of home farm ; Henry, an engineer working
for his brother, Nels ; Louisa, student at Pillsbury academy ; Ida,
housekeeper for Albert; Arnold, Louis, Enoch, Mabel, Lillian
and Bennett all living at home. In politics Mr. Berg is an inde-
pendent Republican, and he attends the Norwegian Lutheran
Church. He has served as a director of the school board for a
good many years. He is a co-partner in the Ellendale Mercantile
Company, vice-president of the Farmers Telephone Company,
of Ellendale, is a stockholder of the Farmers Elevator Company,
and also of the Ellendale Creamery association. He has won
his success by his own efforts, and has the respect and confidence
of all who know him.
W. A. Bailey, the genial postmaster of Medford village, is
a native of Minnesota, and was born May 28, 1860, in Waseca
county, St. Mary's village. He is a son of John and Elizabeth
(Erwin) Bailey, the former a native of New Hampshire and the
latter of New York State. The father came West in 1855 and
located in Waseca county, Minnesota, where he was married.
He went into the general merchandise business at Waseca vil-
lage. From there he went to Faribault remaining for some two
jears and then removed to Prairieville, Rice county, where he
conducted a general merchandise establishment until 1865. and
then came to Medford, Steele county, establishing a similar busi-
ness which he continued up to the time of his decease, December
7, 1898. The mother still lives in :Medford, and will attain the
venerable age of eighty-three years next August, 1910. Besides
our subject there is a twin brotlier in this famih', who lives in
Chicago. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in
the public schools of ]\Iedford. Leaving school he was employed
in his father's store, which occupation he followed until 1880
at which time he and his brother. Arthur S.. bought an interest
in their father's store. Arthur S. Bailey died in 1891. He bought
his father's interest about one week before the latters death.
Mr. Bailey continued this business until 1901. He then sold his
stock and merchandise to John Brown of Lamoni, Iowa, being the
first carload of goods shipped over the Rock Island road from this
point. Mr. Bailey, as well as his father, has held positions of
trust in their community for a long time. His father served as
postmaster for many years, and W. A. still continues to fill
that position up to the present time. He is also dealer in coal.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1077
Mr. Bailey was married in 1882 to Ella M., daughter of
James and D. V. ( ) McNitt, who were natives of
New York and Michigan respectively. The family is blessed
with two children, viz: Nellie V., now Mrs. C. E. Sanders, of
St. Paul, and Leona E., who lives with her parents. A daughter
was born to C. E. Sanders and wife June 11, 1910, named Eliza-
beth Jane Sanders.
In political faith Mr. Bailey is affiliated with the Republican
party. His family belong to the Congregation Church. He is
also a member of the Knights of Pythias and Yeoman; was a
member of the Modern Woodmen. He is secretary of the Strait
River Telephone Company.
Mr. Bailey is distinguished as having had the longest con-
tinued residence in the village of Medford.
Ezra C. Bryant, was born in New York State, March 20, 1852,
son of John A. and Clysta A. (Sage) Bryant, natives of New
York State. They emigrated west in 1854, locating in Oshkosh,
Wis., where the father engaged in farming remaining there until
the spring of 1868, when he came to Meriden township, Steele
county, and engaged in agricultural pursuits on 195 acres of
land, which he had acquired. He followed farming all his life
and passed away June, 1880, the mother is still living in Min-
neapolis. Ezra C. received his early education in Wisconsin,
and came to Steele county with his parents in 1868. He bought
126 acres of land in Meriden township. This he later sold and
removed to Lemond township, where he purchased 126 acres
of land on which he carried on general and diversified farming
until 1895. At this time, he moved to Owatonna, where he en-
gaged in rug work for three years, then in 1903, he organized
the Owatonna Rug Company, manufacturing all kinds of rugs,
carpets and curtains. Mr. Bryant was married April 3, 1877, to
Mary E. Davis. She died February 7, 1903. Eight children were
born to this union. Earl C. of Esterville, Iowa ; James died May
19, 1908; Bessie G., now Mrs. Walter Kitzman, lives in Ester-
ville, Iowa; John A., lives in Minneapolis; Hattie lives at Fari-
bault; Mary E. also lives at Faribault; William C. lives at Ester-
ville, Iowa, and Angle died August , 1898. Mr. Bryant does
not affiliate with any political party but votes for the man, who
according to his opinion is the best qualified to fill the office.
Anton M. Belina was born in Owatonna township, Steele
county, January 22, 1876, son of Anton and Frances (Pavack)
Belina, natives of Bohemia. They emigrated to the United States
in 1855 locating on a farm in Owatonna township, where they en-
gaged in general and diversified farming, the father following this
occupation up to the time of his decease. February 25. 1887. The
mother survives him and still resides on the old homestead.
1078 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
The subject of this sketch received his early education in the
district schools of Owatonna township, which was followed by
a course in the public schools of Owatonna. While attending
the public schools in Owatonna, he also learned the tinner's
trade. In 1895. he entered Carlton college and took a general
course after which he became salesman for the Black Manu-
facturing Company of Erie, Pa. This he followed for two years.
He then entered into the sporting goods business at Owatonna,
where he is now located. He keeps a full line of everything car-
ried in an up-to-date store of this kind, and in connection with
this business, he also conducts the leading automobile garage
of the city.
Mr. Belina was married June 11. 1901. at Owatonna. to
Mary S., daughter of I\Ir. and Mrs. Andrew Erdmann (deceased).
A daughter and son have blessed their union, viz, Geraldine
Evel3n born January 23, 1904, and Kenneth A. born September
25, 1905. Geraldine Evelyn died June 23, 1904, when six months
of age. Mr. Belina is a self-made man. He has gained his posi-
tion by hard work and determined efifort. He is a good citizen
and generous neighbor. In political sentiment, he is a Democrat.
The family adhere to the Lutheran Church. He is also prominent
in fraternal circles, belonging to the K. of P., the E. F. U., and
the A. O. -A. Mr. and Mrs. Belina live in a pleasant residence on
Franklin avenue.
Charley F. Brown, a native of Minnesota was born in Aurora
township, Steele county, on October 6, 1874, son of F. C. and
Mar}' (Clark) Brown. Charley received his education in district
No. 27. of Aurora township, and after leaving school he engaged
for six }-ears in buying and selling horses, and in 1903 com-
menced farming on his father's farm of 180 acres, located in
Aurora township, in Sections 26 and 27. He has followed gen-
. eral farming in all its branches, but dairying has been his chief
pursuit, and he is also engaged in breeding short horn cattle,
and Norman and Clyde horses. He was married February 27,
1898, to Bertha ^lallman and they have one child: Edna E. born
August 4, 1909. In his political views he is a Democrat, and he is
a member of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Modern Wood-
men of America. He has served his town as constable for one
year, and is now serving his fourth year as road overseer, and he
is also a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Brown also breeds a large
quantity of poultry each year, Rhode Island Reds and Barred
Rocks being his favorite varities. He is a stockholder in the
Oak Glen Creamery, and is an enterprising and successful farmer
respected by all who know him.
Thomas M. Bruzek, cigar manufacturer of Blooming Prairie,
was born in New Prague, Scott county, Minnesota, December
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1070
4, 1880. lie is a son of Frank ami Anna (Jelenek) liruzek, na-
tives of Austria-IIungar}", and of Cecil parentage. The parents
located in Scott county, Minnesota, where the father enii^aged in
farming. He died October 10, 1881, the mother is still living in
New Prague, Scott county. Thomas received his earl}- educa-
tion in the public schools. Leaving school, he took up and
learned the cigar makers trade in Waseca, Minn. In 1902, he
engaged in the manufacture of cigars at New Prague, which he
continued until 1904. From there he went to Spokane, Wash.,
where he engaged in the same line of business. In 1907, he came
to Blooming Prairie village and established a cigar factory,
where he is doing a strictl}' wholesale business. His leading
brands are the Lord Digby, ten cents, and the Club, five cents.
He has a large and steadily increasing trade having established
a reputation on the goods that he manufactures. He has met
with a marked degree of success and is highly repected and very
popular with the business men of the village. In political senti-
ment, Mr. liruzek is a Republican. He is a member of the
Catholic Church, also a member of the I. O. O. F.
Henry J. Brown, known as an expert horse shoer and skill-
ful workman in his line, was born in \\'ashington county, Wis-
consin, June 6, 1876. He is a son of Peter and Margaret (Dons-
back) Brown, who came hither from Germany in 1846 and set-
tled on a tract of land in Washington county, Wisconsin, where
they made a home and lived until 1907. The father was a pros-
perous and thrifty farmer and after some sixty years of general
farming, retired from active work and moved to Fond du Lac
county. The mother died October 21, 1903. Henry J. grew up
on his father's farm and attended the district schools and had all
the ordinary experiences of the W^estern farmer boy. Of a
mechanical turn of mind he worked as a carpenter in early life
and in 1898 learned the blacksmith's trade making a specialty of
horse shoeing. After moving to Owatonna he joined his brother
L. C. Brown, and together, under the name of Brown Brothers,
they built up an extensive trade in their special line, and were
known near and far as expert, reliable and skillful mechanics. Mr.
Brown has devoted himself to his business and has never held
or sought any office. He is a Democrat in his political principles,
and in religious belief holds to the Catholic faith. He is identified
with several fraternal societies, being a member of Knights of
Columbus, the Yeomen, Aztecs and Eagles. On October 4,
1904, Mr. Brown married Annette, daughter of D. J. and Minnie
(Inuker) Trisko, who came from Germany, their native land, to
W'isconsin and thence moved to Owatonna where they now re-
side and where the father has followed his trade for thirty-three
years. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one child, Raymond H., by
1080 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUX'TIES
name. In March, 1910, Mr. Brown severed his connection with
the firm of Brown Brothers and moved to Denhoff, N. D., where
he engaged in the same business.
Claude C. Campbell, editor and owner of the "Ellendale
Eagle" of Ellendale, Minn., was born in Garrettsville, Ohio,
January 19, 1875. At the age of eleven he came with his parents
to South Dakota, living successively at Sioux Falls. Holabird
and Brookings. At the latter place he completed his education
in the public schools and in the State Agricultural College, also
of Brookings. He then entered the employ of the "Brookings
Register," being connected with that paper at intervals till 1902.
During this time, together with Richard Phenix, he established
the "Converse County Press" of Douglass, Wyo., and was also
associated with S. A. Cochrane in the publication of "The Indi-
vidual" at Brookings. In 1902, he removed to Ellendale. Minn.,
and purchased the "Ellendale Eagle," a weekly newspaper, of
which he has been sole proprietor and manager ever since. The
paper's circulation has been tripled since he took charge. It is
known as one of the newsiest and most fearless sheets in the
county, and wields a wide influence throughout this section of
the state. Mr. Campbell also has a large and increasing business
in job and commercial printing, and is a co-partner with \\'. E.
Galloway in the Ellendale Realty Company, one of the live insti-
tutions of the village. He has served as postmaster since August
8, 1909, which, together with his other affairs makes him a very
busy man.
The Ellendale Telephone Company numbers him among its
stockholders. In politics, he is an active supporter of the Repub-
lican party and is keenly interested in all that pertains to the
welfare of his community. He has served one year as a recorder
and two years as president of the village council. The Modern
\Voodmen of America and the Masonic Order, count him a
loyal member of their respective organizations. He w^as also
identified with Company G, of the First Regiment of the South
Dakota National Guard, while in South Dakota. March 20,
1898, he was united in marriage with Lillian L. Lewis, at Brook-
ings, S. D. They have two children: Cecil R.. born January 1.
1899, and Richard V., who was born February 13, 1903. Daniel
R. and Araminta (Sapp) Campbell, parents of Claude C, were
born in Ohio, being of Scotch-Irish-Dutch descent. The father
was a marble and granite importer, designer of monuments,
vaults, etc., for many years, afterwards becoming engaged in the
manufacture of pottery at Wellsville, Ohio, where he remained
till 1883. He then went to Sioux Falls, S. D., residing there
three years, when he joined the tide of landseekers drifting west-
ward and located at Holabird in the same state. The country
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1081
not developing as rapidlj- as anticipated, he took a position as
general agent for the Masonic Aid Life Insurance, of Yankton. S.
D., and established his headquarters at Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The family was removed to Brookings because of the educa-
tional advantages offered there, with the intention of taking
up their residence in Winnipeg later. These plans were upset
by the death of Mr. Campbell which occurred at Winnipeg, Sep-
tember, 15, 1888. The mother is still living with her son Claude,
who is her only child, a daughter. Bertha, having died at Brook-
ings in 1892, at the age of twenty-three years.
Robert Campbell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July
22. 1850. son of Robert and Jane Campbell, natives of Scotland,
where the father died. The mother came to America in 1857, and
died in Webster township, Rice county. Robert attended the
public schools of Scotland until he was seven years of age, and
then came to America with his mother. They located for one
j'ear in Wisconsin, then moved to Minnesota and took up their
home in Webster township, and there followed general farming
imtil 1900 when he sold the old home and came to Steele county
and purchased a 200 acre farm in Blooming Prairie township.
Sections 26 and 27, where he has since followed general farming.
He was married October 1, 1887, at Northfield, Minn., to Grace
Campbell, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Campbell, of Dodge
count3^ Her mother died in 1896 and her father is now living
at Blooming Prairie village. Seven children have blessed the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell : Jennie, born December 6,
1888; William, born March 26, 1890; James born September 13,
1891; John, born April 7, 1893; Robert born April 20, 1896; Mar-
garet, born August 15, 1898, and Grace born March 17, 1901. Mr.
Campbell's political affiliations are with the Republican party and
he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is now treasurer
of school district No. 45 of his township, and is a stockholder
in the Farmers Elevator Company, of Northfield. He is a self
made man. and a good citizen, respected by all.
Jay J. Cotter, a well-known farmer of Steele county, was born
in Owatonna. October 8. 1876. His education was received in
the public schools and completed with a course in Pillsburj'
academy. He then came to Havana township and located on his
father's farm where he has been engaged in general agriculture
ever since. Mr. Cotter also owns forty acres in Section seventeen
and eighty more in Section sixteen, all of which is largely under
cultivation. The Farmer's Elevator Company, of Owatonna and
the Havana Creamery count him among their stockholders and
patrons. As to political faith, he is a believer in the tenets of
the Democratic party, but has never sought public office, his large
farming interests taking all his attention. He was married,
WS-i HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
June 10, 1903, to Fannie E. Holmes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.,
Byron Holmes, of Owatonna. The father is deceased. James
A. and ^liranda (Jones) Cotter, parents of Jay J., were natives
of Pennsylvania. The father emigrated to Minnesota as a boy
in the early pioneer days, locating in Owatonna, then but a rough
frontier outpost, wdiere he received his education. .A-fter his
school days, he worked in a grocery store for several years, later
being elected clerk of the county court and holding this ofifice
for many years. He then purchased a hundred and sixty acres
in Havana township, soon afterwards selling eighty of them, and
followed general farming for a time. His election as deputy
auditor put an end to his farming operations, and while holding
this ofifice, he died from the effects of a stroke of apoplexy in May,
1909. His wife is now living at Owatonna.
M. J. Dunigan was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, October
24. 1858, son of Patrick and Margaret (Murphy) Dunigan,
natives of Ireland who came to America in 1848 and located
first in Washington. D. C, where they remained only a short
time and then moved to Indiana, going from there in 1855 to
Wisconsin w-here the father engaged in agricultural pursuits
until 1862. This }'ear they moved to Goodhue county, Min-
nesota, where they remained for one year and then went to Free-
born County, Minnesota, remaining there until 1873 when they
moved to Steele county locating in Berlin township on 240 acres
of land in Section 34, which he had bought in 1871. Mr. Duni-
gan broke, cleared and subdued this land with the help of his
son, brought to a high state of cultivation, and here he followed
general diversified farming until his death which occurred April
28, 1878. His faithful wife followed in October, 1892. M. J.
Dunigan received his education in the district schools of Free-
born county, coming to Steele county in 1873 he engaged in
farming with his father until his father's death, when he to-
gether with his brother, Thomas, conducted the home farm tuitil
1892, when he started out for himself on a 160 acre farm in
Section 33 and 34 which was left him through the death of his
father. In the Spring of 1893 he traded tliis farm for another
160 acres in Section 33 of Berlin township, where he is now
engaged in farming. Fie was married November 14, 1892 to
Anna Wright, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wright,
who were early settlers of Steele county coming here in 1856.
Both are now deceased. Five children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Dunigan: Mildred, born November 17, 1894; Luella,
born February 10, 1900, and Gerald, Ijorn July 15. 1905, and
two died in infancy. In politics Mr. Dunigan is a Democrat,
and in his religious belief he is a Catholic. He is a member
of C. O. F. and the B. A. F. He served the town as supervisor
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1083
for two jears, and was chairman of the tdwn board for fourteen
years. He has served as director on the school board both
in district No. 96 and in district No. 33. He is a stockholder
in the I'"armers' Elevator Co., and has been president of the
Farmers' Rural Telephone Co. since its organization. He is
one of Steele county's prosperous and successful farmers.
Thomas E. Dunigan is a native of Minnesota, having been
born in Freeborn county, August 7, 1873. He is a son of Patrick
Dunigan. Thomas received his education at the district schools
after which he took up farming on the home farm with his
brother, M. J. Dunigan, until, by the death of his mother in
1893, he inherited 160 acres of the home farm in Section 34,
Berlin township, on which, in 1905, he begun farming for him-
self. He has greatly improved the land and the buildings. In
1908 he erected a two story house, thoroughly modern and up-
to-date. He is also a breeder of short horn cattle, and has met
with great success in this line of work greatly improving his
herd from year to year. In his religious belief he is a Catholic,
and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. He
is a stockholder in the Farmer's Elevator Company, and in the
Ellendalc Creamery. He has never aspired to public office,
although always interested in whatever is for the best interests
of his town and county. He is a single man with his sister
Hannah as housekeeper, he is happily and comfortably situated
in his beautiful farm residence where he enjoys the respect and
confidence of all who know him.
Louis C. Ditlevson was born in Denmark, September 4, 1850,
son of Chris, and Carrie (Jenson) Ditlevson, natives of Den-
mark. The father was a weaver by trade, and died in his native
land in 1888, the nv)ther died in 1858. Louis received his edu-
cation in Denmark, and then learned the weaver's trade which
he followed until he came to America in 1873. He first located
in Geneva in Freeborn county, Minnesota, he engaged in farm-
ing and remained there for two years. In 1875 he came to
Steele county and followed farm work for two years, and in 1877
purchased eighty acres in Section 17, of Blooming Prairie town-
ship. He has added to this at different times 140 acres and now
has a farm of 220 acres all in Section 17. At the time of pur-
chase it was nearly all wild land, but he has it now all under a
fine state of cultivation, and within the last eight years he has
erected a new home and all new out-buildings. He follows a
general diversified farming. Mr. Ditlev.son was married Feb-
ruary 9, 1875, to Mary Paulson, who was born in Denmark,
November 6, 1857, and came to America in 1874. Sixteen chil-
dren have blessed their union: Chris, born January 7, 1876, of
Blooming Prairie township: Mary, born Mav 13, 1877, died
1084 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
February 22, 1880; Hannah, born March 10, 1879, now Mrs. N.
C. Nelson, of Blooming Prairie township ; Fred, born October
17, 1880, now living in Wisconsin; Andrew, born July 16, 1882,
now of Blooming Prairie township ; Henry, born May 6, 1884,
now of Owatonna; Alay, born March 21, 1886, at home; Caro-
line, born January 13, 1888, also at home ; William, born April
7, 1890, now at Appleton, Minn., keeping books ; Eddie, born
January 3, 1892; Arthur, born February 22, 1893; ilaggie, born
March 11, 1894; Emanuel, born April 16, 1895; Myrtle, born
April 9, 1897; Lawrence and Ella, twins, born December 6, 1899,
the eight youngest children are living at home with their parents.
In his political affiliations Mr. Ditlevson is a Republican, and he
is a member of the Baptist Church. He has been a member of
the school board of district No. 85 for seven years and he is
now treasurer of the district, he is a member of the Union
Creamery Association, and is a stockholder in the Farmer's
Elevator of Blooming Prairie His is a good citizen and highly
respected by all who know him.
Edward Q. Ertel, a well known and popular physician of El-
lendale, Minn., was born in Brookville, Ind., February 13, 1881.
He received his early education in the district schools, and later
attended the High school of Madison. S. D., after his graduation
completing a course in the scientific department of the Valpariso
University, of Valpariso, Ind. Leaving here, he entered the
Chicago Medical college in which he remained two years, and
then entered the medical department of the Cincinnati university,
receiving his degree, in 1907. .\fter a year of service in the
Good Samaritian hospital of Cincinnati as interne, he removed
to Ellendale, Minn., opened offices, and launched into the prac-
tice of his profession, having achieved an unusual degree of suc-
cess and won the confidence of the community. He enjoys a
large village and country' practice, and is an active member of
the cotmty, state and American medical associations. In politics,
he casts his ballot as the best interests of the community dictates,
and takes an active part in public affairs, now serving as Chair-
man of the local board of health and as a member of the Village
Council. The Modern Woodmen of America count him a
loyal member of their organization. December 9, 1908, he was
married to Martha Spiegel, at Kewanee, 111. George and Caro-
line (Knecht) Ertel, parents of our subject, were natives of
Indiana, where the father followed general farming up to the
time of his decease in December. 1891. His wife passed away
the same month and year.
Theodore P. Fagre, of Blooming Prairie village, postmaster
and editor, was born in Mitchell county, Iowa, December 30,
1869, he is a son of Nels and Ingeborg (Swenson) Fagre, both
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1085
natives of Norway who came to America at an early day and
located in Alitchell county, Iowa, where the father was engaged
in farming all his life. He died in 1873 and the mother now
resides with her children. Theodore received his education at
the district schools of Iowa, and also attended the Cedar valley
seminary, at Osage, Iowa, and the St. Angers seminary at St.
Angers, Iowa, and after being graduated from the latter school
attended the State university of Minnesota for three years. In
1896 he came to Blooming Prairie and purchased the "Bloom-
ing Prairie Times," becoming the manager and editor. lie con-
ducted the paper for one year and tiien sold out and entered into
the general merchandise business which he conducted for nine
years when he sold out and again purchased the "Times" and has
been its editor ever since. The "Times" is a weekly newspaper
having a large and increasing circulation for a village publica-
tion. He also makes a specialty of commercial and job printing.
In 1906 Mr. Fagre was appointed postmaster of Blooming
Prairie and he still holds the office. He was married May 15,
1898, at Mitchell county, Iowa, to Anna K. Maakestad. Three
children have been born to them : Kinley I., born October 24,
1901, Nora O. born January 28. 1905 and Alfred T. born March
17, 1908. In his political views Mr. Fagre is a Republican
and in his religious belief he is a Lutheran. He has served as
president of the Commercial club and as trustee and recorder of
the village for several years. His pleasant home is located on
second street in the village of Blooming Prairie. He is a self
made man, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know
him.
Michael J. Fallon is a native of Minnesota, having been born
in Blooming Prairie township on December 29, 1867, son of
Michael and Martha (Powers) Fallon, mother born in New York
State and the father in Ireland who came to America in 1856 and
to Steele county in 1862 locating in Blooming Prairie township,
where they look a homestead of 80 acres in Section 22. It was
wild land and the father broke and cleared it and erected build-
ings and later he added 40 acres adjoining and there he carried
on general farming until his death February 21. 1909. The
mother died in 1880. They had six children: John, Stephen,
Elizabeth, Augusta, Ellen and Michael J., of whom only Michael
J. and Augusta are now living. Mr. Fallon received his edu-
cation at the district schools and after leaving school he followed
farming with his father, and in 1888 he went to Dakota, and
thence to the -State of Washington, where he was engaged at
civil engineering for the Great Northern R. R. for four years.
In the fall of 1893 he returned to the old farm and took charge
and has remained there ever since doing a general diversified
inSG HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIEiJ
farming. Mr. Fallon is unmarried, in his political views he is
an independent Democrat, and in his religious faith he is a Cath-
olic. He has served for two years as constable, six years as chair-
man of the town board of supervisors, and as a director of school
district No. 45 for fifteen years. On his farm he breeds Jersey
hogs, norman horses and short horn cattle. He had three uncles,
his father's brother, Patrick, who came to Steele county at the
same time his father did in 1862, their names were Patrick,
George Tapliff and Thomas F., and they all took homesteads
in Blooming Prairie town.ship, all are now deceased.
H. F. Gronowski, a self made and progressive farmer of
Havana township, Steele county, was born in Posen, Germany,
November 22, 1862, emigrating to America with his parents at
the age of twelve years and locating at Owatonna, Minn., where
he completed his education. In 1880. he took charge of the
160 acre farm in Section 4, Havana township, which his father
had recently purchased. Here he has been engaged in general
farming ever since, owing his success to hard and intelligent
work. Mr. Gronowski erected a $3, .^00 house in 1909, and also
a large, modern barn, making his farm, with the other improve-
ments he has made from time, one of the best equipped and up-
to-date in the county. y\I1 enterprises tending for the good of
the community have always had his hearty support. He is a
stockholder in the Havana creamery and in the Farmer's Elevator
of Owatonna. In politics, he follows the guidance of the
Democratic party. Public office has never attracted him, his
other interests claiming all his time and attention. Joseph and
Anna ( tlope) Gronowski, parents of our subject, are natives
of Germany, leaving the Fatherland for America in 1874. They
still live with their son on the i)ld homestead.
Christopher N. Hillstad, a self made and progressive farmer
of Havana township, Steele county, was born in Norway, Feb-
ruary 19, 1858. He received liis education and passed his boy-
hood in the Fatherland, emigrating to America at the age of
fifteen, and locating in Sauk county, Wisconsin, where he was
engaged in farming till 1877, when he removed to Havana
township, Steele county, continuing in the same line of work.
In 1892, he purchased an eighty acre tract in Section 21, Havana,
later acquiring 100 acres of improved land in section 27 , same
township, where he has followed general farming ever since,
achieving his success by hard work and up-to-date farming
methods. Mr. Hillstad owns a fine herd of cattle and pays much
attention to dairying and stock raising. He is a stockholder in
the Havana creamery. In jiolitics, he is a follower of the Repub-
lican party, and though he has never sought public office, is
interested in all that pertains to the good of the county. The
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1087
Lutheran Church numbers him among its members. June 27,
1884, he was united in marriage with Olena Nelson, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Xels Nelson who died on the same day, March
28, 1909, of old age. Mr. and Mrs. Hillstad have eight children,
Christina, who is married to Theodore Thompson, of Havana,
N'ilda, Eddie, Richard, Clarice, Cora, Ruth and Morris.
Anton J. Haberman, a merchant of Bixby, was born in Steele
county, Minnesota May 27 , 1885, son of John and Thresa Haber-
man, natives of Germany. The parents emigrated from their
native land in 1883, locating in Aurora township, Steele county,
Minnesota, where the father has followed agricultural pursuits
ever since. The mother died in 1903. Anton received his early
education in the district schools which was supplemented with a
course at the Canfield school of business of Owatonna. Leaving
school he directed his attention towards mercantile pursuits,
and in 1909 purchased the stock of F. R. Harzberg, general
store at Bixby. He has carried on a thriving business at this
place since. The Bixby Post Office is in Mr. Haberman's store,
his brother being the postmaster. Mr. Haberman is not married.
He does not affiliate with any political party, but casts his vote
for the candidate who is best qualified in his judgment to fill
the office, regardless of party principles. In religious faith he
adheres to the Catholic Church. Aside from his store, Mr.
Haberman is owner of twenty acres of land in Section 9, Aurora
township. He is a public-spirited citizen, always interested in
everything that is for the betterment of hi.s village and Steele
county.
G. J. Hovland was born in Norway, September 14, 1852, son
of Gens and Rosa Hovland who came to America in 1875, and
located in Wisconsin and engaged in farming which they still
follow. G. J. Hovland received his education in Norway and
came to America in 1872 and located in Wisconsin where he
farmed for seven years and in 1879 he came to Steele county
and located in Aurora township and bought 160 acres of land in
Section 10, he has since erected a fine dwelling house and out
buildings and has greatly improved his land, nearly all of which
is under the plow. He carries on a general diversified farming,
dairying and stock raising. He was married July 26, 1879, to
Belle Thompson and eight children have blessed their home :
Peter; Louis (deceased); Sena, now Mrs. Louis Olson; Belle;
John; Gilbert, deceased; Rodena, a student at Owatonna High
school; and Melvin. Mr. Hovland's political affiliations are
with the Republican party, and he is a member of the Lutheran
Church. He has served as town treasurer for two 3^cars, and has
also served as treasurer of school district No. 13, for twelve years,
and as road overseer for five years. He is a stockholder in the
1088 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Pratt Rural Telephone Company, and is one of the prosperous
and successful farmers of Steele county, having the respect and
confidence of all who know him.
Jas. F. Harty was born November 26. 1877, in Bath, Free-
born county. Minnesota, son of Roger and Mary (Gannon) Harty,
nati\"es of Minnesota. The father is a prominent farmer in
Freeborn county. The subject of our sketch received his early
education in the district schools, which was supplemented with
a High school education at Albert Lea and Owatonna. After
leaving school he began his career as teacher, and has followed
the same ever since in Steele and Freeborn counties, largely in
Steele. Since 1897. he lias also conducted a store in Blooming
Prairie village, corner IMain and Railway streets. He carries a
full and up-to-date line of wall paper and painter's supplies;
also a line of holiday toys in season. During the summer months,
he is engaged in paper hanging and painting. Mr. Harty was
married September 25, 1907, to I\Iayme A. McNerney, who was
born in Summerset township. March 17. 1880. She is a daughter
of Patrick and Anna (Flemming) McNerney, a prominent
farmer of Summerset township. The father is still living, the
mother died March 5. 1894. ]\Ir. Hart}' is Democratic in his
political views. In religion he adheres to the Catholic Church.
He is a very promising young business man. always interested
in what is for the good of Blooming Prairie and Steele county,
a good citizen, highly respected by all who know him.
William Henry Hart, a sturdy old pioneer, who contributed
much to Steele county's upbuilding, was born in New York city,
November 6, 1838. His father and mother were born and reared
in Ireland and came to New York city in 1837. \\'hen William
was six years of age. his parents with an older son James, emi-
grated to Fox Lake, Wis., where they engaged in farming.
When the Civil war broke out James enlisted as volunteer in
the Nineteenth Wisconsin Volunteer infantry, leaving William
with the cares of the home. In 1866 he moved with his parents
and brother to Havana township where he now resides. After
one year of hard frontier life, William returned to Fox Lake,
Wis., to bring home a bride Katherine Cruden. Seven children
were born to them: Harriet, George, John. William, Charles,
Edward, and Alice, all of whom are living but John, who died
when an infant of one year. William Hart is a prosperous and
successful farmer. He has educated each of the six children so
that they are ideal prosperous citizens. He has been foremost
in the upbuilding of all new enterprises in the county. He
worked hard for the location of Pratt station which has helped
the growth of Havana township. He was one of the main
leaders in the building of co-operati\"e creameries in this county
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1089
and has been a staunch worker in that line since. lie has helped
lay out and build every mile of road in his vicinity. He advocated
and practices the keeping up of good roads. In politics he is
Democratic, but he has always worked for the best man for the
place, upholding the right and condemning the wrong. Steele
county owes much to her early settlers who bore so many hard-
ships and worked with untiring zeal for the building up and
beautifying of it.
Andrew Hjelmen, a prosperous farmer of Blooming Prairie
township, was born in Dodge county, April 11, 1864, son of Ole
and Ingeborg (Anderson) Hjelmen, natives of Norway. The
parents emigrated to America in 1862, locating in Dodge county,
where the father filed on a homestead of 80 acres. He added to
the original homestead until he had 280 acres. This is all in
Steele county except the original 80 acres. The father cleared
and broke the wild land, made improvements, erecting farm
buildings and turned the wilderness into a fertile farm, on which
he followed general farming until 1889. He died November
26, 1898. The mother passed away December 25, 1909. Andrew
received his early education in the district schools. Leaving
school, he took up farming with his father until he was twenty-
two years of age. He then rented the old homestead and con-
tinued to do so until the decease of his father. At that time, he
fell heir to 80 acres of the homestead located in Section 13,
Blooming Prairie township. In addition to the 80 acres, he rents
land. He is a very progressive farmer and has met with very
marked degree of success. Mr. Hjelmen was married April 18,
1885. to Thea Bekkedahl. Three children ha\c blessed the
union, viz: Ida Marie, dressmaker; Olga Louise and Iver
Alfred, both students in the Blooming Prairie High school. Mr.
Hjelmen is a Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran
Church. He has served on the township board as supervisor of
Blooming Prairie township. He is now serving the sixth year as
a member of the school board of district No. 73. He is a stock
holder in the Blooming Prairie Separator Creamery, also, in the
Farmer's Elevator. He is a good citizen, highly respected by all
who know him.
Charles D. Hosfield, for many \ears an honored and respected
citizen of .Steele county. Minnesota, was born on his father's
farm near Ogsiluby, N. Y., September 6. 1856. He received his
early education in the district schools, later being graduated
from the Faribault High school after his removal to Minnesota,
in 1874. His school days over, he engaged in general farming in
Deerfield township, Steele county, with much success, until
1892. when he entered the grain buying business in which he
remained up to the time of his decease. April 2, 1899. He was
1090 HISTORY OF RICE A.XD STEELE COUXTIES
also interested in the I\Icdford Creamery as a stockheldcr. Mr.
Hosfield was known as a progressive farmer, an upright business
man, and in his home a tender and loving husband and father,
being universalh- esteemed and respected by all with whom he
caine in contact during his active and useful life. In politics, he
gave his support to the Republican party, and was ever ready
to assist any project for the welfare of the community. The
Knights of Pythias counted him a valued member. December
7, 1880, at Owatonna, he was married to Lillian A\'ier. by whom
he had seven children, all of whom are living with the exception
of Roy and Maude. Of the others. Ruby H. is a teacher in
Warsaw township: Raleigh W.. is attending the State university;
Fanny B., is engaged in teaching at Medford; Percy C, attends
the Faribault High school; and Elizabeth L. is living at home.
The famil}' worship at the Congregational Church. William
Hosfield, father of our subject, emigrating from England to this
country in his younger days, and settled in New York State,
where he followed farming till his decease in 1865. The mother
passed awaj- October 13. 1883. Mrs. Charles D. Hosfield was
born to George and Isaljelle (Tupper) Weir, in Wisconsin,
October 12, 1859. Her father was a native of England and her
mother of Maine. The father came to America in his youth and,
locating in Maine, was engaged as a millwright for several years.
In 1850, he joined the pioneer movement West, settling with
his family at Green Bay, Wis., where he conducted a sawmill
until his removal to Steele county, Minnesota, in 1879. Here he
followed diversified farming imtil his ileath, Xo\ember 18, 1883.
His wife's demise occurred five years later.
Wencl J. Jerele was born in Bohemia, October 15, 1873. son
of Wencl and Barbara (Ripka) Jerele, natives of Bohemia. They
came to America in 1877 and located in Steele cotmty and en-
gaged in farming until 1903 when they retired and moved to
Owatonna. The mother died in April, 1898. Wencl received
his education in the district schools, and after leaving school
and in the year 1897 he purchased 67 acres of wild land in
Aurora township, near Bixby on Section 34 and 27. lie broke
and developed it and has erected a good home and out buildings,
where he carried on general diversified farming. He married
Anna Ducek and they have three children : Rosa, Albert and
Alice. In politics Mr. Jerele is an independent voter and he is
a member of the Catholic Church and of St. Joseph Lodge No.
7. He is now a director of school district No. 64.
O. P. Jensen, of Blooming Prairie township, was born No-
vember 10, 1875. The parents, Nels and Carrie (Olson) Jenson,
natives of Denmark, immigrated to America in 1869, locating in
Summit township, where the father followed agricultural pur-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1091
suits until the time of his decease, September, 1889. The mother
resides at Ellendale, Minn.
O. P. Jenson received his early education in the district
schools of Steele county, which was supplemented by a course
in the high school at Albert Lea, Minn. After leaving school,
he returned to the old homestead where he remained until he
became of age. He then learned the butter-maker's trade. His
first position was in Ellendale, where he remained for one year.
From there he went to Wells, Minn., where he remained four
years. Thence to Walters, Minn., where he was engaged for
two years. In 1903, he accepted a position as butter-maker of
the Union creamery association, which is located in Section 17,
Blooming Prairie township. He has carried on the work success-
fully there ever since.
Mr. Jenson was married June 4, 1893, to Nora Towns. He is
a Republican in political sentiment, and is a member of the
Danish Lutheran Church. Mr. Jenson is a self made man, a
highly respected citizen, well liked by all who know him.
George J. Johnson, manager of the Laird-Norton lumber yard
at Bixby, was born in Denmark, November 6, 1865. He is a son
of Hans and Christina (Jorgenson) Johnson natives of Denmark,
who emigrated to America in 1876, locating in Blooming Prairie
township, Steele county, Minnesota. The father died in Feb-
ruary, 1877. The mother still lives in Blooming Prairie. George
received his early education in the public schools of Denmark and
the district schools of Steele county. He being the eldest of the
children, the responsibility to provide for the family fell on
him at the time his father died. He remained on the old home-
stead of 40 acres, in addition to which he owned 140 acres adjoin-
ing in sections 4 and 11, until 1893. In 1893. he took up car-
penter work, which he followed for three years. Then he
accepted a position as manager for the J. C. Brainerd Lumber
Yard at Bixby. Later this yard was sold to the Laird-Norton
people, Mr. Johnson being retained as the manager, which
position he has held up to the present time. Mr. Johnson was
married July 7, 1897, to Freda Reeves. The wife died December
12, 1902, leaving a son and a daughter, viz : ElmCr, horn August
25, 1900, Alice, born October 30, 1902. Mr. Johnson is a Repub-
lican and a member of the Danish Lutheran Church. He served
as clerk of the .school board for district Xo. 47 for some time.
He is a respected citizen and by his honest upright dealings,
he has established a good reputation for the company he is
connected with.
Peter J. Johnson, a farmer of Berlin township, was born in
Sweden, January 11, 1852. He is a son of John Benson and
Carrie (Peterson) his wife, natives of Sweden, who engaged
1093 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in agricultural pursuits all their lives. The mother died in her
native country in 1880. The father survived her five years, when
he died also in his native countr}'. The subject of our sketch re-
ceived his education in Sweden. In 1887, he left his native
country to search the larger opportimilics of the new world.
After arriving in America, he located at Red Wing, Goodhue
county, Minnesota, where he remained for three years. He then
went to Dodge Center, Dodge county, remaining there one
y^ear. whence he came to Steele county and located in Berlin
township, where he purchased a farm of 153 acres in Section 16.
Here he erected a residence and all the necessary out-buildings,
improving the farm until it is now very productive, he has fol-
lowed general farming ever since. Air. Johnson was married in
June. 1887. to Jennie Sundahl, a native of Sweden. Their home
is blessed with three children, Arthur B., Alma F., Carrie E.,
who are all residing with their parents. Mr. Johnson is a Repub-
lican in his political faith but he has never aspired to a public
office. He with his family belong to the Baptist Church. He is
a very progressive stock farmer, being a breeder of Holstein
cattle, Poland-China pedigree hogs, and Percheron horses. He
takes a great pride in and pays a good deal of attention to the
above named stock. He is actively interested in the public wel-
fare of his community, being a stockholder in the Farmer Ele-
vator of Ellendale. He has acquired all he owns by his own
efiforts and hard work.
Smith Johnson, lately of Aledford, is a native of New York
being born on February 28, 1828. He was a son of Smith and
Elizabeth (Carpenter) Johnson, natives of Vermont and New
York respectively. The parents came to \Visconsin in the early-
days and thence emigrated to Minnesota and located at Medford
where they farmed up to the time of the father's decease. Mrs.
Johnson died in Wisconsin in 1869. The subject of this sketch
came to Minnesota when a young man, and located at Medford
where he erected a house for his parents. He was one of the
first white settlers to come to this section of the country. He
carried on general farming here, and later when his father died
he became postmaster, following his father who was the first
postmaster in Medford. lie held the office about one }ear and
then again took up farming, which he followed up to the time of
his death, which occurred .\ugust 12, 1907. On November 10,
1857, Mr. Johnson married Sabrina, daughter of Kendall and
Polly (Laughling) Wilkins, natives of Vermont. The father
carried on farming in the above named state until he arrived at
an advanced age when he came to Minnesota and lived near his
son, where he resided until the time of his death. Mother also
died in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child, Mary
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1093
L.. now Mrs. George B. Corey, who resides at Medford. Mrs.
Johnson lives with her daughter in Medford. In politics Mr.
Johnson was a Republican, and lie with his family belonged to
the Universalist Church.
George E. Johnson, the well known dairyman of Blooming
Prairie, Minn., was born in St. Charles, Winona county, Minne-
sota, October 22, 1859. He received his education in the public
schools of St. Charles, afterwards assisting his father in the
management and working of the home farm till 1883, when he
removed to Blooming Prairie and conducted a farm for Edwin
Morton seven years. Mr. Johnson then bought an eighty acre
tract, partly inside the city limits and lying evenly on the bound-
ary line of Steele and Dodge counties. Here he followed general
farming, giving special attention to dairying, till 1900, when he
started milk and cream routes, and now devotes his attention
exclusively to dairying and the selling of the product. Thorough-
bred Jersey and Shorthorn cattle are features of his establish-
ment and have assisted him in the building up of his thriving
business. In politics, he gives his allegiance to no party, always
casting his ballot as the best interests of the community seem
to dictate. He has served his village as alderman for a number
of years, and held the office of Master Mason two years. The
Blooming Prairie .Creamery Association counts him among its
stockholders. Mr. Johnson is affiliated with the Order of Blue
Masons and Modern Woodmen of America. He is also indenti-
fied with the Presbyterian Church. In February, 1886, he was
married to Mary A. Nelson, of Copenhagen, Denmark. They
have five children, all of whom live at home with their parents,
with the exception of Edith, who died in 1906. Named in order
of ages, they are: Minnie, George H., Rose and Clinton. Mr.
and Mrs. G. H. Johnson, parents of George E., are natives of
Connecticut. Migrating west, they located in St. Charles, Minn.,
in April, 18.^6. the father following farming.
Alfred E. Johnson, cashier of the Farmers' and Merchants'
State Bank of Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born in Austin,
Minn., April 28, 1870. He received his education largely in the
public schools of his birthplace, and then completed a course
at the Bayliss Business College of Dubuque, Iowa. After school
he acquired his first business experience with the John W.
Thomas Dry Goods Company, of Minneapolis, being connected
with this firm till 1892, when he returned to Austin and entered
the employ of George Hirsh (clothing) as a salesman, in which
capacity he remained five years. He then entered the Citizens'
National Bank of Austin as a bookkeeper, the value of his serv-
ices being recognized two years later by his appointment as
cashier, which position he capably filled until the fall of 1903.
1094 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Mr. Johnson thence removed to Madison, Wis., where he was
engaged as secretary of the American Plow Company till Janu-
ary, 1904. In ]\Iay, 1904, he entered upon his duties as cashier
of the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank of Blooming Prairie,
with which he is still associated, both as cashier and as a stock-
holder. In politics the Republican party claims his allegiance.
All movements for the good of the county or village are sure
of his support. He is now serving his second term as a mem-
ber of the local school board, and while in Austin held the office
of cit)- treasurer. The Masonic Order, Blue Lodge, in which he
officiates as secretary, and the Sons of Norway count him as a
valued member of their respective organizations. January 2,
1895, he was married to Clara J. ]\Iiller, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Charles Miller, late of Austin, now deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Johnson have two children : Charles Seymour, born De-
cember 23, 1895, a student in the local high school, and Grace
Laurene, born November 4. 1901. The family worship at the
Episcopal and Lutheran Churches. Their residence is on First
street. Seymour and Lena (Johnson) Johnson, parents of our
subject, were born and reared in Norway. Coming to this
country in their younger days, they settled at Waupon, Wis.,
then but a rude pioneer village, the father being engaged as a
blacksmith until the opening of the Civil War. He then enlisted
with a volunteer regiment of infantry from Wisconsin, serving
his adopted coimtry faithfully until he was mustered out with
the rest of his comrades at the close of the war in 1865. Nearly
all of the important battles of the struggle saw him as an active
participant. He bore arms in Sherman's famous march to the
sea. After the war he returned to Waupon for a short period.
Later, in 1867, removing to Austin, Minn., he continued black-
smithing and also carried a line of farm machinery, till 1902,
when he disposed of his business interests and retired from active
work. He still resides with his wife at Austin. Of his brothers
and sisters, Frank and Florence died in infancy, and Stella L. is
married to Dr. O. H. Higge, of Austin, having three children :
Milda, Ralf and Valfreid.
Lee Brothers, both natives of Minnesota, having been born
on the farm where they now reside, in Berlin township, Steele
county, Edward was born March 16, 1879, and Andrew, April
8, 1886. Their parents were Ole and Mary (Johnson) Lee,
natives of Norway, who came to America in 1856, and first
located in Wisconsin, where they resided until 1866, when they
moved to Steele county and located in Berlin township and en-
gaged in general farming on 228 acres of land in section 26.
This land the father broke and improved, built a home and out-
buildings, and farmed until 1907, when he sold the farm to his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1095
two sons, Edward and Andrew. He then retired from active
work until his death, which occurred January 28, 1908; the
mother died April 27, 1908. Edward and Andrew received their
education in the district schools and Andrew attended the Can-
field School of Business at Owatonna, Minn., for two winters.
After leaving school they took up farming with the father on
the old homestead until 1907, when they purchased the place,
and have followed general farming since that time. Two years
previous to buying the old home Andrew farmed in Otter Tail
county, Minnesota. In politics both brothers are Republicans,
and they are members of the Lutheran Church. Edward has
served as road overseer and as director of his school district.
No. 83. Both are prosperous and successful and are highly
respected by all who know them.
John Johnson Lysne was born in Norway, November 2, 1846,
and there he received his education. He was first married in
1867 to Julia Johnson and they had one child, John Lysne. In
1871 he came to America and located for one year at Kenyon,
Goodhue county, and in 1872 he came to Steele county and
located in Aurora township. In 1875 he purchased forty acres
of land in section 23 ; he has added to this at dififerent times
until he now has 220 acres, 140 in section 26, and eighty in sec-
tion 23. He has built a fine home and outbuildings and follows
general diversified farming. When Mr. Lysne came to America
he had only one cent and he owed $25, but by his own perse-
verance and industry he has won success in his new home. In
1900 he was married a second time to Anna Luthen, and six
children have been born to them : Joseph, Raymond. Martin,
Nunda, Harry and Margaret. In politics Mr. Lysne is an inde-
pendent voter, and in his religious faith he is a member of the
Lutheran Church. lie is a stockholder in the Oak Glen Cream-
ery Association of Bixb}-. He has never held or aspired to pub-
lic office, but he is interested in all that pertains to the best
interest of the community where he resides, and is a good citi-
zen, respected by all who know him.
Hans Larsen, thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie township,
was born in Denmark, October 8, 1850. His parents, Lars and
Anna (Christiansen) Christiansen, natives of Denmark, died in
their native country. Hans received his early education in the
public schools of Denmark. After leaving school, he learned the
milling trade, which he followed for five years. He then engaged
in the bakery business. He served in the standing army of his
country from April until September. In August, 1878, he immi-
grated to America, locating in Blooming Prairie township, where
he purchased a farm of 160 acres in sections 20 and 21. He has
been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since. Mr. Larsen
1096 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
was married November 1, 1878. to Kirsta Johnsen. Two children
have blessed the union: Mary, died December 11, 1902; Peter,
born December 25, 1885, living with his parents. Mr. Larsen is
a Republican in ])olitical sentiment. He is a member of the
Baptist Church and a good citizen. He is one of those men
who have aided in building up this great state.
Hans P. Mork, an industrious and thrifty farmer of Steele
county, was born in Denmark, March 16, 1859. He received the
most of his education in the Fatherland, emigrating to this
countr}^ with his parents at the age of thirteen, and remaining
on his father's farm in Havana township. Steele county — which
his father purchased immediately after landing — until attaining
manhood. Since leaving home, he has been very successful in
his farming operations, now owning 120 acres of improved land,
sixty of which are under cultivation, the remainder furnishing
a good income as pasturage and woodland. Stock raising is
carried on quite extensively. Shorthorn and Durham cattle,
Poland-China hogs and good horses being raised. An apple
orchard of 100 trees is one of the profitable features of this farm.
Mr. Mork has lived on his present place since 1892, and has
added numerous improvements. In politics he is a believer in
the doctrines of the Republican party, but his other interests
have prevented him from seeking office. In 1884 he was united
in marriage with Carolina Mortson, by whom he had nine chil-
dren, eight of whom are living : Alfred, Mary, William, Lillie,
Otto. Harry and Clarence and Charles are twins. The family
attend worship at the Lutheran Church. Nels and Anna (Lar-
son) Mork, parents of our subject, came over from Denmark in
1872, and located in Havana township. Steele county, where the
father followed general farming up till 1900. Five children, all
boys, four of whom are living, were born to them. They are
now living, retired, with their son.
Erik J. Moe, a prosperous farmer of Havana township. Steele
county, was born in Haflo-Prastjald, Indre-Sogen, Norway,
April 4, 1857. He acquired his education in his native land and
assisted on his father's farm till his emigration to America in
1879. Arriving in this country, he first located near Sleepy Eye,
Brown county, Minn., where he was engaged in farming for
eight months, afterwards remo\-ing to Havana township, Steele
county, and continuing in the same occupation till 1883, when he
took a ten months" trip to the Pacific coast, returning to Steele
county. Later, in 1890. he purchased a farm of eighty acres in
section 9, Havana township, on which he has followed up-to-date
farming ever since with marked success, making a specialty of
raising and breeding high grade Durham cattle and Poland-
China hogs. In June, 1902, Mr. Moe lost his barn, machine
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 109?
sheds and other outbuildings by lire, but rebuilt the following
fall, erecting his barn and other buildings after the most modern
patterns. The Havana Creamery values him as a stockholder
and patron. In politics he is a loyal adherent of the Republican
party. The Lutheran Church also claims him as a member.
December 24, 1883, he was married to Anna Johnson by Rev.
Ole Melby, at Havana. They have six children : Lena and
Mettina, who reside in Owatonna; and Anna, Agnes, John and
Gerhard, living at home. Erik J. is a son of Johannas E. and
Mattie (Quam) Moe. natives of Norway, where the father still
follows farming. The mother died in 1901.
Father David L. Murray was born in Providence, R. I., Sep-
tember 1. 1850. He is a son of Lawrence and Mary (Ken^-
neally) Murray, natives of Ireland, father of the city of Dublin
and mother of the city of Cork. The parents immigrated to
America in 1842, locating in Providence, R. I., where the father
engaged in the lumber business all his life. The firm was
known as Albert Daley & Co. The father died June 14, 1878,
and the mother died August 15, 1888. The subject of our sketch
received his early education in I^rovidence, and in 1871 entered
the Holy Cross College at Worcester, Mass., graduating from
the said institution in 1877. He then entered the Grand Semi-
nary of Montreal. Canada, from which he graduated in 1881.
September 25, 1882, he was ordained to the Catholic priesthood
at St. Paul. Minn., by Bishop Ireland. On October 1, 1882. he
came to Blooming Prairie as priest to the St. Columbanus parish,
where he has about 360 souls. Father Murray is a Democrat
in political sentiment. He is a member of the K. of C, Daugh-
ters of Erin, Ladies' C. O. F., A. O. H., C. O. F. Father Murray
has always taken an active interest in the welfare of Blooming
Prairie, and is very highly honored by all who know him.
H. C. Nelson, proprietor of Pleasant Hill farm, of Blooming
Prairie township, was born in Denmark, April 15, 1857, son of
Nels and Elizabeth (Christensen) Nelson, natives of Denmark,
where they passed their lives. The subject of our sketch received
his early education in his native land. Then he learned the
weaver's trade, which he followed for a period of six jears. He
then followed agricultural pursuits until 1882. At this time he
emigrated from his native land to seek his fortune and establish
himself in the new world. Arriving in .\mcrica, he located in
Blooming Prairie township. In 1884 he purchased a farm in
the above mentioned township, where he engaged in farming
until 1892. At this time he sold his first purchase and bought
eighty acres in section 23, where he erected a home and has fol-
lowed general farming since. Mr. Nelson was married August
22, 1889, to Mrs. Hannah (Johnson) Peterson. She had two
lOOS HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
daughters by her former marriage. The union of Mr. and Airs.
Nelson is blessed by one daughter, Alice, who lives at home.
Mr. Nelson is a Republican and belongs to the Free Mission
Church. He has served as a member on the school board.
Roy H. Naylor, a native of Minnesota, was born in Merton
township, Steele county, on December 9, 1877. He is a son of
Arthur C. and Carrie (Jarrett) Naylor. The father was born
in Illinois and the mother in Dodge county, Minnesota. In 1855
the father located in Merton township, on section 35, where he
carried on general farming until 1909, when he retired and
moved to Owatonna. Roy received his education in the district
schools in Merton township, and then took a two years' course
at the Faribault high school and three 3-ears in the Owatonna
high school. He then attended the Canfield School of Busi-
ness and in 1903 accepted a position as steward at the state
public school at Owatonna, which he now holds. He was mar-
ried on August 27, 1904, at Prescott, Wis., to Miss Jessie K.
Johnson. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Naylor :
Sherwood L., born August 29, 1905, and Stanley R., born August
3, 1909. In politics Mr. Naylor is a Republican, and he is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church. He is also a member of the
Masonic Order, the I. O. O. F.. and the B. A. Y. He lives at
his pleasant home, No. 446 Flora street, in the city of Owa-
tonna, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all whom
know him.
Robert P. Nelson, who owns a fertile farm in Blooming
Prairie township, was born in Blooming Prairie village, Novem-
ber 24, 1872. His parents, Peter and Christina (Miller) Nelson,
natives of Denmark, immigrated to America in 1869. They
located in Blooming Prairie township, where they acquired some
land, which they greatly improved, cleared, broke, erecting the
necessary buildings, etc. The father was engaged in general
and diversified farming here imtil 1904, when he removed to
Kerry county, Nebraska, where he now resides. The mother
died in 1887. Robert received his early education in the district
schools of Steele county, which was supplemented by a course
at the St. Ansgar College at St. Ansgar, Iowa. He also studied
at the Decorah Seminary, of Decorah, Iowa. Leaving school,
he returned to Blooming Prairie and took up house painting.
Later he accepted a position with Siegel, Cooper & Co., of Chi-
cago, as traveling salesman. This he followed until 1902. He
then took up painting, which he followed for four years. In
1904 he returned to the old homestead and engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits. The farm is located in sections 15 and 22 and
consists of 160 acres. Mr. Nelson is a progressive farmer. He
makes a specialty of raising Duroc-Jersey hogs.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1099
Mr. Nelson was married May 20, 1903, at Ellendale, Steele
county, to Hannah Jorgensen. Their union is blessed with two
children: .Myrtle, born August 4, 1904; Loring, born June 6,
1908. Mr. Nelson is a Republican. He is a member of the
Lutheran Church. He is also a member of the M. W. A. and
the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Nelson takes a good deal of interest
in co-operative enterprises and is a member of the Union Cream-
ery Association and a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at
Blooming Prairie. He is a good, highly respected citizen.
Lewis Odegard, who conducts a general mercantile business
at Anderson, Havana township, Steele county, was born in
Norway, February 5, 1856, coming to America with his parents
the same year, who located in Dane county, Wisconsin. Four
years later they removed to Goodhue county, Minnesota, where
Lewis received his education, supplementing this with a course
in St. Olaf College at Northfield. After school he followed farm-
ing for two years in Steele county, and then went to Yellow
Medicine county, same state, where he engaged in the carpenter
trade, following this line throughout Dodge, Goodhue, Free-
born, Yellow Medicine and Steele counties until April, 1907,
when he started a general store at Anderson station, Steele
county, of which he is still sole proprietor. Mr. Odegard is
also postmaster of Lysne, which, with his thriving mercantile
trade, makes him a very busy man. In politics he is a stanch
Republican, and has always taken a keen interest in the welfare
of the community, having served as town clerk, justice of the
peace, assessor, and was at one time in charge of the Sioux
Agency in Yellow Medicine county during the pioneer days.
He is a follower of the teachings of the Lutheran Church. Janu-
ary 7, 1904. he was married to Mary Johnson (Nelson). They
have no children. Ole and Anna Odegard, parents of Lewis,
were born in Norway, emigrating to America in 1856, and, set-
tling in Dane county, Wisconsin, remained there four years.
They then removed to Holden, Goodhue county, Minn., where
the father carried on farming. Later went to Yellow Medicine
county, in 1880, continuing to follow farming there ever since.
The mother died in September, 1909.
Nels H. Ohnstad was born in Urland, Norway, in 1847, son
of Hans Nelson and Annie (Olson) Ohnstad, and came to
America with his parents in the year 1870. They lived on a
small farm near Cannon Falls, Goodhue county, Minn., until the
death of Mr. Ohnstad, Sr., in 1890. Nels H. came to Steele
county in 1874 and purchased a farm of 160 acres in section 25
of Berlin township, where he now resides. Later he purchased
forty acres, and then 180 acres more, making in all a farm of
380 acres. He was married in 1874 to Miss Isabelle Hanson
1100 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Vaugan, and nine children have been born to them, of whom six
are now living. Hans died in 1876. at the age of one year; Hans
Olai also died in 1878; Andrew is now a farmer in Berlin town-
ship; Henry died in 1902. at the age of twenty-one years; Oli-
ver, now a farmer in Berlin and Summit townships ; Isabelle,
now Mrs. Charles Johnson, of Xew Richland; Hannah, now
Mrs. Carl Aronson. of New Richland: Gabriel and Nicolai, both
living at home with their parents. Mr. Ohnstad is a successful
farmer. He has erected new buildings and greatly increased
and improved his farm. He is a stockholder in the Ellendale
Bank, the Ellendale Creamery, the Farmers' Elevator Company
of Ellendale, and the Farmers' Telephone Company of Ellendale.
Three years ago he made a visit to his old home in Norway, and
was present at the coronation of the new king. In his political
views he is a Republican, and he is a member of the Norwegian
Lutlieran Church.
Peter Pump, for many }ears a prominent citizen of Meriden,
Steele county, was born in Holstein, Germany. September 28,
1845. After receiving a good education in the Fatherland, he
emigrated to this country in 1866, locating in Illinois, near St.
Louis, and opening a blacksmith shop, though a locksmith by
trade. A new country had more opportunities for a blacksmith,
however, and so he continued in this line of work until 1876,
removing to Meriden Station, Steele county, in 1870. For a
time during the early days, when money was scarce, he was in
very straightened circumstances and had difificulty in keeping
the wolf from the door, but by hard work and economy he grad-
ually fought his way upward. In 1876 he turned his attention
to farming, meeting with much success, now owning 180 acres
of well improved land in Meriden township, with a fine home on
it, occupied by his son, Theodore, who conducts the farm. He
is also the owner of a comfortable home in Aleriden Station,
situated on an acre and a half of land. In political convictions
he is a Democrat, and is still actively interested in local politics,
now serving as chairman of the town board, and was formerly
town treasurer four years. He was married in 1870, to Mary
Vogelman, by whom he had six children, four of whom are
living, named as follows : Metta, married to F. W. Schultz, a
farmer of Meriden township; Lena, wife of Carl Kujaht, who is
engaged in farming in Waseca county; Emma, now Mrs. Charles
Enzenauer; Theodore, who has charge of the home farm, mar-
ried Zena Altenberg. Thies and Metta (Page), parents of
our subject, are still residing in Germany, their native country.
The father has been across on a visit to his son. Marcus and
Anna (Grimm) Vogelman, parents of Mrs. Peter Pump, passed
all their lives in Gcrmanv. Thcv arc both deceased.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1101
John Pichner, Jr., a well-known farmer of Owatonna town-
ship, was born in Steele count}', October, 16, 1868. lie is a
son of John Pichner, whose sketch also appears in this volume.
After receiving his education in the district schools, John, Jr.,
assisted his father in carrying on the old home farm until his
marriage in 1891. when he launched out for himself in Owa-
tonna township. He now owns 100 acres of well improved land.
which he has been very successful in making a paying proposi-
tion. About half of the farm is under cultivation, the remainder
yielding rich returns as woodland and as pasturage. Dairying
claims much of Mr. Pichner's attention, since he has an un-
usually fine herd of Durham cattle. He is a stockholder and
patron of the Havana creamery. Mr. Pichner has been very suc-
cessful in breeding and raising high bred Duroc hogs. In poli-
tics he follows the guidance of the Democratic party, and has
served seven years as township supervisor and five as town
clerk. The C. S. P. S. and the Z. C. B. J. orders of Owatonna
number him among their active members. He was married Sep-
tember, 1891, to Mary Wavrin, daughter of Joseph Wavrin.
AVilliam, John, Edward and Vlasta. all living at home, are the
children of this marriage. Joseph Wavrin, father of Mrs. Pich-
ner, is a native of Bohemia. Coming to Steele county at an
early date, he engaged in railroad work for a number of years,
and then purchased a farm in Owatonna township, on which
he still resides.
Louis Peterson was born in Denmark, July, 1872, and came
to America with his parents, Nils and Johannah Peterson, when
he was one year of age. In 1874 they located in Aurora town-
ship, Steele county, and purchased eighty acres of land in sec-
tion 23, where the father farmed until his death, December 12,
1890. Louis received his education in the district school, and
after leaving school engaged in farming on the home farm with
his father until his father's death ; since then he has conducted
the farm with his mother. They are engaged in general diversi-
fied farming, and give especial attention to dairying and stock
raising. Mr. Peterson has one brother and one sister: Mary,
who lives at home, and Peter, of Blooming Prairie township.
He is a single man, a Repulilican, and a member of the Lutheran
Church. He is a stockholder in the Oak Glen Creamery Com-
pany of Bixby. He has never held public office, but is a good
and respected citizen.
John J. Pribyl, of the Blooming Prairie Iron Works, was
born in Summit township. Steele county. May 10, 1886, son of
John and Anna (Seykora) Pribyl, natives of Bohemia. The par-
ents emigrated from their native land in the early years, locating
in Summit township, where they purchased 200 acres of land,
110-.' HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
on which they have done general farming ever since. John
received his early education in the district schools of Summit
township. After leaving school he engaged in farming and
carpenter work, which he followed until 1909. At this time he
purchased the Srsen interest in the Blooming Prairie Iron
Works, forming a co-partnership with F. H. Skalicky. They do
all kinds of repairing, and manufacture flax cleaners, pump jacks,
letter boxes for farm use, Srsen friction pulleys, Srsen roller
feed mills, wood saws, three and four horse eveners, grain ele-
vators, water tanks, trip hammers, emery stands. They also
deal in automobile supplies, threshing machinery supplies, pipes
and fittings, shafting hangers, rubber and leather belting, ma-
chine oils, etc. They also manufacture hay slings. Mr. Pribyl
is not married. He affiliates with the Democratic ])arty. In
religious faith he adheres to the Catholic Church. He is also
a member of the Catholic Workmen. Mr. Pribyl is a promising
yoiuig business man, a good citizen : he has made his way in
the world by his own liard work and persevering efforts.
Joseph Pirkl, a thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie township,
was born in Bohemia, Februar_y 12, 1856. Fle is a son of Ber-
nard and Josephine (Matejcek) Pirkl. The father was born
May 8, 1824, and the mother, February 24, 1825. They came to
America in 1870, locating in Wisconsin, where they remained
for one year. They then moved to Steele county and located in
Summit township, where the father was engaged in farming all
his life. He died May 5, 1881. The mother died February 12,
1890. Joseph received his early education in Bohemia. He
immigrated to America with his parents in 1870. He was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm until twenty-
four years of age. He then bought 120 acres of land in section
16, Blooming Prairie township, to which purchase he added until
he now has 200 acres. He erected buildings on this land, made
all necessary improvements, and has been engaged in general
and diversified farming ever since. Mr. Pirkl was married May
2.3, 1879, to Josephine Strancky. She is a daughter of Joseph
and Josephine (Skalicky) Strancky. Fourteen children have
been born to them, viz.: Marie R.. born June 4. 1880, died March
14, 1881; Joseph, born August 14, 1881; Marie, born July 11,
1882, died July 14, 1885; Adolph, born April 26, 1884, died' July
2, 1890; Josepliine, born December 26, 1885, died February 15,
1907; Anna, born February 26, 1887, died June 8, 1894; Marie,
born June 25, 1889; Matilda, born May 19, 1891, died September
6, 1894; Frank, born January 16, 1893; John, born June 14.
1895; Albert, born December 28, 1896; Ludmila, born January
24, 1900; Albina, born and died the same day; Adolph, born and
died October 4. 1901. Mr. Pirkl is a Democrat. In religious
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1103
faith he adheres to the Catholic Church. He is a stockholder
in tiie Union Creamery. He makes a specialty of breeding
Shorthorn and Durham cattle, and has met with a marked degree
of success in the enterprise. He is a progressive farmer and a
good citizen.
Peter Peterson was born in Denmark, May 11, 1844, son of
Thomas and Walberg (Juul) Peterson (deceased). The parents
spent all their lives in their native country. Peter received his
education in Denmark. Then he took up agricultural pursuits,
which he followed until he immigrated to America in 1872.
After arriving here, he spent three years in Iowa, Illinois and
Wisconsin. In 1875 he made a visit to his native land, Den-
mark. Returning in 1876, he located in Blooming Prairie town-
ship, where he bought 160 acres of land from William Rice, of
Owatonna, in section 21. This being wild land, he had to clear,
break, erect buildings, and make all necessary improvements.
He developed the wilderness into a fertile farm, where he fol-
lowed general and diversified farming until 1904. Since this
time the farm has been conducted by his eldest son, Thomas.
Mr. Peterson was married October 27, 1876, to Ilelene Marie
Skov. The wife passed away April 16, 1907, leaving a family
of six children to mourn her loss, viz.: Thomas, who resides on
the old homestead ; Mary, now Mrs. Henry Jensen, of Blooming
Prairie township ; Anna, now Mrs. Alvin E. Ashley, of Mason
City, Iowa; Hans, who lives in Canada; Emma and Sena, both
living at home. Mr. Peterson is a Republican. He belongs to
the Lutheran Church. He was treasurer of the township for a
good many years. He is also a stockholder in the Union Cream-
ery, and the Farmers' Elevator of Blooming Prairie. He is a
good citizen and highly respected by all.
Thomas Peterson, a native born son of Minnesota, was Ijorn
on the farm where he is now located, northeast quarter of section
21, in the month of March, 1877, son of Peter Peterson. He
received his early education in the district schools of .Steele
county, which was supplemented by a course at Eekhom Col-
lege of Iowa, where he went to school two wmters. He then
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for five years,
two years in Canby, Yellow Medicine countw and three years
in Blooming Prairie, Minn. In 1904 he returned to the old
homestead, took charge, and has continued to improve it. and
has looked after the farm since. Mr. Peterson is not married.
He is a Republican in political sentiment, is a member of the
Lutheran Church. He takes an active interest in public affairs,
and although a young man. has served the township as assessor
for tv.'O vears. He is now serving tlie fourth \ear as secretary
1104 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
of the Union Creamery. He is a progressive, enterprising farmer,
a good and highly respected citizen.
Soren Peterson, manager of the Oak Glen Creamery, of
Bixby, was born in Steele county, Minnesota, November 6,
1876. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Nis. Peterson. Soren received
his early education in the district schools of Steele county, which
was supplemented with a course at the Elkhorn College, of
Shelby county, Iowa. In 1899 he engaged in butter-making,
first at the Union Creamery Association of Blooming Prairie
township, where he remained for nearly three years ; then he
came to Bixby as assistant buttermaker for the Oak Glen Cream-
ery. In 1906 he accepted a position as head buttermaker for
the above named institution. He has filled that position with
credit ever since, and has won a reputation for himself among
the patrons of the creamery. Mr. Peterson was married October
15, 1908, to Martha, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Ray. Their
union is blessed with one child, Mildred Anna, born August 13,
1909. Mr. Peterson believes in the principles of the Republican
party. He is a member of the Danish Lutheran Church. He
is recognized as a good citizen, a loving husband and father.
Sam Ray, an enterprising merchant of Bixby. first saw the
light of day in Aurora township. Steele county, June 25, 1882.
He is a son of Nels and Annie Ray, natives of Norway. The
father immigrated to America in 1877, the mother in 1880. The
father first located in Freeborn count}-, where he remained for
years. In 1879 he came to Steele county, locating at Aurora
township, where, in 1880, he purchased 160 acres of land, on
which he has followed agricultural pursuits ever since. Sam
received his early education in the district schools, which was
supplemented by a course at the Canfield School of Business at
Owatonna. After leaving school he went West, where he
remained for a period of four years. During this time he was
engaged in various occupations, such as lumbering, farming, and
for some time hotel clerk at Fargo, N. D. June 25, 1909, he
purchased the stock of L. W. Thompson's general store at Bixby,
where he has since been engaged in the general mercantile
business. He carries a full line and has built up a good busi-
ness. Mr. Ray was married November 12, 1907, to Jennie,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. Johnson, of Aurora township.
Their union is blessed with one child, Arnold Ray. Mr. Ray
affiliates with the Republican party. In religious faith he is a
member of the Lutheran Church. He is a good citizen and
enjoys the respect of the whole community.
T. A. Runge, a prosperous farmer of Havana township,
Steele county, is a native of that township, his date of birth
being April 10, 1872. He received his education in the district
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1105
schools, helping his father with the working of his large farm
meanwhile, and later devoting all his attention to it until 1897,
when he bought 160 acres in section 15, Havana township, where
he has followed generad diversified farming ever since. He is
now completing a commodious and up-to-date barn, thirty-two
feet by seventy, and has added numerous other improvements
from time to time. Mr. Runge is a believer in intelligent farm-
ing and his quarter section is a fine example of the results of
such a course. As to politics, he stands independent, believing
that no party should dictate his vote, and always casting his
ballot for the man he considers the best qualified for the office.
He is an adherent to the tenets of the Lutheran Church. In
Ma}% 1897, he was married to Mary Schroeder, by whom he
has four children : Adeline, Elsie, Bertha and Mary. Fred and
Fredricka (Hanebuth) Runge, parents of our subject, were born
in Germany, where they resided till their emigration to Amer-
ica. Immediately after their arrival in the land of promise, they
located in Chicago, soon afterwards removing to Steele county,
Minnesota, and buying 320 acres of land in Havana township,
where they followed farming till the father's death. They were
among the very earliest pioneers of this county, and had their
full share of the usual harrowing experiences and hardships.
The mother is still living.
Nels S. Ray was born in Xorway, January 13, 1853, son of
Samuel Olson and Ingeborg (Nelson) Ray. The parents were
natives of Norway, and the father died there in 1860. The
mother came to America in 1880 and died in 1996. Nels re-
ceived his education in Norway, came to America in 1878, locat-
ing at Albert Lea, Freeborn county, and remained there for
two years. In 1870 he came to Steele county and rented farms
for two years, and then bought his present farm of 156 acres,
located in section 34, of Aurora township, and here he has built
his home and has followed general farming ever since. He
was married June 6, 1881, to Anna Boe and six children have
been born to them: Samuel, a merchant at Bixby ; Iver; Mar-
tha, now Mrs. Swen Peterson; Sownwin, lives at home; Ilogan,
of Faribault; and loa. In politics Mr. Ray is a Republican. He
has been supervisor for two years, and treasurer of school dis-
trict No. 63 for two years, and he is a stockholder in the Oak
Glen Creamery of Bixby. He is a good citizen and has the con-
fidence and respect of all.
Fred R. Rosskopf was born in Washington county, Wiscon-
sin, April 3, 1853, son of F. and Thresa (Miller) Rosskopf, both
natives of Germany, who came to America in 1840, and located
in Washington county. Wisconsin, where they engaged in farm-
ing. In 1867 they moved to Waupon, Wis., where they re-
1106 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
mained three }c'ars. In 1870 llie father came to New Ulm,
Minn., and lived there until his death, in 1891. The mother died
in W'isconsin. 'Mr. Rosskopf received his education in the pub-
lic scliools of Wi.^consin and Minnesota, and after leaving school
he first engaged in tlie liver}- business at New Ulm, Minn., in
company with Iiis brother Charles, where they remained for four
3'ears. In 1875 he came to Owatonna and engaged in the cigar
business for a while, and then tended bar for ten years, when he
again entered into the livery and transfer business, which he
followed for sixteen years, when he sold a one-half interest to
Mr. Jefferson and later his remaining interest to Mr. Green,
going to Spokane, Wash., in 1901, where he engaged in the
furniture business for a year and one-half, when he sold out
and returned to Owatonna, where he assumed the management
of Ow-atonna City Brewery, where he has since remained. Mr.
Rosskopf was married July 13, 1877. to Miss Matilde Knight, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Knight, of Owatonna. Five chil-
dren have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rosskopf: Lillian,
Louise, now Mrs. H. F. Stout, of Owatonna; Harry, Magde-
lene and John. Mr. Rosskopf's political affiliations are with the
Democratic party, and in his religious faith he is a Congrega-
tionalist. He is a member of the F. O. E. and the U. C. T. He
has won his success by his own efforts, and has the respect and
confidence of all who know him.
Alois L. Srsen, a prominent and respected business man of
Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born in Somerset township, Steele
county, December 20, 1877. He received his education in the
district schools, afterwards taking up tinsmithing at Owatonna
for three years. He then learned the machinist's trade, follow-
ing this line of work all the while in Owatonna, til! 1898, when
he came to Blooming Prairie and opened a machine shop, which
he conducted with much success until April 14. 1909. Mr.
Srsen then sold out, and started a plant for the manufacture
of automobiles and gasoline engines, in which he is still engaged,
having a growing and thriving business. The Blooming Prairie
Iron Works numbers him among its stockholders. In politics
he follows the guidance of the Republican party, and is inter-
ested in all that stands for the good of his town and count}'.
Numerous fraternal organizations claim him as a member — the
Modern Woodmen of America, E. F. U., Z. C. B. J., and the
Western Bohemian Brotherhood. He attends the Catholic
Church. September 21, 1899, in Somerset township, he was
united in marriage with Anna Kapplan, by whom he has two
children: Alfred, born December 29, 1900. and Hubert, l^orn
August 17, 1902. Charles and Catherine (Mach), parents of
Alois L., w'cre born and raised in Bohemia, leaving the Father-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1107
land for America in 1865, and locating in Somerset township,
Steele county, where tlic father followed general farming till
1895, when he removed to Owatonna with his wife and family.
He died in December 1900. and the mother in February, 1908.
Emil Stangler, one of Steele county's leading farmers, was
born in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, July 25, 1869. He re-
ceived his education in the district schools, afterwards engag-
ing in farming with his father until 1892, when he removed to
Dakota, returning the following year to Le Sueur county.
Three years later he purchased 200 acres of improved land in
sections 30 and 31, Havana township, Steele county, where he
has been engaged in general diversified farming ever since. Mr.
Stangler is a stanch believer in scientific, progressive agricul-
ture, and his farm is a splendid example of what an up-to-date
farmer can accomplish. He has a full line of modern machinery'
and his farm buildings are the best of their kind. Dairying has
always claimed much of his time, and he is an active supporter
of the Pratt creamery, having served as its president two years,
and is still a stockholder. In politics he follows the guidance
of the Democratic party. He has served his township as road
superintendent. The Owatonna Catholic Order of Foresters,
No. 678, counts him a loyal member. January 7, 1896, he was
united in marriage to Ernstina Springer, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Springer. They have two children : Leonard and
Margaret. Joseph and Barbara (Spindler) Stangler, parents of
our subject, were natives of Europe. They emigrated to this
country in 1864, settling in Le Sueur county, where the father
followed farming till his retirement in 1893. The mother died
June 4, 1906. Her husband is still living.
Joseph Skalicky, a thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie town-
shi]), was born in Bohemia, May 5, 1855, son of John and Emelia
Skalicky, natives of Bohemia. The parents both died in their
native country. Joseph acquired his education in Bohemia. He
emigrated from his native country in 1874 to seek the opportuni-
ties of the new world. Arriving in America, he located in
Blooming Prairie township, where he engaged in farm work.
Two \-ears later he purchased forty acres of land and in 1878
he purchased 120 acres additional, adjoining the first forty
acres. This was wild, unimproved land, which he has developed
into a fertile farm, and on the place he has erected fine farm
buildings. Mr. Skalicky was married January 21, 1876, to
Matilda Pirkl. Thirteen children have been born to their union :
Matilda, deceased ; Mary, now Mrs. B. Hurska, of Summit
township; two Annies, deceased; Annie, now Mrs. Vine.
Mikyska, of Wisconsin; Helena, married Frank Skalicky, of
North Dakota; Frank, Ludmila, Frances, all deceased; Ma-
1108 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
tilda, now Mrs. Frank Vasesicek. of North Dakota; Josephiena,
Joseph, Bessie, all residing at home. Mrs. Skalicky was born
October 1, 1859, daughter of Bernard and Josephiena Pirkl.
The parents immigrated to America in 1851. They are both
deceased. Mr. Skalick}- is a Democrat in political sentiment.
He with his family are members of the Catholic Church. He
is interested in several commercial enterprises, being stock-
holder in tlie Farmers' Elevator in Blooming Prairie, and a
member of the Union Creamery Association. He is a good citi-
zen, highly respected by the community.
A. Solberg, for many years a prosperous and respected busi-
ness man of Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born in Norway,
November 24, 1848. He received his education in the Father-
land, coming to America at the age of nineteen with his parents
and locating at Durand, 111., where he worked at the carpenter's
trade with his father. Removing to Chicago, 111., in 1871, he
pursued the same line until his arrival in Blooming Prairie, in
1889, continuing in the same line for two years. He then started
the retail lumber business, in which he has been engaged ever
since with marked success. In Alay, 1903, the company was
incorporated as the A. Solberg Lumber Company, with T. A.
Halvig, president ; Soren Peterson, secretary and treasurer,
and with Mr. Solberg as manager, under whose direction the
affairs of the firm have grown and prospered to large propor-
tions. Besides a well selected stock of all varieties of lumber,
they carry a first-class line of windmills and pumps, with all
accessories. In political matters the Republican party has his
allegiance. He has ably served his village as president of the
school board, and one year as assessor. The Modern Woodmen
of America, Sons of Norv\'ay, and the local Commercial Club
count him among their loyal members. He is also affiliated
with the Lutheran Church. April, 1875, at Oxfordville, Wis.,
he was married to Carrie Brunvald. They have four children:
Laura, wife of Anton Thorson, of Mackvvell, N. D. ; /\lfred, de-
ceased; Ina, now Mrs. T. N. Osnuin, of Mackwell, N. D., and
Melvin, of Wabasha, Minn. Johannas and Olava Solberg, par-
ents of our subject, were natives of Norway. Coming to this
country, in 1867, they settled in Durand. 111., still in its pioneer
days, where the father followed his trade as a carpenter until
his removal to Chicago, in 1872, continuing in the same line
till 1877. He then moved to La Crosse, Wis., where he resided
up to the time of his death, in 1891. The mother died in 1896.
Frank Skerik, a native of Flavana township, Steele county,
was born November 10, 1874. He received his education in
the district schools, later assisting in the management of the
home farm, and after the death of his father. May 13, 1906,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1109
assuming complete charge. Here he has followed general farm-
ing ever since, having built up one of the best equipped and
most productive farms in the county. Mr. Skerik is a valued
stockholder of the Havana Creamery, and also of the Farmers'
Elevator Company of Owatonna. In politics he is a supporter
of the Republican party, and has served his school district,
No. 24, as treasurer. The Presbyterian Church covmts him a
loyal member. Joseph and Katherine (Janousek) Skerik, par-
ents of Frank, are natives of Bohemia, emigrating to America
October 28, 1873, and settling on an eight}'-acre farm in section
30, Havana township, Steele county, where they engaged in
farming. In 1895 they bought an adjoining tract of sixty acres,
erecting a new home and adding modern outbuildings to their
then 140-acre farm, which their son Frank now manages. Mr.
and Mrs. Joseph Skerik had five children : Joseph, now of Silver
Lake, McLeod count}', Minn.; Anna, wife of Joseph Wavrin ;
John, a minister, located at Moravia, Austria ; Frank, our sub-
ject ; and Mary, who is the wife of Carl Jirousek, of Owatonna.
Erick E. Simes, a native of Norway, was born September
13, 1871. He received his education largely in the Fatherland,
supplementing this with a two-year course in the Valder Sem-
inary of Decorah, Iowa, shortly after his arrival in this country
in 1894, first locating at Leroy, Minn. After school he spent one
year in a lumber yard at Blanchard, N. D., returning to Leroy
and engaging in milling for the next six years, after which he
traveled a season for the International Harvester Company. Mr.
Simes then, in 1905, removed to Blooming Prairie, Steele county,
and entered the employ of the L. G. Campbell Milling Company,
as foreman of the loading department, soon afterwards being
promoted to buyer and foreman of the feed department, and in
September, 1909, was appointed local manager of the company,
in which capacity he has been very successful. In politics the
Republican parly numbers him among its supporters, though he
has never aspired to political oftice, his other interests demand-
ing all his time and attention. The Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica and the Sons of Norway count him a loyal member, as does
the Lutheran Church. December 2, 1901, he was united in mar-
riage with Josephine May Herman, at Osage, Iowa. They have
one child. Kenneth Eugene, born August 11, 1908. The family
residence is located on First street. Erick E. and Elizabeth
(Hammer), parents, of our subject, are natives of Norway,
where they still reside, the father being a captain in the royal
army.
George B. Stearns, manager of the Farmers' Elevator at
Ellendale, is a comparatively new comer in Steele county, but
during his residence he has been closely identified with its
1110 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
business interests. Air. Stearns was born in Fond du Lac
county, Wisconsin, December 26, 1854, and was taken by his
parents to Waseca county, ^Minnesota, in 1856. He there grew
to young manhood, receiving his education in the district schools
and farming with his fatlier. In 1877 he purchased a farm of
eighty acres in New Richland township, Waseca county, which
he operated until 1884, when he became foreman for the famous
Carsondale .Stock Farm, in the same county. In this position
he remained three \ears. He tlien engaged in the general liard-
ware business for himself in New Richland village, successfully
continuing this business until 1894. In that year he disposed of
his l)usiness and became a co-partner with Frank Blakeslee in
circus life, their show being known as the "World's Fair and
Wild West Hippodrome." After a short period he withdrew
from this concern and became wheat buyer for tlie New Rich-
land Milling Company, continuing for five and a half years. He
then again entered the hardware business, this time conducting
a store at A'V'orthington, Minn., for one year. .After a short
period on his father's farm in Otisco, he came to Ellendale,
Steele county, and accepted his present position as manager of
tlie Farmers' Elevator and Milling Company, which position he
now holds. He is also interested in the hardware business in
Ellendale. .A. Republican in politics, Mr. Stearns was treasurer
of New Richland village for two years.
Gust Thiele, postmaster and general merchant at Pratt, is
one of the highly respected and prosperous men of Steele county,
who has risen to his present position by dint of his own energ\-
and persistent industry. He was l^orn in Wisconsin. February
8, 1866, his parents migrating thither from Germany. His
schooling was received at North Bend. Wis. i\Ir. Thiele was
a farmer in Somerset township from 1894 until 1902. In the lat-
ter year he purchased a general mercantile business at Pratt
village, Aurora township. He is also postmaster, having been
appointed to that position in 1907. As a merchant. Mr. Thiele
has met with marked success, and enjoys a very flourishing
business. He was married October 2, 1894, to Libbie Sholes.
Four children have blessed this union: Ethel, born .April 19,
1896; Harvey, born August 14, 1900, died March, 1901; Hazel,
born June 6, 1902; Archie, born November 14, 1906. Mr. Thiele
is a Republican in politics and a member of the Presbyterian
Church. He is clerk of school district No. 59 and a stockholder
in the Pratt Creamery. Gust Thiele and his wife, Mary Ahl-
born, the parents of Gust Thiele, of Prait, are natives of Ger-
many. They came to America as small children, and after
their marriage they located in Wisconsin, and engaged in farm-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1111
ing until 1907, when they sold their farm and retired to a village
home at Iron River, where they now live.
J. A. Volker has served his community for nine years as
chairman of the supervisors of Havana, and is a fine example of
a prosperous and self-made farmer. He was born in Eleysing,
Minn., August 24, 1866, where he received his education in the
public schools, afterwards taking up general farming with his
father. In 1884 he came to Steele county, being located in
Aurora township for nine jears, then coming to Havana town-
ship, where he purchased 120 acres in section 31, later adding
eighty acres in section 32. He has erected commodious and
modern buildings on his premises and through intelligent and
progressive farming methods has achieved much success. Mr.
Volker is a Democrat in political faith, and has always taken a
lively interest in the affairs of the comtnunity. He is now serv-
ing as secretary of the Pratt Creamery Association and is a
stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Owatonna.
The German Lutheran Church claims him as a member. Our
subject is a self-made man in every sense of the word, having
but $200 to his credit when he left the parental roof and started
in life for himself. May 2, 1893, he married Lena Zimmerman,
by whom he has three children, named, respectively, Fred, Carl
and Harry. Air. and Mrs. August Volker. parents of our sub-
ject, were natives of Germany, where they passed the most of
their lives.
Harry G. Wood, a physician located at Blooming Prairie,
was born in Faribault, September 6, 1882. His parents, Fannie
S. and William C. Wood, came \\'est in the sixties and reside in
Faribault. Dr. Wood graduated from Shattuck School, at Fari-
bault, in 1899, and received his medical degree from McGill
University, Montreal, in 1904. He spent one year following
graduation as interne at the Montreal General Hospital, and
since 1905 has practiced medicine in Blooming Prairie. He is
a member of the county and state medical associations, also of
the B. P. O. E., the Masonic Order and the Ancient Order of the
Mystic Shrine.
John C. Wilker, a substantial farmer of Meriden township,
was born in that township, June 19, 1876. He received his edu-
cation in the schools of district No. 39, and after leaving school
he worked on a farm until he attained his majority. In 191(>
he settled on his present farm of 160 acres of well improved land
and is at present following diversified farming with much suc-
cess, his fine herd of Durham cattle being equaled by few in
the county. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Republican
party, and has served the community as a school officer for six
year.s, now being both a member of the school board and of the
1113 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
board of supervisors. He was united in marriage Alarch 2, 1910,
with Anna Ahlers, daughter of John Ahlers, a native of Ger-
many. They have two children : Ewaldt, born September 3,
1903, and Erwin, born December 5, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. \\'ilker
attend the German Lutheran Church. John H. and Emelia
(Welk) Wilker. parents of our subject, are natives of Gutten-
burg, Iowa, and of Stravabelauf, Germany. The father came to
this country with his parents in 1856, and purchased land in
Meriden township, where he followed general farming for many
years, seeing the gradual development of the county from its
earliest pioneer days to present times. The Republican party
claims him as a member, and he has held many township offices
of trust. In religious matters he is a follower of the teachings
of the German Lutheran Church. Seven children were born to
him by his first wife, only two of whom survive their mother,
who died in 1891. They are John C, our subject, and Albert H.,
who is farming on the old homestead. Mr. Wilker was married
again to Emma Drache, to whom was born one child, Minnie.
The famih' reside on Walnut street, the father having retired
from active work.
Frank Zwiener, a retired farmer of Blooming Prairie town-
ship, was born in Prussia, March 8, 1827, son of Frank and Lena
(Stark) Zwiener, natives of Germany. The father was a mason
by trade. The parents lived all their lives in Germany and died
there. Frank received his education in Germany and then
learned the cooper's trade, which he followed until coming to
America. He immigrated to America in May, 1854, locating
first in New York state. He then came west to Milwaukee,
where he followed his trade for three years, after which he
removed to Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where he engaged
in farming. In 1876 he came to Steele county, locating in Bloom-
ing Prairie township, where he purchased 160 acres of land,
eighty acres in section 11 and eighty acres in section 12, where
he erected his home and farm buildings, broke and improved
the land, and followed general and diversified farming until
1909. At this time he sold the farm to a son, F. A. Zwiener,
but still resides on the old homestead. He also owns sixty-four
acres in section 1 and seventy-four acres in section 2.
Mr. Zwiener was married in Germany, February 28, 1852, to
Thresa Bartsch. The wife died July 27, 1907. Five children
were left to mourn her death : Anton J., farmer and clerk of
Blooming Prairie township ; H. L., bookkeeper at Ortonville,
Minn.; E. A., lives at home; F. A., who now owns and con-
ducts the old homestead; and Almond, hardware merchant of
Ortonville. Mr. Zwiener is a Democrat in political sentiment.
In religious faith he adheres to the Catholic Church. He enlisted
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1113
in the Uniun army, August 12, 1862, in Company E, Twentieth
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to corporal
and served in nine prominent battles with his regiment. He
was discharged at the end of the service, in 1865, at Galveston,
Texas, and mustered out at Madison, Wis. He is a member of
the James A. Goodwin Post, G. A. R., of Owatonna. He has
served seven years as supervisor of his township. He is also a
stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Blooming Prairie.
Eli Martin Morehouse, M. D., was an ideal representative
of that type of rugged pioneer physician now long since passed
from this section of the country. He was the first physician in
Steele county, locating in Owatonna in 1855, with no other phy-
sicians nearer at that time than Rochester, Mankato, the Twin
Cities and McGregor. In the days of his early practice he kept
relays of horses stationed at difTerent points quite long distances
from town and would often be absent several days at a time,
sometimes making hundreds of miles at a trip, his itinerary cov-
ering all of southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. For the
first two or three years his riding was done on horseback, even
in the winter months. With this experience he acquired a wide
acquaintance and obtained a greater popularity than any other
physician in southern Minnesota if not in the entire state. This
popularity continued until the day of his death. The majority
of his staunchest and truest friends were among common people.
While he had a very large clientele among those in the higher
walks of life, they received no favors that were not bestowed
with equal cheerfulness upon the poor. As a practitioner of
medicine Dr. Morehouse was a man of infinite resource. He pos-
sessed that intuition which many men inherit from the maternal
side, and which gives them an insight into the mysteries of
nature often deeper than can be obtained by any manner of in-
ductive reasoning. Dr. Morehouse was born at Warren, Trum-
bull county, Ohio, March 2, 1835. His parents were Nelson and
Sarah (Johnson) Morehouse. His father, Nelson Morehouse,
was a mill owner and his grandfather, Eli Morehouse, was a
veteran of the War of 1812. Eli M. received an academic edu-
cation in his native town and commenced reading medicine when
a mere lad. At seventeen he had graduated in medicine and at
eighteen commenced practice at Warren, having received his di-
ploma from the University of Medicine and Surgery at Philadel-
phia. In 1853 Dr. Morehouse crossed the Mississippi and engaged
in practice at Independence, Iowa. Early in 1855 he came to Min-
nesota and from that time until the day of his death was in con-
stant practice at Owatonna with the exception of a short period
in 1864, when he took a trip to the Northwestern states and ter-
ritory in search of gold and adventure. He was absent for about
1114 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
two years, practicing jiart of the time at Virginia City, Nev.
After this trip he again resinned his practice in Owatonna. In
Maj^ 1871, he was one of the leading spirits in the formation
of the Minnesota State Eclectic Medical Society, of which he
was the first president. He was also a member of the National
Eclectic Medical Association, having in his early life received
diplomas from the New York and Cincinnati Eclectic Medical
Colleges. He was chosen a member of the state senate in 1877
and the following year was upon seven committees, including
those of public lands, Indian affairs. State University and State
Library. In the early days he was a Republican, but after the
war became a Democrat. Aside from this he held many po-
sitions of public trust and private honor and there were few po-
sitions in the gift of his fellow citizens that could not have been
his for the asking. He was an Odd Fellow and a high degree
Mason. From his arrival in Owatonna until the date of his death
Dr. Morehouse took an interest in the commercial prosperity of
the city. In 1874 he built the old Morehouse Opera House, later
the ]\Ierchants Hotel and still later the present Morehouse Block,
which houses the Owatonna Hotel and many business concerns.
In addition to this he owned hundreds of acres of improved land
throughout the county. He was several times alderman from
the Third ward, and at the time of his death was serving his
third term as mayor of Owatonna. He was the prime mover in
the installing of the water works system in Owatonna. For
some years he was engaged in the general mercantile business.
His death occurred May 23, 1891, at the age of fifty-six 3'ears.
His funeral services were held in Central Park and were at-
tended by probably the largest assemblage ever present on such
an occasion in the history of the county. On August 19, 1868,
Dr. Morehouse was united in marriage to Lorinda A. McRostie,
a native of Ogdensburg, N. Y. To this union four children were
born, viz: Eli Martin, practicing medicine at Yankton, S. D. ;
Effie L., wife of John W. Adsit, of Owatonna; Timothy N., de-
ceased ; Guel G., physician and surgeon of Owatonna.
Dr. G. G, Morehouse, one of the younger of the successful
physicians of Steele county, is a native born son of Owatonna,
having first seen the light of day October 27, 1876. He attended
public schools and then entered the high school, graduating with
honors in 1897. Determined to follow in the footsteps of his
father as a medical practitioner, he entered the Bennett Medical
College at Chicago, receiving his diploma in 1902. The follow-
ing year he spent at the University of Indiana at Valparaiso,
graduating in 1903. He then took the usual hospital practice
in the Cook county hospital for one year and a half. Thus being
admirably equipped he returned to his native town in 1904 and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1115
has since continued the practice of medicine and surgery with
considerable success. He has buik up a large practice and is
highly regarded by his wide circle of friends. Being thoroughly
ethical in practice he associated himself with the American state
and county medical associations. He is a high degree Mason
and affiliates also with the Knights of Pythias. He belongs to
the Commercial Club and is a prominent member of the Minne-
sota State and Steele County Automobile Clubs. Since 1905 he
has served as examining surgeon for Company I, Second Regi-
ment Minnesota National Guards. Aside from his professional
interests Dr. Morehouse possesses business holdings in Owa-
tonna and is one of the proprietors of the Owatonna Hotel, which
is the leading hostelry of Steele county.
Norman Evans, banker, financier and business man, is a fine
example of successful American manhood, having by hard work,
frugality and honesty attained his present rank of trust and
honor in the community. He was born in the country village
of Minerva, Essex county, New York, amid the picturesque
scenery of the Adirondacks, his parents, Richard and Cynthia
(West) Evans, being native New Yorkers. His ancestors on his
father's side were of an old Welsh family, who settled in New
York City in the eighteenth century, and on his mother's side
were men and women of colonial and Revolutionarj' fame, who
trace their lineage to the Mayflower. The early education of
Norman Evans was received in the district schools of his native
village. Being thorough believers in education, his parents sent
him to a neighboring high school, and later on — after he had
decided to devote his life to business rather than to the profes-
sions— he pursued a business course in the Bryant and Stratton
commercial college at Troy, N. Y. With this preparation, he
started in life for himself as a general merchant in "Minerva. In
1878, with a view of securing greater opportunities and a wider
field, he came to Minnesota, and for three years conducted a gen-
eral store at Dover, in Olmsted county, subsequently maintain-
ing a similar store in Blooming Prairie, Steele county, for seven
years. A venture in the shoe business in Sioux Falls, S. D., while
proving a success financially, strengthened him in his resolve to
make Minnesota his permanent home; consequently he came
to Owatonna, and for eight years engaged in the drygoods busi-
ness. He then started his career as a banker by buying a private
bank, which he conducted in connection with a large real estate
business in Dodge county. Later he organized the Farmers
National Bank of Dodge Center, and became its president. In
1904 he purchased a large interest in the First National Bank
of Owatonna, becoming one of the directors of that institution
which he served for three years. A trip to the coast, during
11 IG HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
which he visited the large cities of the West, studying business
conditions, was followed on his return by the purchase of a con-
trolling interest in the Security State Bank of Owatonna, of
which he has since been its honored president. Mr. Evans is a
high degree Mason, a Knight Templar and a member of the
Modern Woodmen. He is also a member of the Congregational
church, of which he was a trustee for nine years. Although never
active in politics, Mr. Evans did efficient work on the public
school board, during his residence in Dodge county, and has on
many occasions served his community in matters of trust and
honor. He is an admirable citizen, and his record speaks for
itself as to his ability, as well as to his interest in public affairs.
He was married February 7, 1875, to Helena M. Bradley, daugh-
ter of Commodore Henry Bradley, a prominent citizen of Essex
county, New York. Two sons have been born to this marriage,
Paul H., who is cashier of the Security State Bank, and Robert
K., who is still in school. The family residence is "Gynnedd
Crag" on South Cedar street. Richard and Cynthia W. Evans,
parents of Norman Evans, spent the earlier years of their lives
in New York state and moved to Olmstead county, Minnesota,
in 1879. In 1890 they moved to Owatonna, making their home
with their son the remainder of their days. Richard Evans was
a heavy land owner and lumber dealer in New York and amassed
a comfortable fortune, of which he gave generously to many
Owatonna institutions.
Paul H. Evans, the efficient cashier of the Security State
Bank of Owatonna, was born in Minerva, N. Y.. April 5, 1876,
son of Norman and Helena M. (Bradley) Evans. When two
years of age he was brought by his parents to Dover, Minn., and
from there went to Blooming Prairie, Minn. After attending
the public schools of Blooming Prairie, he entered Pillsbury
Academy at Owatonna, having moved to Owatonna in 1890 and
graduated with honors in 1895. This was supplemented with
a two years' course in Beloit College at Beloit, Wis. Thus
equipped with a liberal education, he came to Owatonna and
became a reporter on the Owatonna Journal, filling this position
one year. In 1898, in company with his father and W. G. Brown,
he engaged in a banking and real estate business in Dodge Cen-
ter, Minn. This business continued until 1904, when the Farm-
ers National Bank of Dodge Center was organized. The same
year the Evans interests in this bank were sold, and Norman
and Paul H. Evans purchased heavy holdings in the First Na-
tional Bank of Owatonna. The subject of this sketch was elected
cashier and director of the institution and held these positions
until 1907. The Kinyons then acquired the Evans holdings by
purchase, and Norman and Paul H. Evans secured a controlling
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1117
interest in the Sccuril}- State Bank of Owatonna. Paul H. be-
came cashier and director of this institution, and has had an im-
portant part in bringing the bank to its present high standard
of soundness and progressiveness. Mr. Evans is a high degree
Mason, and belongs Ijoth to the Commercial Club of Owatonna
and to the Tomahawk Club. He served four years as a private
in Company I, Second Minnesota National Guard. Amid a
career filled with business activities, he has found time to attend
to the higher duties of life, and has done good service as super-
intendent of the Congregational Sunday school. Mr. Evans was
married July 26, 1905, to Adeline C. Wheelock, daughter of
Lewis L. Wheelock, of honored memory. Mrs. Evans is a grad-
uate of the Owatonna high school and a former student of Carl-
ton College at Northfield. The Evans home has been blessed
with two daughters: Norma W., born August 4, 1907, and Ruth
B., born February 7, 1909. Mr. Evans is a progressive young
man and is greatly interested in everything that tends toward
the material development of Steele county.
S. A. Kubat was born in Steele county June 20, 1870, son of
Samuel and Matilda (Blazek) Kubat, natives of Bohemia. The
father emigrated to America in 1856, locating at Freeport, 111.,
where he remained only a short time. He then came to Minne-
sota in 1858, locating at Owatonna township, Steele county,
where he engaged in general farming until 1906. At this time
he retired from active life and moved to Owatonna, where he
now resides. The subject of our sketch attended the district
schools of Owatonna township, which was supplemented with
a course in the high school at Owatonna. In the summer of 1892
he entered the employ of Parrott & Smith, in whose employment
he still reniains, now being the head man of their firm. Mr.
Kubat was married in 1896 to Inga, daughter of Ole and Kath-
erine Krogh, natives of Norway. The mother died when Mrs.
Kubat was five years of age. Mrs. Kubat was born in Vadsa,
Norway, February 21, 1872, came to America in 1886 and made
her home in Owatonna ever since. Mr. Krogh has been in Alaska,
but is now in the state of Washington. Besides our subject,
there are two brothers and five sisters in this family, viz : Anna
M., now Mrs. William Zatocill, at Michigan City, N. Dak. ; Will-
iam O. lives in Owatonna; Henry L. farms in Havana township;
Matilda, now Mrs. C. H. Markytan, farms in Owatonna town-
ship ; Josie is married to J. W. Slezak and lives in Somerset town-
ship ; Olga and Elsie live with their parents. Mr. Kubat is a
Republican. The family reside at 139 West Mill street.
Mr. Kubat is prominent in fraternal circles and is a member
of the following orders: Star of the West, No. 14; I. O. O. F.,
Canton No. 12; .Mma Rcbckah, No. 27; OAvatonna .A.erie, No.
1118 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
1719, F. O. E.; Tenoch Council, No. 16, A. O. A.; Grand Lodge,
A. O. A. ; Owatonna Camp. No. 387, M. W. of A. He also be-
longs to the Owatonna fire department and tlie Owatonna mili-
tar)' band. In the Odd Fellows especially, Mr. Kubat has been
an earnest worker. He has had all the honors in the subordinate
lodge. Encampment and Canton. He has been district deputy
grand master in the subordinate lodge, district deputy grand
chief patriarch in the Encampment, and at present is captain of
the Canton. He is a charter member of the Ancient Order of
.\ztecs and has been honored with all the different offices therein.
He is now grand vice commander and chairman of the finance
committee of the grand lodge, A. O. A.
Nels Lee, deceased, was born in Norway in May, 1843, where
he received his education. He came to America in 1867 and lo-
cated in Steele county, and three years later bought a farm in
sections 22 and 22 of Aurora township, where he built his home
and outbuildings and followed general farming until his death,
which occurred May 11. 1903. In his political views ;\Ir. Lee was
a Republican and he was a member of the Lutheran church.
He never held or sought public office, but he was a good citizen,
interested in evervthing that was for the best interests of his
town and county, and respected by all who knew him. leaving an
honored heritage to his children. Air. Lee was married in 1870
to Anna Larson, and to them were born seven children : Mrs.
Albert Anderson, of Pratt: Mrs. John V'ass, of Owatonna; Mrs.
Charles Watts, formerly of Minneapolis, now deceased; Mrs.
Thorvold Nylius, formerly of Minneapolis, now deceased; Rena
Lee, of Minneapolis ; Mrs. August Arndt, of Owatonna ; Mrs.
Edward Jackson, of Owatonna. Mrs. Anna Lee died in 1884.
Mr. Lee was married June 6, 1887, to Hannah Johnson, born in
Norway May 27, 1854, came to .\mcrica in 1884 and still survives
her husband. Two children were born to this union. Bertha,
born February 28, 1888, is now JNlrs. John Johnson, and lives on
the old farm. Agnes, born March 2, 1892, is now Mrs. Knute
Moe, of Aurora township.
Roy H. Naylor, a native of Minnesota, was born in Merton
township, Steele county, December 9, 1877, a son of Arthur C.
and Carrie (Jarrett) Naylor, both parents were natives of Eng-
land, they came to America, and in 18,^5 the father located in
Merton township on section 35, where he carried on general
farming until 190'^', when he retired and moved to Owatonna.
Roy received his education in the district schools in Merton
township and then took a two years' course at the Faribault
high school. He then attended the Canfield school of business
and in 1903 accepted a position as steward at the State ]niblic
school at Owatonna, which he now holds. He was married on
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1119
August 27, 1904, at Prescott, Wis., to Jessie K. Johnson. Two
children liave been born to Mr. and Mrs. Naylor: Sherwood L..
born August 29, 1905, and Stanley R.. born Augu.st 3, 1909. In
politics Mr. Naylor is a Republican and a member of the Metho-
dist church. He is also a member of the Masonic order, the I.
O. O. F. and the B. A. Y. He lives at his pleasant home. No.
446 Flora street, in the city of Owatonna, where he enjoys the
respect and esteem of all who know him.
Martin Nelson was born in Denmark January 1, 1841. He
came to America in 1868, first settling in Illinois. In 1875 he
moved to Steele county and settled in Aurora township, where
he farmed until 1895, when he rented his place and moved to the
village of Bixby. In 1899 he sold the old homestead and is now
conducting a feed stable.
Francis M. Bassett, a successful and well known business
man of Owatonna, and who has a beautiful home at 129 East
Rose street, was born in New York City January 17, 1870. He
is the son of Walter I. and Melissa (Nash) Bassett, of Brooklyn.
N. Y. The father is a plumber by trade. In 1878 he emigrated
West to Minneapolis to take charge of the plumbing business
for J. J. Dunnigan, a large plumbing and steam fitting establish-
ment. He had charge of all the plumbing and steam fitting at
the Capitol and the Ryan Hotel at St. Paul, where he is now
located. Our subject received his education at the public schools
of St. Paul : then took up the plumbing trade for three years.
He was then employed by the St. Paul Bottling Works for eigh-
teen years, having charge of it for five years. He was also with
the Highland Springs Company of St. Paul. On July 5, 1904,
he came to Owatonna as manager of the Mineral Chemical Com-
pany and has held that position ever since. Mr. Bassett was
married September 6, 1896, to Kate Reinhard. Their home was
blessed with one child. May Kate, who was born May 28, 1898.
Mr. Bassett is a Republican. He belongs to the Episcopal
church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., I. O. F., A. O.
A. and F. O. E.
James A. Kent, a well known dentist of Blooming Prairie,
Minn., was born in Hamilton, Ontario, September 20, 1865. His
education was received in the public schools of his birthplace
and at the Niagara high school, near his home. He then went
to Philadelphia and was enrolled in the Philadelphia Dental Col-
lege, receiving his degree as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, in
1887, and opening offices in Minneapolis the same year, where he
remained in the practice of his profession until 1890, when he
removed to Red W'ing, Minn., in which place he was engaged
in dentistry for three years. In 1893 he removed to Blooming
Prairie, his present location, and enjoys a large and growing
11-20 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
practice. As to politics, Dr. Kent is a believer in the principles
of the Republican party and has served one term as justice of the
peace. The Knights of Pythias value him as an active member,
as does the Congregational church. March 26. 1890, he was
married to Laura Tubbesing. daughter of Peter and Margaret
(Vogt) Tubbesing. of RecJ Wing, where the father still lives, the
mother is deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Kent reside on Fourth street.
E. R. and Sabra (.Angle) Kent, parents of James A., were natives
of Sheffield, England, coming to Canada in their younger days
and locating at Hamilton. Ontario, the father being engaged as
a crockery and glassware manufacturer until 1881. He then en-
tered the real estate business together with C). -\. Prav. R. F.
Hulbert. Mr. Minnford and C. G. Pillsbury. of Minneapolis, the
company having e.xtensive land and mining interests in Minne-
sota and northwestern Canada. In 1888 he retired and returned
to Hamilton, where he died in .Vpril. 1889. The mother died in
Xovember of the same year.
E. F. Laughlin, a hustling and progressive farmer of Merton
township. .Steele county — his birthplace — was born Julv 2. 1868.
After receiving a good education in the district schools he imme-
diately engaged in farming, first with his father and later for
himself. He now owns a hundred and si.xty acres of productive
land, a hundred of which is tillable, the remaining sixty acres
being used mostly for pasturage. In addition to general farm-
ing he carries on stock raising on an extensive scale, breeding
and raising thoroughbred Percheron horses, Holstein cattle and
Duroc Jersey hogs : also breeder of Scotch collie dogs. The use
of modern buildings and machinery add to the profits of the
place, a large up-to-date barn, forty by sixty-four, fourteen-foot
post, comfortably housing all the stock. Mr. Laughlin also has
a modern dwelling house. As to political convictions he is a
Democrat and has always taken an acii\e ])art in local affairs,
having served as assessor during 1902 and 1903 and has been
town clerk since 1905. He was married, in 1895. to Bertha A.
Conlin. by whom he has si.x children: James .A.. Catherine L..
Edward E., Marv- E., Raymond P. and Lucile. John H., the
father of our subject, is a native of Pennsylvania ; his mother,
Katie, (Conway) of Steele county. Minnesota. The father joined
the Westward tide of emigration, in 1866, locating on his farm
in Merton township, Steele county, where he still resides. Be-
sides attending to the working of his farm he was a stock buyer
for three years during his younger days. His good wife lives
with him on the old place. Patrick and Mary (McGrath) Conlin,
parents of Mrs. E. F. Laughlin, are old settlers of Alinnesota,
where the father carried on farming for manv vears. Thev are
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES U-'.l
now living in California on a fruit farm, and also own some min-
ing property.
William Wanous, a hustling farmer of Steele county, was
born in Owalonna township September 2. 1879. His boyhood
was spent on his father's farm, meanwhile receiving his edu-
cation in the district schools. Leaving .school he engaged in
farming on the old homeplace with his father, and now has entire
charge of his father's 160-acre farm in Owatonna township, and
has succeeded in making it one of the most productive pieces of
land in the county. Much of his attention is given to stock rais-
ing, owning a well selected herd of Durham cattle and a large
number of Poland China hogs. In politics he is a follower of the
tenets of the Republican party. The C. S. P. S. and the Modern
Brotherhood of America number him among their members.
October 25, 1905, he was married to Emma Truhlar, daughter
of Frank Truhlar, of Owatonna. Mr. and Mrs. Wanous have
two children : Viola, born August 27. 1906. and Elmer, born
March 27, 1910. Our subject is a son of John and Anna
(Jerouscek) Wanous, the father being born in Bohemia August
10, 1830. After acquiring his education in his native land he
worked at the cloth-making trade for a time and then served
nine years in the regular army. In 1862 he came to America,
locating in Chicago two summers and subsequently removing
to Steele county, where he followed farming on a rented farm
for two or three years. He then purchased twenty acres of land,
and by thrift and economy gradually became the owner of 455
acres of good farm land. In politics he has always adhered to the
doctrines of the Republicans and has been a loyal member of the
C. S. P. S. for many years. In 1861 he was married to Arna
Jerouscek, by whom he has eleven children, named as follows:
John F., a farmer of Owatonna township: Joseph, also engaged
in farming in this state ; Wcncl, farming on the homeplace : Anna,
wife of Frank Simon, a farmer of Clinton Falls; Josephine, a
dressmaker at Owatonna: Samuel, whose sketch appears else-
where, is engaged in farming in Havana township; Mary, wife
of Milo Kubat, a jeweler of Owatonna; Ida is clerking for E. J.
Kasper & Co. ; ^\'illiam, our subject ; Eva, wife of Ben Reinhart,
a lumberman ; and Aggie, wife of Frank Dostal, an electrician.
Peter Eliason, a prosperous farmer of Deerfield township, was
born in Sweden of Norwegian parents, February 10, 1854. Peter
attended school in Norway. AN'hen he was eighteen years old he
came to America and was employed a year by the Great North-
ern Railway Company at St. Cloud. Coming to Goodhue county
he worked near Zumbrota for five years before buying the 150
acres of land upon which he has since made his home. The tim-
ber with which much of his land was covered furnished materials
1122 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
for farm buildings and improvements. j\Ir. Eliason in his gen-
eral farming has taken special pride in the Durham cattle which
nourish in his pastures. In the fall of 1877 Peter Eliason was
married to Sarah Larson at Owatonna. Eleven children have
resulted from this union, seven of whom are now living: Elias M.
is a mail carrier at Owatonna ; Mrs. Pauline Schroeder has a
home in South Dakota ; Mrs. Annie Lawrence ; Hans, a married
brother, and Mrs. Mary A. Beese live in Deerfield ; Tina attends
high school in Owatonna ; Palma is still at home ; Louis was
killed in a railroad wreck at twenty-four years of age, and three
children died in infancy. Mr. Eliason is a member of the Luth-
eran church and the society of Modern ^\'oodmen. For more
than twenty years he has served as chairman of the town board.
.School district Xo. 92 was organized liy Mr. Eliason. who built
the school house and has acted as clerk of the school board ever
since. He is a stockholder in Meriden Creamery and the farmers
elevator at Owatonna and has helped in the promotion of these
enterprises. Elias Olson and Margaret Gilland. his wife, parents
of the subject of this sketch, were natives of Norway, where the
mother died in 1875. The father came to this country and made
his home with his sons. He died at Peter's home in Meriden
in 1897.
Henry T. Blume is a nali\e son of Minnesota, having been
born in Havana township, Steele county, on April 30, 1870. He
is a son of Henry and Dorothea Blume. natives of Germany, who
came to America and located at Havana township and engaged
in farming and have lived there ever since. Henry received his
education in the district schools of Havana township and after
leaving school engaged in farming with his father until he was
twenty-six years of age. In 1896 he came to Aurora township
and purchased a fine farm of 240 acres located on sections 27 and
34. He has erected a fine dwelling house and some fine and
commodious farm buildings, has greatly improved his land and
does general farming. He has a fine herd of Durham cattle and
makes a specialty of dairying. Mr. Blume was married June
27, 1897, to Caroline Kruger. and six children have been born
to them, of whom four are now living: Albert, deceased: Annie,
deceased; George, Elsie, Dora and Herbert. In politics he is a
stanch Republican and he is a member of the German Lutheran
church. He has served his town as constable for two years and
also as road overseer. He has served on the school board twice
by appointment to fill out unexpired terms. He is a stockholder
in the Oak Glen Creamery of Bixby. He is a good citizen and
one of the substantial farmers of Steele county.
Charles F. Sette, a respected citizen of Owatonna, Minn., was
born on his father's farm in Dodge county, Wisconsin, October
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1123
26, 1855. His boyhood was passed largely in Steele county,
Minnesota, where his parents removed nine years after his birth,
and in the characteristic district schools of those rude pioneer
times he acquired his education. After school he bought a farm
near the old homestead and there followed general farming four
years, then removing to Hand county. South Dakota, in 1884,
where he purchased a 200-acrc tract of land on which he was
engaged in progressive agriculture till 1905, having one of the
model farms of that county. Mr. Sette then came to Owatonna,
buying a charming home which is still his residence. In poli-
tics the Republican party claims him as a member. He served
the community as treasurer of his township and school board
many years wiiile in South Dakota. Anything for the good of
the city has his support. The German Methodist church counts
him as one of its loyal members. December 11, 1878, he was
married to Minnie Grabinski, who died in South Dakota June
10, 1904. leaving two daughters, Esther, now Mrs. William Ebert,
of Webster, S. Dak., and Clara, wife of Fred Hoffman, of Lane,
S. Dak. Mr. Sette was married a second time October, 1906,
to Mrs. Matilde Sorenson Bletner. Carl and Minnie (Franz)
Sette, parents of our subject, were natives of Germany, coming
to this country in their younger days and locating in Dodge
county, then in its infancy, where the father followed general
farming until 1864. They then removed to Steele county, pur-
chasing a quarter section in Owatonna township, on which the
father was engaged in farming till his retirement in 1898. His
wife died in 1900 and his decease occurred in 1903.
Ole J. Anderson is a son of John and Christy (Hove) Ander-
son, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1864 and settled
on a farm in Wisconsin, where they remained until 1872. when
they came to Steele county, Minnesota, and purchased eighty
acres in Berlin township and here the father continued farming
until his death in 1898; the mother died in 1896. After the death
of his father Ole took charge of the farm and has conducted it
ever since. In 1904 he purchased 240 acres of land and follows
general farming, giving especial attention to dairying. In 1887
he was married to Mary Ellingson and twelve children have
been born to them: John, who died in 1896 at the age of nine
years; Annie, age twenty-one; Edward, age nineteen; Clara, age
seventeen; Henry, age fifteen; Joseph, age thirteen; Jennie, age
eleven ; Mary, age nine ; Edna, age seven ; Louisa, age five ; John,
age three; Ole, age one and a half: all the children are living at
home. In politics Mr. .Anderson is a Republican and he is a
member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He has served the
town as supervisor for four years and was a trustee of the Nor-
wegian Lutheran church for six years, of which he is a member.
1154 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
He is a stockholder in the Ellendale Creani<.r\ and in the I'^arni-
ers Elevator Company of Ellendale. Mr. Anderson is a very
successful farmer and has won his success by his own eft'orts.
He is a good citizen, highly respected by all who know him.
August Petersen, a thrifty farmer of Blooming Prairie, was
born in Denmark February 28. 1855. son of Peter and Monstina
Petersen, natives of Denmark. The ])arents immigrated to
America in 1885. The mother died in 1906. The father is still
living with our subject. August received his early education in
the public schools of Denmark. When t\\cnty-six years of age.
in 1881, he left his native land to seek the larger opportimities
of the new world. Arriving in America he located in Blooming
Prairie township, where he purchased 160 acres of land in sec-
tion 21. On this land he has made extensive improvements and
followed general farming up to the present time. Mr. Petersen
was married in November, 1880, to .\nna Hansdu, a native of
Denmark. Ten children have blessed their union, viz.: Hannah.
Fred. Mary. Peter. Albert, Dena, Alfred, Har\-ey, Richard. Luella.
Mr. Petersen is a Republican in political sentiment. In re-
ligious faith he adheres to the Baptist church. He is a good
citizen, a jirogressive farmer and one of those men tliat have
aided in making Minnesota one of the most productive states in
the Union.
Henry Nelson, a prosperous merchant of Blooming Prairie,
was born in Denmark .August 17, 1867, son of Conrad and Mary
(Francis) Nelson, natives of Denmark. The parents emigrated
to America in 1872, locating at Saginaw, Mich., where they re-
mained for about two 3-ears. In 1874 they came to Freeborn
county, Minnesota, where the father engaged in agricultural pur-
suits up to the time of his decease in 1898. The mother died in
1875. Flenry received his education in the district schools. Lea\'-
ing school he learned the harness-makers' trade. He followed
his trade in different places in Minnesota and Iowa, going to
Owatonna in July, 1891. He remained there two years and then
located in Pdooming Prairie, where he opened a business for
himself. He has met with a marked degree of success and now
conducts two stores in the village. He manufactures light and
heavy harness, does ail kinds of repair work and carries a com-
plete line of horse furnishing goods. Dr. E. W. Coole}' is asso-
ciated with Mr. Nelson as a partner.
Mr. Nelson was married August 28, 189,^, to Mamie Jefferson,
of Owatonna. Their union is blessed with eight children, \'iz :
Mande, Rajmond, Helen. Leonard, Doris, Lucile, Carol!, Ruth,
all living at home. The family home is located on Sixth street.
Mr. Nelson is a Republican. He worships at the Baptist church.
He is also a member of the M. W. A. Mr. Nelson is an enter-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1135
prising business man. a good and respected citizen. He has
served on the city council for tliree terms.
Rasmus Petersen, of Blooming Prairie township, was born
in Denmark Fel)ruary 3, 1861. He received his early education
in his native land, after which he followed the occupation of
farming. In 1881 he left his native country for the New World.
After arriving in .\merica he located in Blooming Prairie town-
ship. In 1884 he went to Michigan, where he was engaged in
the iron mines for one year. He then returned to Blooming
Prairie, where he followed farm work, and in 1898 he purchased
a 160-acre farm in section 14, Blooming Prairie township. He
has greatly improved this farm and follows general and diversi-
fied farming, but pays more attention to dairy and stock raising.
Mr. Petersen was married September 5, 1888, at St. Paul to Lena
Andersen, a native of Denmark. Their union is blessed with
four children, Peter N., George. .Albert and Agnes. Mr. Peter-
sen is a Republican in political faith. He with his family worship
at the Danish Lutheran church. He is a member of the M. W.
A. He is interested in everything that is for the good of the
community and is a stockholder in the Blooming Prairie Cream-
ery. He has made his way in the world by his own hard work
and perseverance. He is a good citizen, respected by all.
J. F. Finley, city weigh master of Owatonna, was born Octo-
ber 22, 1860. in Richland township, Rice county, Minnesota. He
is a son of J. H. and Emalinc (Close) Finley. natives of Ohio
and Indiana respectively. The parents came West in 1855. lo-
cating in Richland township, Rice county, where the father was
engaged in general farming up to 1892. At this time he entered
the hotel business in Owatonna, conducting what was known
at that time as the Alooney House. Tie continued this business
for a few years, then sold out and has since lived a retired life.
Mrs. Finley died in 1873. The subject of our sketch received
his education in tlie district schools of Richland town.ship. Leav-
ing school he worked on a farm for some time, and in 1892 he
came to Owatonna, entering the machine business in partnership
with J. F. Wilson. They continued this business for five years,
when they sold out their machine business, Mr. Finley going to
Dodge Center, where he engaged in the harness business. He
remained there for about one year, then returned to Owatonna
and bought the dray business of George McCarty. He continued
this business for about six months. About one month after pur-
chasing the business he was taken seriously ill, and was unable to
do anything for about four years. After recovering from his illness
he entered the coal business, which he continued for six months,
and then sold out to Pike & Robins. He then went to .Austin.
Minn., and l)ought a half interest in a grocer\- and butcher busi-
1126 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ness, which lie continued for about four years. Disposing of his
interest, he returned to Owatonna and engaged in buying and
shipping stock, which he continued to do for about two and one-
half years. He then bought a livery business of Henry Conklin
and Gil Russel. He was engaged in this business for about one
year, then sold out to Philip Anderson. In the spring of 1908
he was appointed city weighmaster, which position he has held
ever since. Mr. Finley was married in 1881 to Addie M.,
daughter of Edgar and Maria (Atwater) Horton. The parents
were natives of New York state, where they both died. Four
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Finley : Lelia, now Mrs.
Herbert Cruikshank; Alta, telephone operator at Faribault; Mat-
tie and Clifford are both residing at home. The family resides at
504 East Vine street. Mr. Finley is a Republican. He is a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church, also a member of the M. W. A. and
the E. F. U. Mr. Finley served as city treasurer of Owatonna
four years. He also ser\ed four years as deputy sheriff under
Sheriff Misgen.
Orie H. Ferrell is a native of Minnesota, having been born
in Owatonna March 7, 1869, a son of Theodore and Lucinda
(Brown) Ferrell. Orie received his education at the district
schools of Havana townsliip, supplementing with a course at
Pillsbury academy. After leaving school he first engaged in
farming, but in 1890 he removed to Owatonna, purchased five
acres of land and engaged in market gardening, and for three
years was employed as night moulder at the Owatonna Manu;
facturing Company. He has purchased more land from time to
time, and now has fifty-eight acres on which he follows farming.
In 1902 he engaged in the sand and gravel business, both these
products being found in abundance on his land. He was mar-
ried on November 8, 1888, at Owatonna, to Frances A. Chase,
a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Chase. The father died
April 22, 1902, and the mother is still living at Spokane, Wash.
Two children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ferrell: T.
Howard, born April 11, 1893, and Kenneth Paul, born January
6, 1902. In his political principles Mr. Ferrell is a Prohibitionist,
and in his religious belief he is a Baptist. He is a member of
the A. O. U. W. and of the B. A. Y. He has succeeded by hard
work, and the assistance of his devoted wife and lives at his
home which is located at No. 3 Rose street, respected by all who
know him.
Alfred Camp, a native of Minnesota, was born in Freeborn
county September 4, 1886, a son of Christopher and Ivatherine
(Larson) Camp. Both parents were natives of Denmark, who
came to America in 1880 and located at Albert Lea, Minn.,
where they remained until 1898. They then moved to Blooming
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1127
Prairie, Steele county, where the father followed his trade of a
mason for a few years, and from there moved to Summit town-
ship, where he is now located, and is doing general farming.
Alfred received his education at the public schools of Blooming
Prairie. After leaving school Alfred came to Owatonna and
learned the butter making trade, which he has followed ever
since. On May 1. 1909, he accepted a position with the Farmers'
Gilt Edge Creamery Association, and has full charge of their
business. Mr. Camp is a member of tiie Lutheran Church, and
his political affiliations are with tiie Republican party. He is
also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Though
still a young man, he holds a responsible position and enjoys the
confidence of his employers and the respect and esteem of all
who know him.
Leonard L. Bennett, president since its organization of the
establislniicnl now known as the National Farmers' Bank, is
one of the honored figures of Owatonna life. Few men can lay
down a chosen profession in the prime of manhood and attain
success in a line of activity entirely different, but Dr. Bennett,
after attaining an enviable position for himself as a practitioner
of medicine, turned from his profession and at the age of thirty-
five took up the business of banking, becoming a leader in the
financial circles of this part of the state. Dr. Bennett was born
in Plainfield, Will county, Illinois, October 7, 1839, son of
Robert Bennett and Sally Loomis Kent, his wife, the former
being descended from a genuine old Connecticut "Yankee"
family, while the latter, a New Yorker by birth, was of more
immediate English descent. Their son, the subject of this sketch,
was educated in the common schools in the neighborhood of the
old Bennett homestead in Lake county, Illinois. In 1857 he
graduated from the academic course in the Wauconda Academy,
at Wauconda, 111., and in 1862 he was graduated with honors
from the Rush Medical college, of Chicago. The following year
he came to Owatonna, and practiced medicine successfully from
1864 to 1874. attaining a substantial position in his profession. It
was during that period that Dr. Bennett acquired that intimate
knowledge of farm life and the character of the farmers in Steele
county, that has made his bank the financial center of this agri-
cultural region. In 1873, Dr. Bennett established the Farmers'
National Bank, of Ow-atonna, and became its president, remain-
ing in that position to the present day, the institution having
become the leading financial enterprise in Steele county. One
year after opening the bank, Dr. Bennett, gave up the medical
profession. During all the years that have passed since then,
the people of Steele county, in loving recognition of his services
as a practitioner, have retained the title of "Doctor," in
1128 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
addressing him. \\ bile devoting to his business much more
time than the average man works, Dr. Bennett has still found
time for public service, and his contributions to the progress of
the community by four years work as county coroner, and many
years as a member of the board of county commissioners and
the city schol board will be long remembered. His fraternal
association has been with the A. F. & A. M. and his church
affiliations are with the local body of Universalists, of the
founders of which, he and his wife are the only ones living.
Dr. Bennett was married May 25, 1863, to Arabella Fidelia
Brown, and to this union have been born two sons, Carl Kent
Bennett and Guy Brown Bennett, both now holding official
positions in the National Farmers' Bank, of Owatonna.
Guy B. Bennett, cashier of the National Farmers' Bank, of
Owatonna. i> actively identifying himself with the financial
progress and stability of Steele county, and is regarded as one
oi the rising young men of the city of Owatonna. He was born
in Owatonna. September 27. 1871. a son of Leonard Loomis
and Arabella I'idelia Bennet, long-time residents of this vicinity.
The subject of this sketch attended the public schools and grad-
uated from the Owatonna high school in 1889. The following
fall he entered the academic department of Harvard University,
and in 1893 received his degree from that institution. Returning
to Owatonna he entered what had at that time just liecome the
National Farmers' Bank, as bookkeeper. Gradually mastering
the details of the business he was promoted to bookkeeper,
paying teller, and assistant cashier successively, until August,
1905, when he assumed his present position in which he has
since served with credit and ability. In addition to his banking
interests, he has found time to serve the city as member of the
school board. For three years he was a bugler in Company E,
Third Regiment. Minnesota National Guard. For ten years
he has been treasurer of the Universalist Church. Mr. Bennett
was married. June 30. 1900, to Winifred Fay Niles, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. John N. Niles, of Owatonna, and to this union one
son has been born. Leonard N., July 22, 1909.
Carl K. Bennett, vice president of the National Farmers'
Bank, of Owatonna, had in charge the jjlanning and erecting
of the solidly beautiful building which houses the institution of
which he is an officer. The search for a suitable architect was
his, as was also indeed, the inception of the idea that a building
may be so designed as to exjircss its purpose. Mr. Bennett was
born in Owatonna, October 6, 1868, a son of Leonard Loomis and
Arabella (Fidelia) Bennett, l^ith descended from old New
England families. He attended the public schools and in 1886
graduated from Pillsbury Academy. He then entered Harvard
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1129
University and graduated with a special degree in 1890. Since
then he has taken his place in the business and social life of
Uwatonna. In the summer of 1890 he entered the then Farmers'
National Bank as bookkeeper, in December, 1890, he became
assistant cashier, in August, 1891, cashier, and in August, 1905,
vice president, which position he still holds. Mr. Bennett is
president of the Perfection Churn Company, president of the
Sperry Manufacturing Company, and one of the owners of the
Owatonna Creamery Supply Company. For six years he was
a member of the city council representing the first ward. He
served on the library board ten years and a larger part of that
time was secretary of that body. He is now president of the
park commission. Being interested in preserving the records
of the past as an earnest of the future, he has allied himself
with the Minnesota chapter of the Sons of the American Revo-
lution. Mr. Bennett was married November 21, 1898, to Lydia
Honoria Norwood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Norwood, of
Owatonna, and to this union have been born three children —
Beatrice, Sylvia and Arabella. The family attends the First
Baptist Church, of which Air. Bennett was organist for many
years.
Lewis Lorenzo Wheelock, jurist, soldier and orator, now
deceased, exerted on city, county and state, an influence that will
be long remembered. A memorial of his life has said, "Judge
Wheelock was not only a learned and well-equipped jurist, but
a thoughtful student of jniblic afifairs. Honored and trusted
by all who knew him, faithful to every cause which he espoused,
considerate, brave and firm, he earned and maintained a high
place in the afifectionate regard of his fellows. A man of wit,
he was never caustic, except in defense of right. His conversa-
tion was illumined with humor that was always kindly, wisdom
that was always impressive and permeated with a deep under-
lying principle of religious feeling. He was conservative in
judgment and charitable in thought as well as in deed. A man
among men, he had a heart tender as a child's and pitiful as a
woman's." Lewis Lorenzo Wheelock was born in Mannsvillc,
Jeflferson county, New York, November 12, 1839, son of Lewis
Lorenzo and Mary (Howe) Wheelock. Left an orphan at the
age of ten years, he secured an education through his own
exertions, and at the age of twenty started teaching in Macedon
Academy, Wayne county, New York, in which capacity he was
serving at the outbreak of the Civil War. He enlisted as a
private in the 160th New York Volunteer Infantry. August 13,
1862; was promoted to first lieutenant of Company C, Septem-
ber 1, 1862; and promoted to captain of the same company,
June 9, 1865. He assisted in the fitting out of the Banks F.xpcdi-
1130 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUXTIES
tion to the Department of the Gulf, and with his regiment went
to New Orleans in December, 1862. He served in independent
command under Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, being engaged in
numerous battles and skirmishes, including the destruction of
the Confederate gunboat "Cotton," the reducing of Camp Bis-
land, the siege and capture of Port Hudson, the expedition to
Sabine Pass, Texas, and the battles of Bank's Red River cam-
paign. He was then ordered north with his company and partici-
pated in the battle of Deep Bottom, Virginia, July, 1864, under
Hancock. He was then ordered to the Shenandoah valley under
Sheridan. He participated in the battle of Opequan, Va., Sep-
tember 19, 1864. In this engagement he was wounded in the
right arm, and sent to the rear, being unable to join his regi-
ment until after the battle of Cedar Creek. He marched in the
Grand Review at Washington, and was discharged with his
regiment November 1, 1865. After his discharge he assisted in
the reconstruction by serving in the Freedmen's Bureau in
Washington. After this he chose the law as a profession. His
first training was received in the office of his colonel. Judge
Charles C. Dwight, Auburn, N. Y., after which he entered the
Albany (N. Y.) law school, graduating in 1869. In the meantime
he established a residence in Owatonna, where he subsequently
had a highly honorable career, serving as city attorney, judge
of probate and state senator. The law firm of \Vheelock and
Sperry, with Hon. W. A. Sperry as a partner, was formed in
1879, and continued until the death of Mr. Wheelock. Judge
Wheelock was a zealous member of the G. A. R., and served
two terms as department commander for the state of Minnesota.
He was selected by the Department Encampment of Minnesota
as one of the committee to frame the bill for the establishment of
the Soldiers' Home and Soldiers' Relief Fund. May 5, 1886, he
was elected a companion of the Military Order of the Loyal
Legion, through the Commandery of Minnesota, and was a mem-
ber of the council from May 8, 1906, to May 14. 1907. The
committee of this commandery at the time of his death passed
the following resolutions following a recital of the biographical
facts of his career: "Judge Wheelock was greatly beloved by his
comrades throughout the state; his cheer}' disposition witty
sayings and good judgment making him a great favorite. As
a citizen Companion Wheelock was interested and active in
everything that promoted the public welfare; he served as presi-
dent of the board of education, and at the time of his death was
president of the Owatonna Free Public Library board, as well
as a director of the First National Bank. At one time he was
postmaster. His large law business and public duties did not
exhaust his energies. He was active in Freemasonry and was
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1131
the prelate of the Commandery of Knights Templar at the time
of his death. In the realm of things spiritual, Companion
Wheelock was a sincere and devout believer. He belonged to
the Congregational Church, but his breadth of view embraced
all followers of the Christian religion. For more than forty
years he was superintendent of the Sunday school, and with
great ability occupied the pulpit when occasion required. And
many were the souls he inspired to higher ideals in things
spiritual." Lewis L. Wheelock was married in 1871 to Adeline
Burch, of Hillsdale, Mich., who died February 24, 1901. To this
union seven children were born. Of these four are living.
Arthur B. resides in Seattle, Wash. ; Dwight is in Oro Fino,
Idaho; Paul is a student at Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Mrs. Paul H.
Evans lives in Owatonna. Mr. Wheelock was again married in
April, 1902, to Mrs. Miranda A. Inglis, who resides at the family
residence in Owatonna.
C. K. Anderson, of the Guarantee Concrete and Construction
Company, has taken an active part in the upbuilding of
Owatonna, and the many beautiful buildings in whose construc-
tion he has had a part, will long stand as a monument to his
work. He was born in Owatonna, February 5, 1868, son of
Silas and Adeline Amanda (Davenport) Anderson, long-time
residents of Owatonna. The subject of this sketch received
his early education in the graded and high schools of Owatonna,
and after leaving school learned the bricklayers' trade with the
idea of following in his father's footsteps as a general contractor.
After thoroughly mastering this trade, he became a member
of the firm of liammel Brothers & Anderson. In 1907, Mr.
Anderson entered into partnership with R. T. Woodward under
the firm name of the Guarantee Concrete and Construction Com-
pany, doing all kinds of cement contracting, etc. The firm does
a large business, and its work is its best recommendation. Mr.
Anderson is a Democrat in politics, and his services for six
years as alderman from the second ward have given general
satisfaction. Being of a fraternal nature, he has interested him-
self in the K. of P., the M. W. A., and the F. O. E. He was
married in 1893, at Los Angeles, Cal., to Efifie Runklc, whose
parents are residents of California. This union has been blessed
with one son, Harold W. The family faith is that of the
Universal ist Church, and the residence is a comfortable home at
605 East Vine street. Silas Anderson, contractor and builder,
was born in Pembrooke county, New York, August 5, 1832. His
wife, Adeline, w-as born in Scoharie county. New York. They
were married December 21, 1857. In 1865 he enlisted in Company
F, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and saw service in the
southern states. He came to Minnesota with his wife in the
113-2 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
early sixties and established a business at Ovvatonna, success-
fully continuing same until his death. July 9, 1905. His wife
died June 21, 1910. Their children were: Willard Edward,
deceased; Cyrus K. ; Myrtie, now Mrs. George Lull, of Roches-
ter: Charles, deceased; Nellie, deceased.
Charles S. Crandall. Few men have contributed so greatly
to the prosperity of southern Minnesota as Charles Scheretz
Crandall, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Erie county,
Ohio, January 18, 1840. and came to Steele county in 1857.
During the more than fifty years that ho has resided here, he has
taken an active part in county and state affairs, and for decades
his council and advice have been sought by men of many walks
in life. As journalist, law-maker, committeeman, merchant,
county ofticer and postmaster his conduct has fulfilled a high
ideal of manhood, and his influence has been of great impor-
tance. In 1862, failing health and chronic asthma forced his
retirement from farm life, and in that year he came to Owatonna
and became a deputy in the offices of the register of deeds and
the county auditor. Subsequently he was appointed register
of deeds upon the resignation of that official. He held tne office
fourteen months under this appointment, and was after that
elected to the office for two terms. He served with distinction
in the house of representatives of the state legislature one term,
and in the state senate two terms. He was eight years post-
master of Owatonna. and was eight years editor of the
"Owatonna Journal." Having been instrumental in securing
the location of the state public school at Owatonna, he was
appointed by the governor a member of the board of control
of that institution, and held the office twelve years, giving good
service. He was also one of the board of managers of the State
Reformatory at St. Cloud, Minn., for several years. He was
removed from these boards upon the election of a Democratic
governor, and his loss was keenly felt by those who had the
interests of the institutions at heart. In addition to his other
work, Mr. Crandall was one of the building committee of the
Baptist Church building, though not a member of that organiza-
tion. He was also one of the committee which constructed the
Metropolitan opera house, to which he, as well as many other
citizens, contributed. Mr. Crandall was married in February,
1864, to Marietta E. Allen, a widow. To this union were born
two children — Mary Elizabeth, February 22, 1865, and
Georgiana Caroline, June 23. 1872. Marietta Crandall died in
September, 1892, and Mr. Crandall married Irene A. I^uers, a
widow, in October, 1893. Charles Chapin Crandall, father of
Charles S. Crandall, was born at Canadagua, Ontario county.
New York, and died in Lorain county, Ohio, in 1850. The
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1133
mother. Caroline Scheretz, was born in Erie county, Ohio, and
died in Steele county, Minnesota. Her family was of German
origin. Her parents came from Pennsylvania to Ohio, which
was then a wilderness, in 1809, and settled in the Connecticut
Western Reserve.
Herbert F. Luers, the energetic editor of the "Owatonna
Journal-Chronicle," has taken a vital and active interest in the
welfare of the city and county, and his editorial boostings of
all things concerning this locality, have resulted in increased
impetus in the progressiveness of Owatonna and Steele county.
He was born in (3watonna, August 9, 1875, son of Herman
Henry Luers and Irena A. Snedigar, his wife. Herbert F.
started out in life with the intention of becoming a musician.
At the age of ten years he started studying the piano and after
eight years took up voice culture also. After attending the public
schools of Owatonna, he graduated from Pillsbury Academy in
1893, and from the vocal music department of the same school
two years later. He attended the University of Minnesota,
1893-94, in the academic department. He studied vocal music
and the organ in New York City in 1896, and the year previous
to that had taken a special course in the Curtiss Business College
at St. Paul. After reaching maturity, Mr. Luers' tastes and
energies demanded an occupation more connected with the
world's work than the musical profession, and he therefore
started on his journalistic career in 1896, as a reporter for the
"Owatonna Journal." Jn 1897 he founded the "Owatonna Chron-
icle" with E. K. Whiting. The story of the consolidation of these
papers is found in the newspaper chapter in this work. Mr.
Luers is now president of the "Journal-Chronicle" Company,
and editor of the "Journal-Chronicle," daily and weekly.
He is also secretary of the Steele County Good Roads Asso-
ciation. During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Luers was
elected captain of a company of 140 men, raised for the Fifteenth
Minnesota Regiment, but this comjjany was not accepted by the
governor. The subject of this sketcli enlisted in Company G,
Fourth Infantry Reserve (later Company I, Second Infantry),
Minnesota National Guard, in March, 1900. He was promoted
through the grades of corporal, first sergeant, and second lieu-
tenant, and was commissioned captain of the company, in April,
1904. In March, 1910, he received a medal for ten years' faith-
ful service, and in July, 1910, he resigned the captaincy on
account of the pressure of private business. W'iiilc at college,
Mr. Luers joined the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, lie was married
March 5, 1901, to Anne Stuart Richardson, of Princeton, 111., and
to this union have been born two children — Charles Herman
Rich.irthon, aged S, and Irene \'ictoria, aged 7. Mrs. Luers
1134 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUXTIES
attended the University of Michigan, and is an accomplished
vocalist, having studied with leading teachers in New York
and elsewhere. Herman Henr}- Luers, father of Herbert F.
Luers, was born in Germany and was a prominent druggist in
Owatonna from 1874 until 1887, the latter year being the date
of his death. His wife, now Mrs. Charles S. Crandall, has taken
an active part in club work, and is an officer of the State Federa-
tion of Women's Clubs.
Samuel A. Rask, an energetic and hustling business man of
Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born near Caledonia, Houston
county, Minnesota. After receiving a common school education
in the district schools of his county, he took and completed a
course in the high school of La Crosse, Wis., subsequently com-
pleting a course in English literature at the University of Chi-
cago. Leaving school in 1894, he held a position with the Security
Savings and the Exchange State Bank, of La Crosse, Wis., until
1897, when he removed to the Twin Cities and engaged in the in-
surance business till the outbreak of the Spanish-American War
in 1898. He was then a member of Company F, of the First Min-
nesota National Guard, which became Company F, of the Thir-
teenth Minnesota Yolunteer Infantry after the company entered
active service. Mr. Rask went to the front with his regiment as a
corporal, but shortiv afterwards was taken sick and remained in
the hospital at Camp Merritt, in San Francisco, Cal., until 1899,
when he returned home, arriving but a few months before his
company. Coming to Blooming Prairie, he was connected with
the State Bank of Blooming Prairie as bookkeeper until 1901,
when he was elected cashier, and five years later when the bank
was reorganized as the F^irst National Bank of Blooming Prairie,
he was retained in his present position as cashier and became a
stockholder and director. He is also a director in the Citizens'
National Bank of Austin, Minn., and is serving as secretar}' and
treasurer of the Steele County Telephone Company, of Blooming
Prairie. In political convictions he is a stanch Republican, and
takes an active interest in local affairs. His fraternal affiliations
are with the Masonic Order, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, Modern Woodmen of America, and Sons of Norway.
June 23, 1902, he was united in matrimony with Harriet O.
Miller, of La Crosse, W^is. They have one child, a daughter,
Catherine Louise. Mr. and Mrs. Rask have a comfortable home
located at the corner of Hazel and Second streets. Peter O.
and Louise (Sundt ) Rask, parents of our subject, emigrated from
Norwa}' to .America in 1856, first locating in Winneshiek county,
Iowa, and, in 1858, settled in Wilmington township, Flouston
county, Minnesota, where the father was engaged in farming
until the spring of 1886, when they removed to La Crosse, Wis.,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1135
where tliey now live retired. Mr. and Airs. J. P. Miller, parents
of Mrs. Samuel Rask, were among the early pioneers of La
Crosse, Wis. The father died January 3, 1908, and since then the
mother has resided with her daughter and son-in-law at Bloom-
ing Prairie.
Merton J. Parcher, deputy county auditor of Steele county is
a native son of Minnesota, he was born in Owatonna on
March 17, 1874, son of Johnson and Sarah (Grandprey) Parcher.
Merton received his early education at the public schools of
Owatonna, then going to Big Stone City, S. D., where he finished
his schooling. IJe then learned the meatcutters' trade which
he followed for several years at Big Stone City, Ortonville and
St. Paul Park, then he returned to Owatonna in the year 1889,
and followed his trade until 1900, when he became a buyer,
on the road of hides, wool and furs for Willet & Kilty for four
years, and then with D. Bergman & Co., in the same line for
four years. He then accepted a position with the Albert Lea
Hide and Fur Company, but after working for them for six
months again entered the employ of Willet & Kilty and con-
tinued with them until February 1, 1909. On January 1, 1910,
he was appointed deputy county auditor under A. J. Basshard,
and is now holding that position. He was married at Owatonna
on January 15, 1901, to Anna Brandick, a daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Brandick. Two children have blessed the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Parcher — Irene and Dorothy, both living at
home. In his religious faith Mr. Parcher is a Roman Catholic
and in his political views he is a stanch Republican, he is a
member of the Modern Woodmen of Ainerica, and has been
secretary of his lodge for the past four years, he is also a member
of the F. A. E., the K. of P.. and the U. C. T., and of the Consoli-
dated Casualt}- Company, of Detroit, Mich. He has won his
success by his own efforts, and has the esteem and respect of
all who know him. Mis home is on the corner of University
and Grove streets in the city of Owatonna.
William H. Montgomery is of that race of pioneers, who,
when Minnesota was still in the possession of the Indians, came
to this state, and, undaunted by hardships and discouragements,
persevered in their endeavors until the present prosperous con-
ditions developed from a pioneer frontier. He was born in
Madrid, St. Lawrence county. New York, July 20, 1834, and came
to Minnesota in the fall of 1850, locating in Hastings, when the
country was still occupied by the Indians. He was one of the
early jurors of Dakota county, and in other ways participatea
in public life. In 1865 he came to Steele county, and until 1872
engaged in farming, afterward conducting a hardware business
in Owatonna for eight years. Then he established the retail
furniture store, now conducted bv Boice & Ilanna. With \V. S.
1136 HISTORV OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Boice as partner, he remained in this business and then sold out
to Milan Hastings, his retirement being necessitated by his
wife's illness. Mr. Montgomery is a stanch Republican and a
member of the Congregational Church. He was married May 18,
I860, in Jefferson county, N. Y., to Diana Boice, who after a
life of Christian piety and faithful devotion, died October 17,
1890. To this union were born five children — Bion, Ella, Lester,
and another son, not named, died in infancy. Nora, now of
Los Angeles, married George Brown, a banker. Mr. and Mrs.
Brown have two children, Stanley H, and Wilbur W., the joy
and pride of their grandfather's heart. John and Margaret
(Raney) Montgomery, parents of William H. Montgomery,
were natives of Ireland, but of Scottish descent. They came to
America in 1818, located in New York state, and engaged in
farming and the general mercantile business. The father died
in New York state in 1840 and the mother came to Owatonna
where she died in 1877.
John N. Schoen, a well patronized jeweler of Owatonna, was
born there December 6, 1878. He is the son of Charles and
Elizabeth (Meyer) Schoen, natives of Germany. They emigrated
from Germany as children, the mother in 1842, the father in
1846. They were married at Prescott, Wis., in 1861. The father
first located in New York City, from where he moved to Mil-
waukee, Wis., later removing to Madison, Wis., where he
engaged in the manufacture of wagons. In 1865 he came to
Owatonna and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and
carriages, conducting a prosperous and steadily increasing busi-
ness until 1900, when he retired from active life. He passed
away October 17, 1902. The mother survived him jnd is still
living at Owatonna. John N. received his education in the
public and high schools of Owatonna, graduating from the latter
in 1896. After leaving school, he took up the jewelry trade with
Mr. Louis Watowa, remaining with him until 1905, learning
every detail of the business. At this time he formed a co-part-
nership with Mr. L. J. Mosher ; together they purchased the
jewelry business of Julius Young. They conducted this business
for three years after which, in 1908, Mr. Schoen sold his interest
to Mr. Mosher, and formed a co-partnership with John Jurgen-
sen. They together purchased the jewelry business of his old
employer, Mr. Louis Watowa, located on West Park street. The
company carries everything found in an up-to-date jewelry store,
making a specialty of all kinds of repairing. Mr. Schoen was
married August 6, 1907, at Madison, Wis., to Miss Christine,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bollenbeck. Their union is blessed
with one daughter, Esther C. born June 27, 1908. Mr. and Mrs.
Schoen are domiciled in a ])leasant residence at 819 South Cedar
F
-M. I). AVIIITMAX
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1137
street. Mr. Schocn is a Democrat in politics. In religious faith
he is a Roman Catholic. He is identified with a number of
fraternal organizations, viz. : the K. of P., M. W. A., and Com-
mercial Club. Mr. Schoen is a wide-awake, enterprising young
business man. well thought of by his large circle of friends and
acquaintances.
Adolph Uber is a wide-awake business man of Owatonna,
Minn., who has achieved his success by persevering effort in the
line of a settled purpose. He is of German parentage and was
born in Washington county, Wisconsin, July 27, 1871. He is
a son of Charles Uber who emigrated from the fatherland in
1854, and settled in Washington county, where the father, a
tanner by trade, followed that occupation all his life, his decease
occurring in 1894, and where the mother still resides. Adolph
acquired a good English education in the public schools of his
native place and after leaving school learned the tanner's trade
and worked at it with his brother under the firm name of Uber
Brothers. He followed his trade also in Chicago, in New York
and al Philadelphia, and in 1893 returned to Washington county
and joined his brother in business. A year later, in 1894, he sold
his interest to his brother and took up his residence at Owatonna
and established the business to which he has continuously
devoted his attention ever since, making a specialty of tanning
sheep pelts and shipping the bulk of his products to eastern
markets. In politics he is a Republican. He is identified with
the Modern Woodmen and in his religious convictions holds to
the faith of the Lutheran Church. On January 25, 1892, Mr.
Uber married Miss Kate Komp, whose parents lived in Wash-
ington county, where the father followed his trade as a harness
maker, and where he died. The mother still lives there. Mr.
and Mrs. Uber have two children, named respectively, Ilarley
and Cordelia.
M. D. Whitman, an old and respected pioneer of Steele
county, was born in Grafton county. New Hampshire, October 8,
1839. After receiving a limited common school education, he
engaged in farming until the call to arms in 1862, when he
entered the service of his country with Company H. of the
Twelfth Vermont Infantry, enlisting at Bradford. His first
assignment was on picket duty about the national capital. Later
he was transferred to the First Army Corps, in which he served
until he was mustered out with his company at Brattlcborough,
Vt.. at the close of the war. Returning home, he remained there
until 1867 when he migrated west to Winnebago county, Illinois,
and carried on farming eight months, subsequently removing to
Winnebago county, Wisconsin, and continuing to make his
living as a farmer for a year and a half. He then came to
1138 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Meriden township. Steele county, a year later moving into Som-
erset to\vnshi]j and purchased a quarter section of school land,
his present farm. In spite of his seventy-one years, he takes an
active interest in its operation, his youngest son, Lynn, assisting
him. All modern buildings and machinery of the latest types are
found on this farm, which has greatly aided in making it one of
the model farms of the county. It is located six miles from
Ovvatonna. A beautiful modern home contributes to the com-
fort of the occupants. Shorthorn cattle, Poland China and Berk-
shire hogs are raised. Mr. Whitman was one of the main pro-
moters of the Steele Center creamer}', which is situated almost
at his door, and has held every office in the gift of the creamery
association. In politics, he is an adherent of the Republican
party, and has always taken an active part in the affairs of the
community, having filled the office of postmaster at Steele Center
for twenty-five years, and also that of chairman of the township
supervisors. He is now acting as treasurer of his school board.
The Owatonna post of the Grand Army of the Republic numbers
him among its active members. He was married in 1867, to
Anna (Bryant), daughter of Augustus and Angeline (Sage)
Bryant. Mr. and Mrs. Whitman have seven children — Clarence,
formerly a minister of the Baptist Church, located near Boston,
but now a missionary to Africa ; George, an electrical engineer
of Minneapolis; Frank, manager of a creamery at Avon, Minn.;
Arthur, located at Good Thunder. Minn.; Hattie, wife of Geary
Felton, a farmer of Merton township; Charles, engaged in farm-
ing near Lyman, Lincoln county, Colorado; and Lynn, who
assists his father in the working of the old home farm. The
family are prominent in the Baptist Church. The parents of our
sitbject were natives of New Flampshire where the father fol-
lowed farming up to the time of his death. The mother also
died in the east.
Galen A. Merrill, the efficient superintendent of slate public
school for Dependent and Neglected Children, was born in Kala-
mazoo county, Michigan, December 28, 1859, a son of George
and Sabra (Wallace) Merrill. His mother was a native of New
York and his father of Connecticut. They went to Ohio at an
early day and moved from there to Michigan, where the remain-
der of their life was passed. The father died in the year 1867
and the mother in 1889. Galen A. was brought up on a farm
and received his early education in the district schools of Michi-
gan and in the high school at Ludington, Mich. lie first took
up teaching in 1879 and also commenced the study of medicine
at the State University, but failed to complete the course, drop-
ping it to accept the position of assistant superintendent of the
State Public School for Dependent Children, a position which
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1139
he held from 1882 to 1884, when he was appointed state agent
of the same school, his duties heing to visit the children placed
out in homes from that institution. He held this position for
two years and in 1886 received a call as superintendent of the
new institution of the same kind established by the state of
Minnesota at Owatonna, a position which he has held since his
appointment in that year. In this capacity for nearly a quarter
of a century he has more than demonstrated his fitness. He
combines those qualities of gentleness, firmness and justness
so necessary in dealing with children, and scores of fatherless
children who have now attained positions of responsibility and
respectability in various communities regard him as a foster
father and acknowledge their indebtedness to him for the impress
of strong and honest humanity that his life has left upon their
characters. Mr. ]\Ierrill is an active worker in the Methodist
Episcopal Church and in 1896 was one of the lay representatives
to the general conference of that church held at Cleveland, Ohio.
Having attained prominence in his chosen line of work, he is an
honored member of the National Association of Charities and
Corrections, and as such was a delegate to the conference on
the care of dependent children, held at the White House in
1909 at the call of President Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Merrill's
interests, however, have not been confined to his own profession,
and at various times he has done valued service on the school
and library boards of the city of Owatonna. He was married
at Augusta, Mich., September 26, 1886, to Estella Ogden, and
to this union two children have been born : Maude, now a
student at Oberlin College. Oberlin. Ohio, and Paul O., a student
at Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna.
L. John Mosher, one of our most highly respected business
men, was born at Owatonna, Minn., on February 12, 1874, his
parents being Alonzo John and Mary (liogan) Mosher, the
former a native of New York state and the latter of Wisconsin.
They came to Owatonna in 1865 and the father engaged at his
trade of carriage finisher, which vocation he has followed ever
since. The subject of our sketch received his education at the
public schools at Owatonna and liis first start in business life
was that of railroad despatching agent. This he followed until
1903, when he started in the jewelry business, forming a co-part-
nership with Mr. J. N. Schoen. Two years and a half later he
purchased the interest of Mr. Schoen and from that time he
has been sole owner and proprietor. He carries a very heavy
up-to-date stock, makes a specialty of high-grade cutglass and
china, and docs an extensive repairing business. The fact that he
enjoys a very large and steadily increasing trade goes to prove
that his square dealing and uncompromising honesty has won
1140 HISTORY ()1< RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES
lor him the enviable position which he now holds in this oily.
Mr. Mosher was married to Julia E. Hughes at Dubuque, la.,
on May 23, 1907. One son has thus far blessed their union,
Donald Byron, who was born September 31, 1908. Mr. Mosher
is an independent voter and worships at the Roman Catholic
Church, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and Knights
of Columbus. He has proved himself, by the interest he has
taken in the betterment of this community, to be a good citizen,
and is held in high esteem by all that know him. His store is
located on West Main street.
Charles W. Vinton, an enterprising business man of Owa-
tonna, who resides at 134 East School street, is a native son of
Minnesota. He was born in Summit township, .Steele county,
July 4, 1862. to Charles E. and Birtena (Hulburtj Vinton, who
came to Minnesota in the early fifties and located in Steele
county on 160 acres of land in Summit township, where the
father was engaged in general farming until 1878. He then
removed to the village of Geneva, Freeborn county, where they
are still located. The subject of this sketch acquired his educa-
tion in the district schools of Summit township and in the public
schools at Geneva. He then engaged in various labors, such as
farming, trucking and teaming, until 1899, when he opened a
store and creamery at River Point, Steele county, which business
he successfully conducted until December, 1908. At this time
he sold his business and came to Owatonna, where he entered
into a co-partnership with Mr. William Cartin, which relation
was continued until December, 1909, at which time Mr. Cartin
sold to Ml'. Vinton's nephew, Mr. George Burke. The business
is continued under the name of V^inton & Burke. The\" are
doing an extensive business in grain, flour and feed. Mr. Vinton
was married March 17, 1887, at Albert Lea, Freeborn county,
Minnesota, to Julia Scheveisco. This niiinn is blessed with
three chihiren, viz. : Earl, born Januarys 13, 1889, who is engaged
as a teacher of manual training at Lisle, Minn.; Austin, born
September 30, 1891, works with his father; Pdanche, Ijorn July
15, 1894, lives at home. Mr. Vinton is not affiliated with any
political party, but votes for the best candidate, regardless of
party ])rinciples. He is a good citizen and true friend. He
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the A. O. A.
N. P. Peterson, a prosperous contractor and builder of Owa-
tonna, Minn., has attained his success by persistent and perse-
vering hard work. He was born in Denmark, February 26,
1858, and is a son of Peter and Christina (Nelson) Peterson.
His parents came from Denmark, their native country, in 1875,
with their family, and settled on a one hundred acre farm in
Somerset township, Steele county, Minnesota. Here they made
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES lUl
a home and reared their family, and the father carried on general
farming until his decease in 1884. The mother survived till the
spring of 1895. Our subject grew up in Denmark as a farmer
boy and there attended the public schools and came to this
coimtry with his father and mother. At the age of twenty-two,
in 1880, he took up the carpenter's trade and followed it in St.
I'aul and Minneapolis some four years. Returning to his home,
in 1884, he established himself in business at Owatonna as a
builder and contractor and so continued until recent years,
during which he has worked more especially as a cement con-
tractor, building sidewalks and doing other work in that line, for
the most part in the city of Owatonna. Mr. Peterson is known
as a straightforward, upright, reliable man in his line of work
and by his honorable dealing has gained the confidence of all
who know him. He has given himself closely to his business
and has had little leisure for outside affairs. In his religious
belief he adheres loyally to the tenets of the Baptist denomina-
tion. In political sentiment he is a Republican. On December
14, 1887, Mr. Peterson married Miss Hannah, daughter of Lars
and Marie (Jensen) Peterson, who came from Denmark in 1883
and settled on a farm in Blooming Prairie township, Steele
county. The father carried on farming there till 1901, when he
sold the home farm and moved with his family to Owatonna.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have four children, of whom Mae C,
the oldest, is a student at Carleton College ; Louis F. is a student
at Pillsbury Academy, and N. Paul and Dorothy Harriet are
home with their parents.
Theodore Chambers, a substantial and respected resident of
Owatonna and honored veteran of the Civil War, was born in
Warrenville, Du Page county, Illinois, October 29, 1844, son of
Joseph and Charlotte (Bargy) Chambers. He attended the com-
mon schools and was a lad of but sixteen years of age when the
news of the attack of Ft. Sumter was flashed through the North.
He impatiently waited a year and in June. 1862, at the age of sev-
enteen, enlisted in Company I*", 9Stli Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
serving through the war and being mustered out at Springfield,
III., August 17, 1865. At the close of the war he came to Minne-
sota and reached Owatonna September 6, 1865. After doing
various work a short time he wooed and won as a wife Emily
Arnold, whom he married September 14, 1866, at Faribault. Six-
months later he rented a farm in Owatonna township and
engaged successfully in farming two years. He then purchased
a farm of eighty acres in Meriden township, where he remained
six years. He next moved to Berlin township, where he farmed
twenty-six years. In 1905 he moved to Owatonna and took up
his residence at 1005 South Cedar street. For a short time he
114-3 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
was engaged in the draying and the coal and wood business in
Owatonna. Mr. Chambers has served with distinction as chair-
man of the county board of supervisors several terms, and when
working on his farm he was several times chosen chairman of
his township. Mr. Chambers is a Republican in politics and
affiliates with the G. A. R. Of his five children. Edward lives
in Osage county, Kansas ; James S. is a farmer in Lemond town-
ship ; Marion is the wife of W. W. Day, Jr., an Owatonna coal
dealer ; Frank C. lives in Frankfort, S. D., and Grace is now
Mrs. L. O. Holmes, of Owatonna. Joseph Chambers and Char-
lotte Bargy, his wife, were born in Xew York state and came
to Illinois in the early forties. In 1863 they came to Owatonna
and here remained. Joseph Chambers served eleven years as
city treasurer and died in 1881. His wife died at Rochester in
1897. Benjamin L. and Celia Stokes Arnold, parents of Mrs.
Theodore Chambers, were pioneer hotel keepers of Owatonna.
The former was born in Toledo, Ohio, and the latter in England.
They came to Owatonna in 1855 and located on a farm where
the state school is now located. In 1857 they erected the Eureka
House, located where the Security Bank now stands, and in
1866 they built the Arnold House, which is located on West
Vine street. Mr. Arnold died in 1879 and his wife passed away
one year earlier.
John H. C. Schuldt, known as one of Steele CDiinty's progres-
sive farmers, was born on the farm he now owns. January 13,
1867. His education was received in the district schools, assist-
ing his father most of the time while attending, and afterwards
devoting his entire time to the work. Since his father's death,'
in 1900, he has had entire charge and has more than maintained
the three hundred and twenty acre farm in the well kept con-
dition his father left it. Two hundred and eighty acres are
under cultivation, and by hard work and adherence to common
sense principles of agriculture he has developed one of the most
productive farms in the county. He has a large number of
unusually fine Poland-China hogs. A beautiful and thoroughly
up-to-date residence adds to the comfort of Mr. Schuldt and his
family. In political convictions he is a Democrat and has served
the community as pathmaster. March 14, 1895. he was united
in marriage with Mathilda Abbe, daughter of William Abbe,
now deceased. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Schuldt. Named in order of ages they are : Alfred, Martin,
Edwin, Harold and Juanita. All live at home with the excep-
tion of Edwin and Harold, who died in infancy. Anton and
Katharena (Jans) Schuldt, parents of our subject, were natives
of Mecklenburg, Germany, where the father was employed in
railroad work. At the age of thirty he emigrated to this country,
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A.\'l'(>.\ AMI KATIIARKiNA SCIU'LUT
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1143
locating in Clayton county, Iowa, two years, and then removing
to Steele county. Minnesota, with the aid of a yoke of oxen.
Arriving here he homesteaded a claim in Lemond township,
subsequently buying the place his son now operates and con-
tinued to follow farming until his death in 1900. His wife died
six years previously. Ten children were born to them : Mary,
Henry, William, Fred, who died some years ago, Wilhelmina,
Anna. August, John H. C. Emma and Bertha. The family are
all loyal Lutherans, the father and John H. C. holding many
offices of trust in the church. The father was also prominent in
local politics, first as a Republican and later as a Democrat^
serving in many town offices.
Nels C. Bailey, one of Steele county's progressive and thrifty
farmers, was born in this county, June 29, 1864. His education
was acquired in the district schools, after which he assisted his
father for a time on the home farm before striking out for him-
self. He is now the owner of a hundred and sixty acres of well
improved land, on which he successfully follows general farming.
Sixty acres are under the plow, almost every acre of which has
been cleared by his own efforts. The buildings and machinery
are well abreast of the times. Stock raising and dairying are
important factors, high bred Durham and Holstein cattle yield-
ing profitable returns. As to political convictions, the Repub-
lican party claims his allegiance. He has always taken an active
part in local affairs and is at present serving as patlimaster and
as a school officer. In 1889 he was united in marriage to a
daughter of James McKibbon, a native of Ireland. Two chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey : y\rchie and Elmer,
both living at home. Levi and Sana (Clark) Bailey, parents of
our subject, migrated from Pennsylvania in the early days to
Minnesota, settling in Somerset township, Steele county, where
the father followed farming until quite recently. He is now
living retired at Owatonna. Of his family of thirteen children
eleven are living.
John W. Engel, wlu) holds the position of head buttermakcr
of the Pratt Creamery, was horn February 19, 1882, in Meriden
township. After receiving his education he first took up farming
for seven years in Meriden township. He then engaged in the
carpentering business for one year and in 1904 entered the Meri-
den Creamery as helper, remaining there one year. Mr. Engel
then became buttermaker at Deerfield Creamery, staying there
four years. On April 1, 1910. he accepted the position as head but-
termaker in the Pratt Creamery. Mr. Engel was given recently an
eight-piece silver dinner service, awarded to him as first prize as
the champion buttermaker of Minnesota for 1909. Average score
for six months, 95.58. Lie took part in the Educational Butter
1144 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Scoring Contest and was awarded this prize by the dairy and food
department of Minnesota. This is something of which Mr. Engel
may well be very proud. He was married on April 16, 1907, to
Anna Dusbabek. Two children have been born to them — Elden
J., born December 23, 1907, and Emily K., born December 30, 1908.
Mr. Engel politically affiliates with the Democratic party and at-
tends the Catholic Church. He is a good citizen, much esteemed
by all who know him. William Engel and Laura Engel, his wife,
parents of John W. Engel, are of German parentage, Mr. Engel
having been born in Germany. They located in Meriden town-
ship in 1880, where the father worked at his trade as blacksmith
until 1886, when the family removed to Iowa, remaining there
until 1894. They returned to Meriden township at this time, where
Mr. Engel resumed his trade for a short period, then removing
to Waldorf, Waseca county, where he has been employed at his
trade ever since. Wencl Dusbabek and Amelia, his wife, parents
of Mrs. John W. Engel, are natives of Bohemia and German}-,
respectively. They located in Rice county, Shieldsville town-
ship, where they are now farming. Mrs. Engel was born there
on August 15, 1883.
Andrew Gregerson, manager of the EUendale Lumber Com-
pany, first saw the light of day in Racine, W'is., on January 9,
1869. He received his education in Freeborn county, after which
he engaged in farming until 1901. Coming to EUendale, Mr.
Gregerson was employed by the EUendale Lumber Company
and in the spring of 1904 was made manager of the company,
which position he now holds. On August 22, 1905, Mr. Greger-
son was married at Owatonna to Agnes Schultz, of Owatonna.
They have one child. Elsie I., born I'ebruary 8, 1908. The sub-
ject of this sketch is an independent voter and a member of the
Baptist Church and of the B. A. Y. He served two terms on
the EUendale city council. Mr. Gregerson has a pleasant home
in EUendale and is a splendid citizen, always looking out for
the welfare of his home community. Jens Gregerson and Elsie
Anderson, his wife, parents of Andrew Gregerson, were natives
of Denmark, coming to .'\merica in 1867 and locating in Racine,
Wis. In the spring of 1869 they moved to Freeborn county,
where they carried on general farming. Jens Gregerson died on
the home farm in 1903. The mother still lives in Freeborn
county.
Jacob Haberman, a native of Bohemia, was born in that
country on April 14, 1851, where he acquired his education. In
1871 Jacob came to the United States with his parents, locating
in Blooming Prairie township in 1890, where he got eighty acres
from his father and added 120 acres, all in Section 19. When
bought this land was very wild and by the hardest toil Mr.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1145
Haberman now has a splendid farm as the result of his efforts.
He has a comfortable home and outbuildings and takes great
pride in his Holstein cattle. Mr. Haberman keeps seven' fine
horses. The subject of this sketch was married on October 6,
1884, to Amelia Blazk. Thej' have been blessed with six children
— Amelia and Jacob, who died; Jacob, who is a farmer; Edward
Joseph, Elsie and Freddie, all at home. Mr. Haberman is inde-
pendent in his voting, serves as road overseer and owns shares
in the F'armers' Elevator at Blooming Prairie, and is also a
member of the Creamery Association. He acts as agent for the
New York Mutual Life Insurance Company. Mr. Haberman is
a self-made man and is a progressive citizen, esteemed by all who
know him.
Wencl Haberman and Rosa, his wife, parents of Jacob Haber-
man, wxre natives of Bohemia, coming to America in 1871 and
locating in Blooming Prairie township, where they engaged in
farming the rest of their lives. Mr. Haberman died in 1893,
his wife surviving him until 1903.
Frank Hanzlicek, a progressive farmer of Blooming Prairie
township, is a native of Bohemia, where he was born September
1, 1848. He received his education in his native land and coming
to America in 1881 located in Blooming Prairie township, where
he bought 120 acres in Section 18. Mr. Hanzlicek has built good
substantial buildings and improved his farm generally. He was
married to Josic Matjeck in Bohemia in 1871. Their home has
been blessed with nine children: Tillie, died when nineteen years
of age ; Frances, now Mrs. John Potz, of Blooming Prairie town-
ship; Amelia, now Mrs. Frank Krakora ; Mary, now Mrs. Luther
Wheeler, of Blooming Prairie village; Josie, now Mrs. Irvin
Treat, of Blooming Prairie township; Frank, who lives in North
Dakota; Joseph, still at home; Rosa, now Mrs. Edward Ruzek,
of Summit township ; Libbie, who stays at home. Mr. Hanzlicek
is a member of the Democratic party and an attendant of the
Catholic Church and a member of C. S. P. S. He has made his
way by hard work and honest labor and is a man respected by
the people of his section.
Anton J. Hondl, a successful farmer of Aurora township, is a
native of Bohemia, having been born in that country on October
14, 1871. He attended the public schools of Bohemia and fin-
ished his education in the schools of Aurora township, where
he came with his parents in 1880. Leaving school, Anton worked
with his father on the farm for three years. In the year 1890
he decided to try farming in central California, where he
remained three years. Returning to his old home in Aurora
township, Mr. Hondl farmed for two years, finally purchasing
the old home farm, which he has greatly improved. Very neat
1146 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
and up-to-date buildings have been erected, including a very
commodious barn, 36x72 feet. He has added more land during
the past few years, until now he owns 360 fertile acres. Mr.
Hondl and Lena Haubenshild were united in marriage on No-
vember 22, 1898. and enjoy a family of five children: Helen,
Beneta, Clarence, Myrtle and Clemance. The subject of this
sketch is independent in his voting, is a member of the Catholic
Church and of the M. W. A. Lodge. Mr. Hondl is a stockholder
in the Pratt Creamery and a very enterprising citizen, highly
respected by all who know him. John Hondl and Anna Groh,
his wife, parents of Anton J. Hondl, were natives of Bohemia,
coming to America in 1880. They lived in Columbus, W'is.,
one winter, after which they removed to Aurora township, where
Mr. Hondl purchased 200 acres of land in Section 19, later adding
sixty acres. Here he conducted general farming until his death
in 1907. His wife passed away in the 3-ear 1905.
Joseph E. Jerele is a native of Minnesota, where he was born
in Aurora tDwnship, April 18, 1886. After receiving his early
education at the district school he worked with h.is father on the
home farm until the spring of 1910, when he rented the farm of
eighty acres, all under cultivation, which is located in Section li,
Aurora township, and now carries on general diversified farming.
Mr. Jerele is single, having his sister Lydia as his housekeeper.
Politically he is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church,
and a highly respected and promising young man.
Louis F. Jerele was born August 4, 1881, in Aurora township,
where he attended the district schools during his boyhood. Fol-
lowing his school days he worked on his father's farm until
1903, when he engaged in farming for himself in Aurora town-
ship, where he has eighty acres of land in Section 'hZ, which he
has improved by careful cultivation. His farm buildings are
up-to-date and he employs progressive methods in conducting
the farm. Mr. Jerele makes a specialty of breeding Durham
cattle and has some fine stock. On November 2i, 1904, Agnes
Falteysek became the wife of Louis F. Jerele. They have one
child, Edward, born September 15, 1905. Mr. Jerele afSliates
with the Democratic party and is a consistent member of the
Catholic Church. He is a good and respected citizen, whom the
community holds in esteem.
John Jansa, a prosperous farmer of Blooming Prairie town-
ship, was born on August 2, 1849, in the land of Bohemia. John
gained his education in his native land, coming to America in
1874 and locating in Summit township in 1880. He then located
in Blooming Prairie township, purchasing 160 acres of land in
Section Z2. Here Mr. Jansa has followed general diversified
farming ever since, making splendid improvements upon his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1147
land. On February 10, 1880, he was married to Albina Pirkl,
daughter of Bernard Pirkl and Josephina Matejcek. They were
married in Somerset township. Six children have blessed their
home : John, born December 6, 1880, lives at home ; Annie, born
April 19, 1882, is now Mrs. Joseph Pirkl, a carpenter; Ludmelia,
born July 8. 1885, died December 26, 1906; William, born June 1,
1889; Martha, born September 28, 1895, is at home; Helen, born
September 1, 1899. Mr. Jansa politically is a Democrat and
attends the Catholic Church, is a member of the Z. C. B. J. and
D. P. J. He has served his township as road overseer for several
years and owns shares in the Farmers' Elevator of Blooming
Prairie township. Wencl Jansa and Terszi Bures, his wife,
parents of John Jansa. were natives of Bohemia, where they both
died. Bernard Pirkl and Josephina Matejcek, his wife, parents
of the wife of John Jansa. were natives of Bohemia, coming to
America in 1869. They located in Summit township, farming
there until the time of death came to both of them.
Joseph F. Kvasnicka, a section foreman for the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Railway Company, is a native of Bohemia,
where he was born August 4, 1881. He received his education
at the district schools of Aurora township, after which he worked
with his father on the farm until he became of age. Joseph then
took up railroad work for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway Company as section laborer, which work he followed
until April, 1907. when the position of section foreman was
offered him. His section covers six miles of line, three and
one-half miles north from Pratt to two and one-half miles south
from Pratt. In the year 1907 Mr. Kvasnicka was joined in
marriage to Stella Hruska. One child has been born to them —
Eli-zabeth, born June 22, 1908. The subject of this sketch is a
Democrat in politics and attends the Roman Catholic church.
He served his township as constable for two years. Mr. Kvas-
nicka owns his home at Pratt and is a citizen esteemed by the
people of his community. Joseph Kvasnicka and Frances Her-
dana, his wife, parents of Joseph F. Kvasnicka. are natives of
Bohemia. They came to the United States in 1881 and located
in Aurora township, where they have conducted general farming
€ver since.
Lars Larson, a representative Steele county farmer, was born
in Norway, July 29, 1855. At the age of eleven he emigrated
to this country with his parents and gave what assistance he
could to the building of the new home in Section 16, Lemond
township. Steele county, Minnesota. The chances of acquiring
an education were very meagre in those days and Mr. Larson,
like most other pioneers, is self-educated. Shortly after attaining
his majority he launched out for himself and now owns his
1148 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
present farm of a hundred and sixty acres, whicli he has cleared
and raised to a high state of productiveness entirely by his own
efforts. Durham cattle and Poland-China swine are raised very
successfully, contributing much to the profits of the farm. He
spent five years in Owatonna while educating his family, work-
ing for a lumber company and hauling gravel, afterwards return-
ing to the farm, where he now resides. A comfortable house at
144 Rose street, Owatonna, is his property also. In political
convictions he is a Republican and has always borne his part in
local affairs, having served as school supervisor for many years.
In 1882 he was married to Julianna Hendrickson, by whom he
has four children : Harry, living at home ; Jesse, interested in
the automobile business in South Dakota; and Raymond and
Grace, who are both living at home. The family are loyal
attendants of the Lutheran Church. Hans Larson, father of
our subject, came over from Norway in 1866, locating in Lemond
township, Steele count}-, where he was engaged in farming up
to the time of his death.
August Linse, a prosperous farmer of Aurora township,
Steele county, was born in Germany, September 7, 1851. After
receiving his education in the Fatherland he emigrated to this
country with his parents at the age of seventeen, locating with
them on a farm in Dodge county, ^Visconsin. In 1872 he removed
to Steele county, doing farm work for a time in Somerset town-
ship and then in Owatonna, gradually acquiring the means to
purchase the 160 acre farm he now owns in Aurora township,
and on which he is still engaged in general diversified farming,
making a specialty of the breeding and raising of high class
Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. A nearby creamery-
affords a good market for his milk and helps to make the dairy
end of his business a profitable one. In politics he follows the
guidance of the Democratic party and has always been actively
interested in local aft'airs, at present serving as a member of
the school board and has had several years in ofiice as super-
visor. In 1875 he married Sophia Mueller, by whom he has five
children : Mary, wife of August Longrehen, a farmer of Havana
township; Minnie, married to Paul Howe, a railroad man of
Minneapolis; Laura, wife of Ernest Hargefelt. a harnessmaker
of Owatonna: William, a carpenter by trade, living at home;
and August, who assists in running the home farm. Gottlieb
and Minnie (Herford) Linse, parents of our subject, left Ger-
many in 1868 for America, locating in Dodge county, W^isconsin,
where the father followed general farming until his death in
1872. The mother later made her home with a daughter in
Somerset township, and died there in 1893.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1149
Edward Linse, a progressive farmer of Aurora township, was
born on Januarj- 8, 1880, in Aurora township, where he received
his educaiion in the district schools. He then took up farming
with his father until he became of age. Purchasing eighty acres
from his father in Section 16 of his home township in 1901, and
adding sixty more, making 140 fertile acres, Mr. Linse has
greatly improved and developed his land. He has erected a new
home and outbuildings in the past few years and carries on his
splendid farm in a very up-to-date manner. On May 1, 1901,
Mr. Linse was joined in marriage to Emma Ahlborn and their
home has been made bright by four children : Ervin, Mamie,
Elmer and Edwin. The subject is independent in his voting, a
member of the Lutheran Church and a good citizen, respected
by his community. Carl Linse and Augusta Lutz, his wife,
parents of Edward Linse. are natives of Germany, coming to
America at an early date. In 1874 they removed to Steele
county and purchased 100 acres, which he sold later and again
purchased 160 acres in Section 17, Aurora township, to which
he added from time to time until he owned nearly 700 acres, all
in Aurora township. He continued his general farming business
until 1907, when he retired and removed to Owatonna, where
he still lixes.
Ferdinand Liebrenz, a very successful farmer of Merton
township, is a native of Germany, having been born on May 28,
1872. Ferdinand attended the schools of his native land, cominsT
to America when he was eighteen years old and locating in Rice
county, where he worked out on diflferent farms for two years.
Removing to Steele county, he worked out until 1898, then pur-
chasing 245 acres in Section 28, Merton township. Since that
time Mr. Liebrenz has sold forty acres, leaving 205 acres, upon
which he has done general farming up to the present time. He
has made many splendid improvements. Within the past few
years Mr. Liebrenz has planted an apple orchard and made a
grove around his home. In 1897 he was joined in marriage to
Hattie Schuelcr, to whom has been born three children : Annie,
Alfreda and Myrtle. Mr. Liebrenz politically is a Republican
and religiously is an attendant of the German Methodist Church.
The subject is a self-made man, for whom his community has
respect and admiration.
Frederick Liebrenz and Tina, his wife, parents of Ferdinand
Liebrenz. were natives of Germany. The father died in 1905,
the mother in 1907.
John Lageson, who conducts a general mercantile business at
Ellendale, is a native of Houston county, Minnesota, where he
was born March 1, 1875. He received his early education at the
district schools. John then became interested in a general store
1150 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
at Cooleysville. Upon leaving tlie store he attended the X'alder
Business College at Decorah, la. Returning from college, he
again started in business, remaining until 1901. At this time
Mr. Lageson formed the Ellendale Mercantile Company, of
which he is general manager. On September 30, 1899. the sub-
ject of this sketch was married to Isabella Torgerson. Four
children have been given ]Mr. and Mrs. Lageson: Edgar. Julian,
Arnold and Melvin. Mr. Lageson is a Republican politically
and a member of the Lutheran Church. He has served as alder-
man for three 3-ears, is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator
■of Ellendale and is interested in the Ellendale Rural Telephone
Company. Mr. Lageson is a self-made man and a citizen much
respected in his community.
Filing Lageson and Martha Bakke, his wife, parents of John
Lageson, were natives of Norway. They emigrated to America
at an early date, locating in Wisconsin in 1851. Filing Lageson
removed to Houston county, Minnesota, where he carried on a
farm until 1876. Coming to Berlin township. Steele county, he
conducted a farming business until compelled because of old
age to retire from active life. Mr. Lageson died in December,
1906. Mrs. Lageson still lives on the old home farm.
Louis Monson, a sturdy old pioneer of Steele county, Minne-
sota, is a native of Lerdoll. Bergen Stift, Norway, being born in
1845. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm, having the
usual experience of a Norwegian farmer boy and acquiring his
education in the public schools. Leaving school at the age of
eighteen, he spent a couple of years at various kinds of work in
Christiania. and then emigrated to America, making the voyage
on the "Quebec," one of the fast sailing ships of that period.
Arriving in this country, he located near Decorah. Illinois, where
he spent a summer working on a farm. The following year.
1865, he removed to Steele county, and after several years of
hard farm work amassed the means necessary for the purchase
of his present well improved farm of eighty acres. In politics
he inclines toward the doctrines of the Democratic party, but
always casts his ballot for what he believes the best interests of
the community. He was married, in 1875. to Ida Anderson, by
whom he had eleven children, six of whom are living: Ole A.,
a farmer of Summit township ; Martha, wife of William Wein-
knecht ; Dora, married to Cunar Fenkedall. a carpenter ; Martin,
who resides at home ; Richard, of Summit township, and Edna,
living at home. The family attend worship at the Lutheran
church. The parents of our subject were natives of Norway,
the father being engaged in farming all his life.
Theodore Monson, a live and energetic young farmer of
Steele county, is a native son of that county, his natal date being
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1151
January 20, 1882. After receiving his education in the district
schools he engaged in farming with his father and now conducts
the old home place of 180 acres with his brother Mons. The
brothers are believers in modern buildings and machinery and
their farm is a splendid example of up-to-date agriculture. About
sixty acres is under the plow, but much of the farm is devoted
to stock raising, Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs being
their specialty'. Andrew Monson, father of our subject, was
born in Lerdahl, Norway, May 9, 1846. Completing his educa-
tion in the Fatherland, he emigrated to this country at the age
of twenty, first settling in Wisconsin and then in Steele county,
Minnesota, where he followed farming until his death in 1908.
Me was married to Betsie Thompson, also a native of Norway,
by whom he had eight children, six of whom are now living:
Mons, born in Steele county, April 12, 1872, is engaged in farm-
ing in Havana township; Louis is a farmer of Waseca county;
Anna is the wife of Edward Hanson, a farmer of Lemond town-
ship; Theodore, the subject of this sketch; Andrew is located
at Waterloo, la., and Margaret is living at home. The family
are loyal members of the Lutheran Church, in which the father
held many offices of trust. In politics he was a Republican.
Hans P. Paulsen, a very progressive farmer of Blooming
Prairie township, is a native of Denmark, the date of his birth
Ijeing June 14, 1865. Hans received his education in his native
land, after which he engaged in farming until coming to America
in 1884. Locating in Blooming Prairie township, in 1894, Mr.
Paulsen purchased an eighty acre farm in Section 11 and in 1902
sold this property and bought 160 acres in Section 9 of Blooming-
Prairie township. He has built new and modern buildings,
which include a s])lendid barn, 56x60 feet, and fully improved
this land, upon which he makes his home. He makes a specialty
of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs and takes pride in his
Belgian and Percheron horses. Mr. Paulsen was joined in mar-
riage on October 20, 1894, to Mattie Nelson. Their home has
been made happy by eight children, who are all at home : Rasmus,
Esther, Mable, Emma, Lillie, Arthur, William and Clarence.
Mr. Paulsen is a loyal Republican and religiously affiliates with
the Danish Lutheran Church. He has always been interested in
the welfare of his community, having been constable for two
years, and is at present treasurer of the school district, which
office he has held for six years. He is a member of the Union
Creamery Association and a man highly respected by the people
of his section. Christian Jensen and .^nna D. Paulsen, his wife,
parents of Hans P. Paulsen, were natives of Denmark. Christian
Jensen died in his native land in 18(S8 and Mrs. Jensen still
remains in the old Denmark home.
1153 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Herman Frederick Pauzer, an enterprising farmer of Berlin
township, was born in Prussia, Germany, thirl3'-eight years ago,
coming to America with his parents in 1876 and settling in
Owatonna. In 1896 Herman came to Berlin township and pur-
chased eighty acres of land in Section 3, where he now lives.
He conducts a general diversified farming business. Mr. Pauzer
was married to Hannah Sommers on March 31, 1896. to uhom
six children have been born: Ernest, who died September 21,
1897: Grace, William, Herman, Rose, all at home; Hannah Eliza-
beth, died April 24. 1910. Mr. Pauzer politically is a Democrat
and an adherent of the German Lutheran Church. He has served
his township as supervisor for two years, was constable for four
years, justice of the peace for two years, and has been a trusted
officer of the Deerfield Insurance Compan}- for eight years. Mr.
Pauzer is a good citizen, always alert to the needs of his.
community.
Mr. Panzer's father, after coming to the United States in
1876, worked out by the day until 1877. when he purchased a
farm of eighty acres in Somerset township. u])on which farmingi
was continued until the time of his death in 1899. The mother
died in 1881.
Joseph W. Brierton, of Aurora township, first saw the light
of day in Lee count}-, Illinois, on July 21, 1851, where he acquired
his education in district schools. Coming to Aurora township,
Joseph farmed with his father until October 1. 1891, then bought
the home farm of 160 acres in Section 7, Aurora township, and
added 160 acres adjoining in Section 8, making 320 acres. In
1902 he rented his farm and moved to C)watonna and resided
there until 1907. when he returned to the home farm.
John S. Renchin, for many years a well known farmer of
Aurora township, is a native of Bohemia, his natal date being
December 2h. 18.^1. At an early age he emigrated to this country
with his parents, who located in Steele county, Minnesota, the
father engaging in farming. John S. received his education in
the district schools, after which he gave his whole attention to
farming, with such success that he acquired his present farm of
160 acres. Sixty of this is under the plow, the remainder being
well utilized for pasturage and .woodland. Dairying is exten-
sively carried on. a fine herd of Shorthorn and Durham cattle
supplying milk, which nets a good price at a nearby creamery.
Poland-China hogs have also been a factor in the success of this
farm. All modern improvements have been added and a beauti-
ful home adds to the comfort of the family. It is an eleven-mile
drive from his farm to Owatonna, the usual market. In political
faith Mr. Renchin is a Democrat, and though he has never
aspired to office, he has served many years as treasurer of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1153
his school district. In 1890 he was married to Celia Zak, daugh-
ter of Joseph Zak, a retired farmer. Five children have been
born to this union : Josie. Johnnie, Walter, Lewis and Alice.
The family worship at the Catholic Church. John and Catherine
Renchin. parents of our subject, emigrated from Bohemia, locat-
ing in Steele count}', Minnesota, where the father was engaged
in farming up to the time of his death. The mother is still
living at Owatonna.
Peter Sorenson, a well known farmer of Steele county, was
born in Denmark, July 14, 1863. At the age of nine years he
crossed the waters with his parents, who located on a farm in
Lemond township. Steele county, where he passed his boyhood,
receiving a somewhat scanty education in the district schools.
After leaving school he worked in St. Paul for three years and
then returned to this count}- and engaged in farming on his
present place of a hundred and twenty acres, every acre of this
having been won from the wilderness by his own efforts. The
entire farm is under cultivation, and through common sense agri-
culture and hard work Mr. Sorenson has made it one of the
model farms of the county. In politics he is a staunch adherent
of the Republican party and is keenly alive to all that tends for
the welfare of the community. He has served on the town
board over ten years. June 13, 1891, he was married to Lena
Erikson, daughter of Martin Erikson, of Bixby. They have five
children: Harry, George, Alice, Herman and Clarence. The
family are believers in the faith of the Lutheran Church. August
and Lena (Hansen) Sorenson, parents of Peter, emigrated to
this country in 1873, at once locating on a farm in Lemond town-
ship, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father followed farm-
ing up to his death in 1891. The mother died a year later. Mr.
Sorenson was a Republican and a member of the Lutheran
Church. Five children were born to them : Hans, a farmer near
Owatonna; Mary, wife of Frank Johnson, of Owatonna; Chris,
who married Sophia Peterson: Henry, engaged in farming in
Clinton Falls township ; and Peter, our subject.
A. G. Schmidt, an enterprising farmer of Meriden township,
Steele county, was born in West Prussia, Germany, November
2, 1874. At the age of eight he emigrated to America with his
parents, who settled on a farm in Meriden township, on which
he passed his boyhood, receiving his education in the district
schools. After school he assisted his father on the home farm
for a time, and then struck out for himself, acquiring his present
farm of eighty acres of highly productive land by hard work
and industry. Fifty-five acres are under the plow, the remainder
yielding a good income as woodland and pasturage. A large
herd of Holstein cows yield liberal returns, the milk being dis-
1154 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
posed of to a nearby creamery at good prices. Poland-China
swine are a specialty of Mr. Schmidt's. In politics he is a
believer in the doctrines of the Republican party, and though he
has never desired office has served three years as supervisor of
Meriden township. He is associated with the Mutual Aid Insur-
ance Company of Iowa. During 1905 he was married to Minnie
Kottke. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt :
Alice, Carl, Alvin and Mildred. The family attend worship at
the Lutheran Church. Herman John and Carolina Schmi<lt,
parents of our subject, crossed the waters in 1882, locating for
a short time in .Somerset township, .Steele county, Minnesota,
and then in Meriden township, where the father followed general
farming up till 1904. He then moved to Owatonna with his
wife, having since retired from active work. Four sons were
born to them: A. G., our subject: .August and Emil, of Meriden
township ; and Rudolph, of Iowa.
O. D. Selleck, a prominent farmer of Steele county, was born
in Racine, \Vis., June 19, 1854. While still an infant he came
with his parents to Steele county, receiving what education pos-
sible in the crude schools of those times and afterwards assisting
his father on the farm before engaging in agriculture on his own
account. His present place consists of 120 acres of productive
land, all of which is under the plow with the exception of twenty
acres devoted to woodland. Besides general mixed farming,
dairying and cattle, sheep and horse raising is extensively car-
ried on, Mr. Selleck having thirty head of high bred Shorthorn
and Holstein cattle, which supply milk of the best quality to a
nearby creamery, and seventy head of Shropshire sheep, which
contribute heavily to the net profits. Good all-around horses are
bred and raised. Up-to-date buildings and machinery assist
much in the working of the farm. As to political convictions
he is a staunch Republican and has filled many positions of trust,
having served as town clerk, supervisor, school board member,
and four years as county commissioner. The Knights of Pythias
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen count him among
their valued members. In 1874 he was married to Margaret
Russell, daughter of Gilbert and Caroline (Ames) Russell, pio-
neers of Steele county. Mr. and Mrs. Selleck have one daughter,
Ada, who is engaged in teaching. Alson and Mary A. (Kent)
Selleck, parents of our subject, are natives of St. Lawrence
county. New York. Joining the tide of emigration westward, in
1849, they located in Wisconsin, where the father continued a
farmer six years, then removing to Steele county and pre-empt-
ing the farm he still owns. After living in a tent for a short
while they moved into a then luxurious log cabin, which was
their dwelling for many years. Indians and other pioneer trials
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1155
liad to be endured. Gilbert and Caroline (Ames) Russell,
parents of Mrs. O. D. Selleck, now deceased, were also pioneers
of this county, coming from New York state in 1867.
Joseph Shubert is one of the prosperous farmers of Blooming
Prairie township, where he has lived about thirty-five years.
He was born in Bohemia and came to America in 1874, living a
year in Indiana before coming here. He is assisted on his farm
of 200 acres by his son, Anton Shubert, one of the well-liked men
of the community.
John Virtue, an old and respected farmer of Steele county,
was born in the northern part of Ireland, December 14, 1833.
After receiving his education in the Fatherland he emigrated to
America, locating in Columbia county. New York, where he
followed farming seven years. He then removed to Steele county
in 1859, purchased his present 460-acre farm, on which he still
resides, his son Emmett attending to the management. In poli-
tics he has always been an active Democrat, serving one term
as a member of the state legislature during 1893, and has filled
all township offices and served as a member of the school board.
The E]3iscopal Church values him as a loyal member. In Octo-
ber, 1856. lie was united in marriage with Mary Dinan, who
came over from Ireland in 1850. The children, five of whom are
living, are : D. E., a manufacturer of Owatonna ; W. J., engaged
in farming near Owatonna; Leonard, who owns and conducts a
farm near Blooming Prairie; Emmett, who operates the home
farm ; and Alice M., who lives at home. Emmett J., who con-
ducts the home farm, was born on the old homestead, April 17,,
1871. After receiving his education in the district schools and
completing with a course in the Owatonna high school, he gave
his attention to farming, which he has since followed, now
having entire charge of his father's farm, and in addition owns
200 acres of fine pasturage. High grade Shorthorn cattle are
raised on an extensive scale, and modern improvements and
equipments make economical farming. As to political convic-
tions he is a Democrat, having served in numerous township
offices. The C. O. F. and the Knights of Columbus count him
as an active brother. In religious matters he follows the guid-
ance of the Catholic Church.
Albert Wilker, a prosperous farmer of Meriden township, is a
native son of Steele county, his natal date being February 4,
1878. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm, receiving
his education in the district schools. His school days over, he
engaged in farming, now owning 240 acres of finely cultivated
land, with buildings and equipment of the most modern type.
He makes a specialty of breeding and raising Shorthorn and
Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. In politics he is a fol-
1156 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lower ami belitvcr in the tenets of the Republican party. March
7, 1903, he was married to Lena Ahlers, daughter of John Ahiers,
a prominent farmer of Steele county. Two children have blessed
this marriage, Edna and Irma. The family are loyal attendants
of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Wilker is a son of John and
Emelia (W'elk) \\'ilker, the father a retired farmer of Owatonna.
William Woker, an up-to-date farmer of Steele county, was
born in Washington county. Wisconsin. October 29, 1858. At
the age of eight years he removed with his parents to Steele
county, his father soon afterwards settling on a 160-acre farm
in Meridcn township. After receiving his education in the dis-
trict schools he assisted his father in carrying on the home place
until 1880. when he bought his present farm, consisting of 160
acres of well improved land, which he has brought to a high
state of productiveness through hard work and modern methods
of agriculture. Fine Durham cattle and Poland-China swine
are his specialties. The Democratic jjarty claims his allegiance
in matters of politics and he has ably served on the town board
and thirteen years as school treasurer. October ,3, 1880, he was
imited in marriage with Othilia Stelter, daughter of \\'illiani
Stelter, a tailor by trade. Seven children have come of this
marriage : George, an engraver and watchmaker of Oskaloosa,
la. : and Ernest. Ida. Alfred, Eddie, Luella and Charles, all reside
at home. The Lutheran Church counts the family as valued
members. Herman and Wilhelmina (Hager) Woker, parents of
our subject, were natives of Lippedepenold, Germany, where the
father followed farming. Emigrating to America about 1848, he
located near Freeport, 111., and engaged in farming three years,
subsequently removing to AN'ashington count}', Wisconsin. In
1866 he came to Steele county and after residing a year in Owa-
tonna purchased a quarter section in Meriden townshij) and con-
tinued farming until his death in 1887. The mother died five
years later. He was prominent in the Lutheran Church and in
the Democratic party, serving four years as justice of the peace
while in Wisconsin. Eight children were born to him and his
wife: Louisa, Riche. Christian. Henrietta, Minnie, Caroline.
W'illiam and Fred.
Samuel Wanous, a farmer of Havana township, Steele cotmty,
was born in this county. ]\larcli 7, 1872. Completing his educa-
tion in the district schools, he immediately engaged in farming
and now owns a fine farm of 160 acres in Havana township,
which he purchased in 1902. Two-thirds of this land is under
the plow, the remainder being utilized to the best advantage as
woodland and pasturage. Strictly modern and up-to-date build-
ings and machinery, which have all been added by the present
occupant, have been material in raising this farm to its high state
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1157
of productiveness. High-grade slock furnishes milk tiiai brings
the highest returns from the local creamery. Mr. Wanous also
owns a large number of Poland-China hogs. In political convic-
tions he is a Democrat, taking an active interest in all public
affairs. He was married, in 1901, to Rosa Stursa, daughter of
John and Anna Stursa. They have four children : Rosa, Georgia,
Samuel and Alice, all living at home. John and Anna, parents
of our subject, came over from Bohemia forty-seven years ago,
at once locating in Steele county, where the father followed farm-
ing. He is still living at Pratt, Steele county, enjoying a ripe
old age. Eleven children were born to him and his good wife,
all of whom are leading a useful life.
N. O. Partridge, a self-made farmer of Steele county, was
born in Dane county. Wisconsin, December 12, 1854. His edu-
cation was received in the common and high schools of Dane
county, concluding with a course in a commercial college at
Madison. After his graduation he taught school for ten years
and then emigrated west to Montana, where he accumulated most
of his property, afterward returning to Wisconsin for a time,
coming to Steele county in the spring of 1889 and purchasing
eighty acres in Clinton Falls township and forty acres one mile
east of Owatonna. The entire 120 acres is under the plow and
in spite of poor health he has been successful in his farming
operations. Much attention is given to dairying, graded stock
being bred and raised. All modern improvements conducive to
up-to-date farming and the comfort of the family have been
added, the home being fitted with heat, gas and the other con-
veniences. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic
party and has always taken an active part in local affairs, having
served as county commissioner, chairman of township board of
supervisors, president of Merton Creamery, president of Deer-
field Insurance Company, vice-president of the Farmers' Ele-
vator and Mercantile Company, secretary of Steele County Good
Roads Association, and director of the school board.
He is now a member of the Minnesota Co-operative Dairies
Association, for the marketing of Minnesota butter; secretary
of Merton Telephone Company, and member of town board.
In 1889 he was married to Anna Van Buren, by whom he has
three children: Jessie R., attending the University of Minne-
sota as a junior; Charles A., a graduate of the Owatonna high
school: and Osborne V. B., who is in his senior high school year.
Joseph and Ruth Ann (Scott) Partridge, parents of our subject,
were born and reared in Massachusetts and Nova Scotia, respec-
tively. The father was a merchant and shipper of Boston for
many j-ears, but later removed to Wisconsin and engaged in
farming. He died in 1861. The mother deceased at Owatonna
1158 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in 1885. Ten children were born to them, eight of whom are
living. Martin and Rose (Buhhnan) Van Bnren, parents of
Mrs. N. O. Partridge, resided in Wisconsin until the spring of
1901, when they moved to Owatonna. He died in 1904.
Conrad Henry Wilker, a well known farmer of Meriden town-
ship, Steele county, was born in Guttenburg, la., August 22,
1854. Two years after his birth his parents came to Steele county
and here he received his education in the district schools and
grew to manhood. Leaving school, he assisted his father in the
carrying on of the home farm until he became of age, and then
engaged in farming on his own account, having since acquired
a well improved and highly productive farm of 320 acres, well
stocked with cattle and high-bred hogs of the Duroc-Red variety.
As to political faith he is loyal to the Republican party and has
ably served four years as county commissioner and is now round-
ing out his fifteenth year as a member of the district school
board. He has also filled numerous township offices. April 5,
1876, he was united in marriage with Dora Abbe, daughter of
Henry Abbe, a resident of Meriden township, before his decease.
Ten children have been born to this marriage : Martha, who is
married to Fred Henkensiefken, a farmer of Berlin, has two
children, James and Elsie; H. C, engaged in farming in Berlin
township, is married to Lena Vanberg and has five children,
Mamie, Oliver, Clarence, Alice and Ruby ; John, a farmer of
Meriden, is married to Martha Dinse, has one child, Irena ;
Emma, is the wife, of Carl Ruel, a farmer of Summit township,
and has two children, Esther and Mabel ; Ella, now Mrs. Fred
Dinse, has one child. Alma; and Mary, Mathilda, Herman, Clara
and Dora all live at home. The family are loyal adherents to
the faith of the German Lutheran Church. Christopher Henry
and Louisa (Ribbe) Wilker, parents of Conrad Henry, are
natives of Hanover, Germany. The father emigrated to the
United States at about the age of twenty-one, and after working
on a canal for a time and seeing a good deal of the country, he
finally located in Guttenburg, la., where he followed farming.
In 1856 he came to Steele county, together with other hardy
pioneers, and homesteaded the farm now known as the Mrs.
Brase place, in Meriden township, remaining here until 1890,
when he removed to San Diego, Cal., where he now lives retired
from active life. Ten children were born to him, six of whom
are still living: John H., of Owatonna; Conrad Henry, the sub-
ject of this sketch ; Anna, wife of John Scholljegerdes, a farmer
of Lemond township ; William, engaged in farming in Summit
township ; E. L., a farmer of Havana township ; and Mary, mar-
ried to Frank Janke, a prominent fruit grower of California and
interested in politics.
ii. w ii.Ki.i;
PUB.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1159
T. E. Barker, one of Medford township's substantial farmers,
is a native of tiie state of New York. He was born in Homer,
Cortland county, April 28, 1845. In 1863 the Barker family
came to Minnesota and located in Lemond township, where the
subject of this sketch attended the district school. Upon leaving
school Mr. Barker followed farming and when about twenty-four
years of age purchased railroad land in Lemond township. Here
he lived and labored for eighteen years. Selling this property,
he bought land in Medford township, which he cultivated for
three years, then disposed of this farm and removed to Missouri,
where he bought land and lived six years. Returning to Minne-
sota, Mr. Barker rented a farm for a year before he secured the
162 acres in Medford township, upon which he still resides. In
1874 T. E. Barker was united in marriage to Clara Curtis. Their
home has been blessed by eight children: Ella Grace, Clara
B., now a teacher in Oregon; T. F. Barker, a farmer in
Havana township; W. G. Barker, now a resident of North
Dakota; Charles B., deceased, W. S., Josephine and Esther still
remain under the parental roof. Mr. Barker is a stanch Repub-
lican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and holds the
office of pathmaster in Lemond township. He is interested in
all that promotes the prosperity of his home community and is
a stockholder in the Medford Creamery. Barzillai Barker and
Serena Chollar, his wife, parents of T. E. Barker, were natives,
respectively, of Rhode Island and New York. Mr. Barker was
a blacksmith by trade, but left this occupation to engage in farm-
ing. In 1863 he came to Minnesota and located in Lemond
township, where he bought land, i)ut only lived one year after
coming West. The mother died later on the old homestead.
Riley A. Case, a progressive farmer of Steele county, his
birthplace, was born August 22, 1868. After receiving all the
education possible in the neighboring district school he engaged
in farming on the home place with his father, now having the
entire management. The farm consists of 160 acres of well
improved land in Somerset township and is well equipped with
modern buildings and machinery, far diilferent than it was in the
early days when the grain was mowed with a scythe and a log
cabin sufficed for a dwelling. A large herd of Durham cattle
furnish milk of a grade which commands top prices at a neigh-
boring creamery. Poland-China hogs are also a profitable fac-
tor. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Republican party.
Phelps and Catherine (Powell) Case, parents of our subject, were
among the earliest settlers of this county, the father coming here
from Connecticut and pre-empting the quarter-section now
owned by his son in 18.S6. Every man had to depend on himself
in those days, and the hardships and privations discouraged all
1160 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
but the stoutest spirits. Mr. Case proved to be of true pioneer
stuff, however, and now lives with his wife on his son's farm,
enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. Nine children were born
to him: William, the oldest is an architect at Duluth ; Addie
May is deceased: Sam S. is engaged in the livery business at
Rochester, Minn.; Delbert is connected with the wholesale firm
of Stone, Ordey & Wells, of Duluth; Riley A., our subject;
Charles, a farmer of Dodge county ; Jeanette is married to E. H.
Naylor, a farmer of Merton township ; Mamie is the wife of T. A.
Kuchenbecker; and Frankie died in infancy. Phelps Case has
always been an active member of the Republican party, serving
for eighteen vears as town clerk and in many school offices.
Alexander Chambers, a live and progressive farmer of Steele
county, was born in Havana township, Steele county. January
12, 1873. The beginning of his education was received in the
district schools of Havana, later attended Pillsbury Academy,
and concluding with a course at Lawrence University, of Apple-
ton, Wis. After leaving school he engaged in teaching five years
and then liought a general store at Pratt, ]\linn.. in partnership,
with Willis Chambers, remaining in this business for two years.
After disposing of his mercantile interests he purchased the farm
which he now operates, consisting of a hundred and sixty acres
of well improved land, mostly under cultivation. All machinery
and buildings are of up-to-date style, a cement silo furnishing a
large proportion of the feed for his herd of thoroughbred Hol-
steins. Fie is actively interested in the Havana Creamery, having
served as its president five years and as secretary and manager
one. A large number of Yorkshire hogs add to the productive-
ness of the farm. Mr. Chambers takes an active part in local
politics as a Republican, now serving as chairman of the trustees
of Havana village. June 28, 1899, he was married to Rose M.
Crickmore, daughter of Robert Crickmore, whose sketch appears
elsewhere. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cham-
bers, four of whom are living. Named in order of ages they are:
Robert Burton, Lindsey Alexander (deceased), Emma Lucy,
George William, and Charles Frank. George and Emma (Burns)
Chambers, parents of our subject, are natives of Belfast. Ireland,
and New York, respectively. The father emigrated to this country
at the age of twenty-one, locating in Cattaraugas county. New
York, as a foreman on the Genessee Valley Canal. In 1856 he
came to Steele county, shortly afterwards spending a winter in
Winona, and then returned and purchased a farm in Havana
township of Danforth Potter, on which he followed general farm-
ing until his death in 1898. His wife followed him to the great
beyond seven years later. He was prominent in local politics,
serving as a member of the town board many years. In religious
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1161
faith he was a Presbyterian and in his early days was an elder in
the church of that denomination at Owatonna. Seven children
were born to him : Sarah Isabel, wife of M. E. White, of Clare-
mont : Minnie May, married to Emery Reynolds, of Indianapolis ;
Margaret Jane, now Mrs. W. E. Williams; Alexander, the sub-
ject of this sketch ; AVilliam J., who operates a tiling machine in
partnership with his two younger brothers. George J. and
Frank R.
D. Searls, an old and prominent resident of Merlon township,
Steele county, was born in New York state, March 27, 1838. His
education was received in the district schools, afterwards work-
ing on his father's farm until the outbreak of the war, when he
enlisted with Company B, Thirty-fifth New York Volunteer
Infantry, in May, 1861, the time of the first call to arms. His
regiment formed part of the Army of the Potomac and he saw
active service in all the battles of his regiment, among them being
those of first and second Bull Run, in the latter of which he was
wounded. South Mountain, Maryland, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville and Chantille. At the close of the struggle he
was mustered out at Elmira, N. Y. Returning to civil life, in
1865, he migrated west and settled on eighty acres, which he has
now increased to 200, in Merton township, Steele county. Single-
handed he attacked the virgin soil, gradually bringing it up to its
present state of productiveness. At first he lived in a rude log
shanty, but this was soon supplanted by a comfortable frame
dwelling. He has about one hundred acres under cultivation
and does general farming, raising cattle and Poland-Oiina hogs
with much success. Roy, Ralph and Erwin, the three boys living
at home, attend to the working of the place, though Mr. Searls
takes an active part in the direction of affairs. In politics he is
an adherent of the Republican part\'. James A. Goodwin Post,
No. 81, Grand .'\rmy of the Republic, counts him a valued lucm-
ber. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Celestine Wallace,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. (Putnam) Wallace, of Vermont. Six
children have blessed this marriage: Walter, of the state of
W^ashington; and Marion, Gertrude, Roy, Ralph and Erwin, all
living at home. The family attend the Methodist Church.
Walter and Charlotte (Cook) Searls. parents of our subject, were
born and raised in New York state, where the father followed
farming up to the time of his death. The mother is also deceased.
Eight children were born to them, four of whom are still living.
Peter Brosen, an energetic young farmer of Steele county, his
birthplace, was born July 6, 1880. After receiving a common
school education in the district schools and a thorough knowledge
of farming on his father's farm he launched out for himself, now
■carrying on extensive farming operations on 160 acres of his own
1162 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUXTIES
in Section 26, Merton township, and on 400 adjoining which he
rents. High-grade Durham cattle are raised, which supply cream
of the best quality to a neighboring creamery, of which Mr.
Brosen is a stockholder. Poland-China hogs are also a monej'-
making factor. The house and barn, together with all the numer-
ous outbuildings, have been remodeled and are now strictly up-to-
date. As to political convictions he is a Republican, but has
never aspired to office. In 1902 he was united in matrimony
with Georgia Naylor, daughter of George and Jennie (Smart)
Naylor, well known pioneer settlers of this county. Mr. and
Mrs. Brosen have two children : George N. and Lester Emerson.
Nels and Mary (Scott) Brosen, parents of Peter, are natives of
Denmark. In 1873 the}- emigrated to this country, farming it
in Wisconsin for a year, and then removed to Merton township.
Steele county, still residing on the old farm, consisting of forty-
three acres, adjoining their son"s property.
Wilhelm F. Wilker, one of Sunnnit township's prosperous
citizens, was a native of the state, having begun life in Meriden
township, January 29, 1859. Here he went to school in a log
cabin in the pioneer days of Minnesota. In 1880 Mr. Wilker
was married to Minnie ]\Iueller, daughter of Adolph Mueller.
Nine children have been added to their home: Carl, living in
Summit township; Bertha, living in Owatonna : Anna, living in
Arkansas ; Minnie, now in Meriden township ; August, Alma,
Arthur, Elda and Wilhelm, Jr., still remain at home. Mr Wilker
has a fine farm home of 160 acres in Summit township, twelve
miles from Owatonna, where he has lived fourteen years. Prior
to this he lived in Meriden township, also on a farm. A fine herd
of Durham cattle thrive in his pastures, the milk from which is
sold at the creamery. He raises Poland-China hogs and is pro-
gressive in all his methods. Mr. Wilker is a member of the
Lutheran Church, chairman of the township board, member of
the town board and is a public-spirited citizen.
Leonard Virtue, who is serving his county as state representa-
tive, is one of its most honored and respected citizens. He was
born in Clinton Falls township. Steele county, April 2, 1865,
receiving his education in the district schools, the Owatonna
high school, and concluding with a course in Pillsbury Academy.
Leonard then taught school for two terms, after which he assisted
his father on the old home farm until 1888, when he removed to
Owatonna and engaged in the flour, feed and grain business.
Two years later he became associated with the Hastings and
Diment Mills, known as the Hastings ]\Iilling Company after
Mr. Diment's retirement in 1893. Mr. Virtue's business ability
soon made itself felt, and when the company was re-incorporated
after Mr. Hastings' death he was elected president, successfully
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1163
managing the plant till 1907, when he disposed of his interest and
removed to Blooming Prairie. Here he purchased what is known
as the "V'ig P"arm," consisting of six hundred acres of fine land,
all in the corporate limits. On this magnificent estate Mr.
Virtue still follows general farming, dairying and stock raising,
having one of the finest herds of Durham cattle in the state.
The Democratic party counts him as a very active supporter,
his wide popularity making him a valuable candidate. In 1890
he served the city of Owatonna as alderman of the Second Ward ;
1895, he was elected mayor of the city, holding the office three
times ; and in 1907 he was appointed on the Owatonna state
school board of control by Governor Johnson for a term of six
years. Two years later, in 1909, he was obliged to resign, having
been elected state representative, which position he is now ably
filling. During 1907 he was a member of the Owatonna free
public library board for a few months, resigning shortly after his
election on account of his removal to Blooming Prairie. Mr.
Virtue was one of the stockholders in the old Security Bank of
Owatonna. The Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient Order
of United Workmen and the Owatonna Gun Club count him an
active member of their respective organizations. He was identi-
fied with the Owatonna Commercial Club for several years. At
Minneapolis, Alay 30, 1889, he was united in marriage with Mabel
L. Carpenter. They have one child, Gladys L., who is a student
of the Southern Minnesota Normal College at Austin, Minn.
The family attend the Universalist Church. John and Mary A.
(Dinnin) Virtue, parents of Leonard, are natives of Ireland.
Emigrating to America in 1855, they settled in New York state
till their removal, four years later, to Clinton Falls township,
Steele county, Minnesota, where the father has been engaged in
general farming ever since. His wife died on June 25, 1901.
Mathias P. Afdem, the well known poultry breeder of Bloom-
ing Prairie, Minn., was born in Norway, August 1, 1871, where
he acquired his education and had the usual experiences of a
Norwegian farmer boy. In 1893 he left the fatherland and came
to America, engaging as a hired man on a farm at Madelia, Minn.,
for three years. Then he removed to Chokio, Minn., where
he engaged in the painting and decorating business until his
removal to Blooming Prairie in 1900. Here he continued to follow
his trade until 1909, when he launched into the poultry business
to which he has devoted himself with much success ever since,
making a specialty of raising and breeding thoroughbred stock
of all the approved varieties. He has specialized to Single and
Rose Comb Rhode Island Reds, Single and Rose Comb White
Orpingtons, Partridge Wyandottes, besides many others. Six
incubators of the most modern type having a capacity of 1,500
1104 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUXTIES
eggs, are kept continually in use. Mr. Afdem's trade is con-
stantly increasing and his product is becoming more widely and
favorabl)' known each year. He is an adherent to the principles
of the Republican party, but always votes for what he considers
the best interests of the community. As to religious belief, the
Lutheran Church claims him as a member. Peter H. and Gurie
Afdem, parents of our subject, were natives of Norway, where
they followed farming all their lives. The father died in August,
1908. and the mother in December. 1893.
Thomas J. Rions, a native of Minnesota, was born in Dodge
county July 24, 1860, a son of John P. and Angeline (Strock)
Rions. Thomas J. received his education at the Concord public
schools, after leaving school he worked as a clerk in a store in
Dodge county for twelve years, and then worked at farming
until 1892, when he came to Owatonna and took a position at
the Forest Hill Cemetery until July 1. 1908, and since then has
had charge of the Catholic Cemetery. He also does job printing
at his home where he has a full equipment for this line of work.
He was married on June 10, 1886 at Dodge Center, to Eva E.
Race, a daughter of John J. and Lovina (Miller) Race, of New
York state, who came west and located first in Wisconsin, and in
1875 moved to Dodge Center, Minn. The father was a carpentei
by trade and followed this line of work all his life. He died
February 19, 1883. and the mother died June 23. 1887. Two
children have been born to !Vlr. and Mrs. Rions: M. A., born
December 4, 18S)0, now a teacher at Avon. S. D., and Raymond
A., born August 8. 1898, living at home. They also have one
adopted child, Ethel M,. born April 6, 1895. In politics Mr.
Rions is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. He also belongs to the Modern \V^oodmen of
America and the Maccabees.
John P. Rions was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
January 2^', 1820, the only child of George and E. Margaret
Rions. The father died when J. P. was an infant and several
years later the mother married William Pittman, who served
in the war of 1812. J. P. left home when he was sixteen years
of age, and then started out in life for himself. He was married
December 29. 1841. to Maria Richardson, who died ten years
later, leaving three children who are now dead. June 23, 1852.
he married Angeline Strock, of Beaver, Pa., to whom was born
eight children. After fourteen years working on the steamboats
between Pittsburg, Pa., and Mobile, Ala., he came to Minnesota
in 1855 and located in Concord, Dodge county. In the spring
of 1859 he went to Pike's Peak, and in the spring of 1860 to the
Yankton Sioux reservation. In February, 1863, he enlisted in
Company E.. Third Minnesota Yohinteer Infantry, and served
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1165
until mustered out at Ft. Snelling, September 16, 1865, at the
close of the war. In 1887, he and his wife spent a season in
their old home in Beaver, Pa. Mr. Rions died June 14, 1896.
Anton Burzisnski, a prominent member of the Owatonna fire
department, was born in Medford, Minn., May 24, 1885, removing
with his parents at the age of six years to Owatonna, where he
received his education in the Sister's school. His school days
over, he was engaged in various kinds of labor for several years,
after which he became a drayman, being located in Owatonna,
all the while, with the exception of five months spent in Grace-
ville, Minn., during the year 1905. Outside of his regular work
in the draying line, he is a very active and loyal member of the
fire department, having his residence in the Firemen's Hall. In
political faith, he is a stanch believer in the principles of the
Democratic party. Mr. Burzisnski is a popular member of the
Catholic Order of Foresters and of the A. O. A. He is affiliated
with the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Lanara Burzisnski,
parents of our subject, are natives of Poland, emigrating to this
country in 1875, and locating at Dulutli, Minn., where they
remained till their removal to Medford township, Steele county, in
1887. Here the father was employed as a railroad section hand
for four years, then removed to Owatonna and took up farming on
a small tract inside the city limits on which he is still engaged.
Benedik Melby, a prominent physician of Blooming Prairie,
Minn., was born at Whitehall, Wis., July 24, 1878, shortly after-
wards removing with his parents to Merillan, same state. He
received his education in the public schools, graduating from
the Merillan high school, and then entered the medical depart-
ment of the Alinnesota State University from which he was
graduated in 1903. After some practical experience in hospital
work, he went to Hayfield. Minn., where he was engaged in the
practice of his profession till 1905. Dr. Melby then located in
Blooming Prairie, succeeding Dr. Rakke, and has built up a
large and growing city and country clientage, which he still
enjoys. He is affiliated with the .Steele County Medical Associa-
tion, State Medical Association and the American Medical Asso-
ciation, being highh- esteemed by his professional brethren.
The Modern Woodmen of America, Masons and Sons of Norway
also number him among their loyal members. In politics he is a
believer in the principles of the Republican party and takes an
active interest in all that is for the good of his county and
village. The Lutheran Church claims him as a member. Olaf
and Johanna (Nelson) Melby, parents of Benedik, are natives of
Norway, coming to this country in 1870, and settling at White-
hall, \\ is., where the father conducted a general merchandise
business till 1888, when he removed to Merillan. Wis., and
116G HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
engaged in railroad work for several years. Later he returned
to Merillan where he now resides with his wife.
J. W. Lane, a progressive farmer of Merton township, was
born in Merton township in 1877, on February 24. He acquired
his education in the district schools of Merton township after
which he engaged in farming. In 1898 he rented his father's
farm and at the time of his death became owner of the farm,
where he has done a general farming business ever since. He
has made a specialty of stock raising. Mr. Lane was married on
January 19, 1898, to Nellie S. Carson. Their home has been
blessed with five children— John Albert, Alice, Mertie, Cloe and
Florence, all at home. Mr. Lane politically is a Republican. He
holds stock in the Merton Creamery and is a good citizen. John
Lane and Sarah, his wife, parents of J. W. Lane, were natives
of the state of Ohio, coming to Minnesota and locating in Merton
township, where they homesteaded land before the war. Mr.
Lane responded to the call for volunteers at the time of the
Civil War and enlisted in the Tenth Minnesota, being in the
service three years. At the close of the struggle, he returned
to the home farm where he farmed until his death in 1901. His
wife died in 1882.
D. D. Hansen, a progressive and up-to-date farmer of Lemond
township, Steele county, was born in Waseca county, Minnesota,
January 30, 1870. After leaving school he at once engaged in
farming and his present farm of a 160 acres of highly productive
land is ample e\-idence of his success. Eighty of this is under
cultivation, the remainder rendering good returns as woodland
and as pasturage for his numerous stock. Durham cattle of
good blood are raised, the milk being very profitably disposed
of to a near by creamery. Poland-China hogs also help to swell
the profits. The machinery and buildings are all of the best
patterns for modern farming. In politics, he is a believer in the
doctrines of the Republican part}', and has always taken an active
interest in local affairs, having served on the town board eight
years, four years as chairman, and as a school officer. In 18''4
he was united in marriage with Tilda Jacobson, daughter of
Peter and Lena Jacobson. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen have eight
children — Holly, Hazel, Eldora, Guy, Helen, Ethel, Alice and
Deloris (deceased in infancy). The family attend worship at
the Norwegian Lutheran Churcli. Torger and Mary Hansen,
parents of our subject, came over from Norway, their native
land, about fifty years ago, locating in Minnesota where the
father followed farming. He is now residing, retired, at New
Richmond, Minn., with his wife. Seven children were born to
them, all of whom are living.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1167
Joseph F. Wolesky, the popular and efficient buttermakcr of
the Steele Center Creamery, was born in Zhor, near Aska
Trebova, Bohemia, June 27, 1878. After receiving an education
in the old country, he emigrated to the United States at the age
of fourteen, locating at Bixby, Minn., and working a year and
a half on the farm of P. A. Reichstatter, and then a year for
William Boyle, after which he spent eight months on a Summit
township farm, subsequently working for Christ Larson in
Somerset township. His first creamery experience was next
acquired, serving as helper in the same creamery he now operates
for eighteen months, and deciding to make this line of work a
life profession, he entered a dairy school at St. Anthony Park,
Minn., and completed a course in butter and cheese making. He
showed his ability to use his knowledge in practice when shortly
after returning to Steele county, he started the creamery at
River Point and successfully operated it for two years. Leaving
here, he conducted the Cooleyville Creamery for a time, and then
took charge of the River Point creamery again two years and
three months longer, being called to the Steele Center Creamery
where he is now giving the best satisfaction to all concerned.
As to political convictions, he is a Democrat, and has served
as constable. October 10, 1898, he was married to Anna
Schuster, daughter of Frank and Anna Schuster, of Bohemia.
Three children have been born to this marriage — Louis, Joseph
and Alfred. The family attend the Catholic Church. In addi-
tion to their comfortable home near the creamery, Mr. Wolesky
owns a residence in Owatonna. Joseph and Frances (Zoufal)
Wolesky, parents of our subject are natives of Bohemia, where
the father followed his trade as a tailor up to his death, Feb-
ruary 28, 1909. The mother is still living in the fatherland. Two
children were born to them — Joseph F., our subject ; and Frank,
a buttermaker at Owatonna, whose wife was formerly Lillie
Kubicek. They arc stanch supporters of the Catholic Church.
Henry Behne, an energetic and progressive farmer of Steele
county, was born in Aurora township, this county, December 18,
1873. His education was acquired in the district schools, after
which he worked on a farm for several years, and then rented
a farm which he conducted successfully for four years when he
acquired his present place. It consists of 120 acres of pro-
ductive land, sixty-five of which is under the plow, the remainder
being profitably devoted to pa.sturage and woodland. Dairying
is an important factor, cream being sold to a near by creamery
at good prices. Jn politics, he votes absolutely independent of
party, giving his support to the man he believes best qualified
to serve the people. April 16. 1898, he was married to Elizabeth
Kruckeberg. sister of Henry and John Kruckeberg whose
1168 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
sketches appear herein. They have five children — Lawrence,
Herman, Robert, Helen and Myrtle. The family attend wor.ship
at the German Lutheran Church. August and Mary (Ahrns)
Behne, parents of Henry, are natives of Hanover, Germany, the
father coming to this country at the age of seven years, and
locating in Steele county, where, after attaining maturity, he
engaged in farming. He is still living in Aurora township with
his wife, actively interested in the management of his farm. He
is a Democrat, and prominent in the German Lutheran Church,
having served as a trustee. Eleven children were l)orn to them,
all living except one.
Fred Ahrens, a wide-awake and up-to-date farmer of Steele
county, was born in Germany, June 17, 1850. He passed his
bo)diood and received his education in the fatherland, coming
to America with his parents in 1866. and locating in Havana
township, Steele county, where he followed farming for a few-
years with his father. He then purchased eighty acres of the
parental homestead, acquiring tracts of wild land from time to
time, which he cleared and improved, now owning 640 acres
of the best farming land in the county. 520 acres of this being
located in sections 28 and 33 in Havana township, and the
remaining 120 in section 3, Aurora. Air. Ahrens is a stanch
advocate of scientific, intelligent farming and every acre of his
vast estate is utilized to the best advantage. The buildings are
all of the most modern type, and in machinery and other equip-
ment he is well abreast of the times. Dairying and stock raising
are carried on on an extensive scale, having 125 head of cattle,
seventeen horses and seven mules, besides a large amount of
thoroughbred stock. Mr. Ahrens makes a specialty of breeding
Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs, and Shropshire sheep. In
politics, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and in spite
of his large agricultural interests, he has always found time
to take an active part in community affairs. He has served four
years as county commissioner during the time the erection of the
court house was in progress, and was chairman of the Havana
town board four years. The German Lutheran Church numbers
him among its loyal followers. June 6. 1875, he was married to
Dora Miller, by whom he has seven children — Elvina, now Mrs.
Robert Bartsch ; Hulda, wife of George Hintz; Bertha, who
resides at home ; Mary, married to Peter Nelson of Red Wing,
Minn. ; and William, Robert and Fred H.. who live at home.
Christopher and Corodena (Myer) Ahrens, parents of Fred, were
natives of Germany, coming to this countr3% in 1866, and locating
in Havana township, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father
followed farming until his death. The mother is also dead.
HISTORY OF RICE ANt) STEELE COUNTIES 1169
M. T. McCrady was born in Fond Du Lac county, Wisconsin,
February 3, 1859, he is a son of Peter and Ellen (Shay) McCrady,
his father was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and his mother
of Kilkenny, Ireland. His father came to America in 1826, and
his mother in 1846, the father first located in St. Lawrence
county, New York, from there moved to McHenry county, Illi-
nois, and thence to Wisconsin where he was married in 1853. He
came to Steele county, Minnesota, in November, 1866, and located
on section 15, in Aurora township, where he bought 160 acres
of wild land which he broke and developed, erecting a home and
out buildings and followed general farming for the remainder
of his life. He died in June, 1894, and the mother died in Feb-
ruary, 1901. Mr. McCrady received his education in District
No. 13, Aurora township, and then engaged in farming with
his father until 1893, when he began to work for himself on the
old "Cogswell" farm owned by the Hon. Amos Cogswell, his
wife's father. This farm covers 200 acres in sections 9, 10 and 15
of .Aurora township. There he has erected his home and out
buildings and has greatly improved his land and follows general
diversified farming, making a specialty of raising White Leghorn
fowls. Mr. McCrady was married June 3, 1893, to Abby Cogs-
well, a daughter of Hon. Amos Cogswell. She was born on
the farm where she now lives on March 29, 1861. Four children
have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. McCrady— Francis C,
born October 4, 1894; Amos C, born April 21, 1896; Lynn C,
born July 11, 1899, died April 11, 1906; and Mark C, born May 2,
1901. The family faith is that of the Catholic and Presbyterian
churches. Mr. McCrady is a member of the A. O. U. W. and the
M. W. A. He has served his town as assessor for one year,
served as clerk for eight years, and has been both treasurer and
clerk of School District No. 13. He is a director of the Pratt
Rural Telephone Company and was for two years secretary
of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He has twice
been a delegate to the conventions of the Modern Woodmen of
America held at St. Paul in the years 1899 and 1901, and in 1901
was also a delegate to the National Convention of the M. W. A.,
which was also held in the city of St. Paul. In 1902 he was a
delegate to the Republican State Convention held at St. Paul.
He is one of Steele county's prosperous and successful farmers
and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.
S. D. Morford, a sturdy old pioneer of Steele county, IMinnc-
sota, was born in Ontario township, Wayne county. New York,
May 11, 1843. Shortly after his birth his parents removed to
Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he received an elementary
education in the district schools, concluding his schooling after
coming to Owatonna in 1858. War breaking out in 1861, he
1170 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
entered the service of his country in May of the same year, at
Owatonna, being formally mustered in as a private in Company
G, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, at Fort Snelling, May 23,
1861. Fle was actively engaged in all the battles of his regiment
up to Second Bull Run, bearing arms in the first battle of Bull
Run, at Berry ville, W. Va., Gainsville. Yorktown, Fair Oaks,
Seven Day Battle, Savage Station. Peach Orchard and Mel-
bourne Hill, most of these occurring under McClellan in the
famous Peninsular campaign. During the summer of 1862 he
was confined four weeks in a hospital at Harrison's Landing with
malarial fever, and while serving in Pope's campaign, he was
disabled by a spent ball and honorably discharged May 23, 1864,
having proven himself a valiant and courageous soldier and
winning the respect of his fellow comrades-in-arms. After leaving
the service he returned to Owatonna and gave his attention to
farming, later, in 1872, buying an eighty acre farm in Clinton
Falls township, on which he remained till 1885, when he disposed
of this property and purchased a 120 acre tract in section 29,
Havana tov^mship. Here he followed general diversified farming
up to the time of his retirement from active work in 1897, having
erected new modern buildings throughout, and by application
of the principles of scientific agriculture and hard work built up
one of the finest farms in the county. He is now living retired
at Havana Station, enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. Mr.
Morford has ever been a loyal supporter of local enterprises, and
served as a member of the board of directors of the Havana
Creamery, of which he is still a stockholder, over twelve years,
acting as president of the board three years, and as manager eight
months during the absence of the regular manager. In politics,
he is a supporter of the Republican party, and is actively inter-
ested in all that tends for the improvement of the county. He
is now serving the community as town clerk. September 24,
1864, he was united in marriage with Tirzah E. Woods, of Som-
erset township, Steele county, by whom he has three children —
Nellie, a graduate of the State Normal School at Winona, now-
teaching at Faribault : Roy D., married to Nellie Hickok, lives
at Havana Station, but conducts the old home farm : Gertrude M.,
a State Normal School graduate, teaches school at Faribault.
The family attend the services of the Baptist Church. C. W.
and Mary A. (Dwight) Morford, parents of our subject, were
natives of New York and Massachusetts, respectively. After the
death of the mother in New York. 1843. the father migrated west
with his family, settling in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and
engaging in farming, encountering the usual hardships and priva-
tions of those pioneer days. He also devoted a large share of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1171
his time to his trade as a carpenter, doing the first work in his
line on the W'aiipun state prison. His decease occurred in 1857.
John Kruckeberg, a prosperous farmer of Aurora township,
Steele county, his birthplace, was born September 29, 1860. After
receiving what education he could from the pioneer district
schools, he engaged in farming with his father, now owning
the old homestead consisting of 480 acres, 150 of which is under
cultivation. In addition to general farming, stock raising and
dairying is carried on very successfully, a large herd of high
bred Durham and Shorthorn cattle supplying milk of a quality
which commands top prices at a neighboring creamery. Poland-
China hogs crossed with Duroc Jerseys are a paying factor.
All improvements tending to facilitate up-to-date and economical
farming have been added. A commodious, modern barn, and a
beautiful dwelling house are conspicuous. As to political con-
victions, he is a Republican, and has served in numerous school
offices, and si.x years on the town board, one term as chairman.
On January 3, 1883, he was married to Emelia Ohrmann, daugh-
ter of William and Sophia (Behne) Ohrmann, by whom he has
eight children, all living at home: George, John, Erna, Lydia,
Arnold, Emelia, Nettie and .\lfre(l. The family are loyal attend-
ants of the Lutheran Church. Fred and Sophia (Meyer) Krucke-
berg, parents of our subject, came from Hessen, Germany, in
1854, locating in Illinois for a short time and then in Aurora
township, Steele county, Minnesota, where the father home-
steaded eighty acres of land, gradually adding to this until at
one time he owned over 1,000 acres. He died in 1894, and the
mother in 1892. Thirteen children were born to them, ten still
living.
Samuel S. Hanson, was born in Lemond township, Steele
county, on April 6, 1881, where he received his education. After
gaining his schooling. Samuel engaged in farming with his father
until September 1, 1906, when he came to Ellcndalc village and
went into the livery business, which he conducted up to July 16,
1910. Mr. Hanson met with success in his light and heavy livery
and draying business. He runs an automobile in connection with
his livery, is now general agent for the Northwestern National
Life Insurance Company, of Minneapolis. Mr. Hanson was
married to Julia Jacobson on June 11, 1903, and their home
has been made bright with five children — Elsie, who died in
infancy ; Stanley, Joyce, Lester, Clayton, all at home. The
subject of this sketch is a Republican politically, and religiously
affiliates with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He has made
his success in life by his own hard work and is a good citi/^en,
respected by his home village. Seming Hanson and Emma, his
wife, parents of Samuel S. Hanson, are natives of Norway,
1172 HISTORY OF RICE Ax\D STEELE COUNTIES
coming to America and locating in Steele county in 1860. Mr.
Hanson engaged in farming until 1902, when he retired from
active life.
Fred E. Ribstein, a well known farmer of Merton township,
Steele count}-, was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin. At the
age of six he came to Steele county with his parents, receiving
his education in the district schools. After school, he assisted his
father in the working of the home farm for a while, and then
engaged in farming on his own account, now having a highl_\-
productive tract of 360 acres most of which is under cultivation.
In addition to general farming, dairying and stock raising are
important factors. Durham cattle and Percheron horses being
specialties. All modern equipment and up-to-date buildings are
found here. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the Republican
part}-, active!}^ interested in local affairs, having served on the
town board, part of the time as chairman. The Knights of
Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America number him
among their loyal members. Fred and Sophia (Smith) Ribstein.
parents of our subject, were natives of Germany, the father a
carpenter by trade. Coming to this country about 18.^0, he
located at Ithaca. X. Y.. continuing at his trade here and after
his removal to Dodge county, Wisconsin. Migrating to this
county about 1868, he purchased land and engaged in farming
up to the time of his death which occurred in 1892. The mother
passed away a year later. Nine children were born to theni, five
of whom are li\-ing: Lou, a hardware merchant at Bruce. S. D. :
Frank, a wheat buyer, also located at Bruce, .S. D. ; Edward, in
the hardware business in Idaho : Flora, wife of Henry Partridge,
of Kenyon, Minn. ; and Fred, our subject. The family attend
the Lutheran Church.
Joseph Simon, of Aurora township, was born in Austria, Jan-
uary 20, 1867. His parents, John and Barbara Simon, both lived
and died in the old country. Joseph spent his boyhood in
Austria where he received his education. At eighteen years of
age, lured by the call of America and the freedom and oppor-
tunities it offered, Joseph came to the United States and located
at Faribault. Here he remained until 1892, employed by Donald
Grant. In that year he purchased 146 acres of wild land in section
28, Aurora township, Steele county, and with his wife located his
home there. Here he has since lived. The unbroken prairie,
under his industrious management, became fertile, cultivated
acres. In 1907 new btiildings were erected, including a barn
28x70 feet in size. He follows diversified farming and is a
stockholder in Oak Glen Creamery. In politics, he is a Repub-
lican and in his religious affiliations an adherent of the Catholic
Church. On ]\Iarch 23. 1892, Joseph Sinion was married to Mary
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES IHS
Haberman who was run over and killed by a railroad train while
taking cream to the creamery on the crossing of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, at Bixby, Alinn., September 12,
1903. Mr. Simon was united in marriage on November 20, 1904,
to Anna Palinka. Seven children bless his home. Four by
his first marriage : John, George, Mollie and Edward. Three
by his present wife : Freda, Joseph and Mary.
Wm. Lonergan came to Berlin township in 1857, where he
acquired over a section of land that is now owned by his sons,
Peter A., Maurice J., H. Robert and Mrs. J. F. Lonergan. His
other son, Wm. P., is at present living in Alberta, Canada, where
he has two large farms and is engaged in ranching. Mr. Loner-
gan has three daughters — Mrs. L. P. Devlin, of Bristol, Wis. ;
Mrs. F. C. Annett, of New Richland. Minn., and Sister Claudia,
of the Winona Seminary, Winona, Minn.
William Hegland, a prosperous farmer of Merton township,
Steele county, is a native of Goodhue county, his natal date
being December 8, 1872. While still in his infancy, his parents
removed to Steele county, locating on the farm he now operates.
After receiving his education in the district schools, he assisted
his father for a time on the home farm, and ever since has been
engaged in general farming with the exception of four years
spent in Duluth running a dray line. In 1904 he purchased his
present farm, consisting of 200 acres all under cultivation and
well improved by his father and self. Holstein cattle, Poland-
China hogs and Percheron horses contribute heavily to the suc-
cess of the farm. In politics he inclines toward the tenets of the
Democratic party, but casts his ballot as he considers for the
best interests of the community. He was married November 3,
1904, to Randi Strandemo, daughter of E. Strandemo, of Elling-
ton, Dodge county. They have two children — Edroy Tillman
and Grace Angeline. The family are prominent in the Nor-
wegian Lutheran Church, the father now serving as secretary.
T. A. and Anna Hegland, parents of our subject, were born and
raised in Norway, the family emigrating to this country in 1871
and locating in Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he followed
his trade as a carpenter for five years. He then removed to
Steele county, buying the farm his son, William, now occupies,
conducting the farm and doing carpenter work until his death
in 1904. The mother is still living. Nine children were born to
them, all living: Ella is married to Peter Ruen who lives in
Kenyon ; Jennie is a dressmaker in Minneapolis ; Annon is a
clothing merchant of Duluth ; Mary is married to Charles Jacob-
son, a Steele county farmer; William, our subject; George con-
ducts a general merchandise store in North Dakota ; James has a
harness shop at Minneapolis; Tilla is a missionary, located at
1174 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
JMadagascar ; and Martin is a professor, a graduate of the United
Lutheran Church theological school at Hamline, and a minister
of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.
Edward R. Webster, a hard working and enterprising farmer
of Clinton Falls township. Steele county, was born in Aurora
township, this county, December 12, 1872. His education was
received in the public schools of Aurora and Owatonna, subse-
quently engaging in farming in which he has had unusual suc-
cess. His present place is one of the best improved in the county,
consisting of 310 acres practically all under cultivation. Holstein
cattle and thoroughbred Belgian horses contribute to the profits.
As to political convictions he believes in voting for the man
best fitted for the office, regardless of his party affiliations. The
Independent Order of Odd Fellows counts him a loyal brother.
December 29, 1899, he was married to Fanny Schultz, daughter
of D. C. Schultz, of Clinton Falls. Four children have been born
to them, who. named in order of ages, are: Harlan, Pearl, Leon
and Gilbert. The family attend worship at the Presbyterian
Church. Richard and Fanny (Connor) Webster, parents of
Edward R., were natives of Portsmouth. N. H.. and Ireland,
respectively. The father was a carpenter by trade, working in
the navy yards of Portsmouth for four ^ears. He received an
honorable discharge. In 185.T he immigrated west, locating in
Dixon, Lee county, and engaging in farming. Two years later
he removed to Aurora township. Steele county, being one of the
pioneer settlers, and purchased a homesteader's rights, following
farming up to his death. April 25. 1898. In politics he supported
the Republican party. Four of the nine children born to his
wife are living. Abbie, wife of Lewis Johnson, a hardware mer-
chant, of Beltrami county. Minnesota: Jennie S.. teaching at
Yakima, Wash.: Fannie E., living at home: and Edward R.,
the subject of this sketch.
Albert A. Peterson, of Blooming Prairie, was born in Austin,
Minn., January 28, 1872, son of George A. and Isabella (Sletter)
Peterson, natives of Wisconsin, of Norwegian parentage. The
father is a prominent farmer of Dodge county, Minnesota. He
is secretary of the A. Solberg Lumber Company, of Blooming
Prairie, and director of the Farmer & Merchant State Bank.
Albert received his early education in the public and hi.gh schools
of Blooming Prairie, which was supplemented with a course
at the Pillsbury Academy of Owatonna, from which institution
he graduated in 1895. Leaving school he took up agricultural
pursuits for a few years, he then went into the telephone industry.
In 1901, he organized the Steele County Telephone Company of
Blooming Prairie, becoming its president and general manager,
which position he has since filled. Mr. Peterson has worked up
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1175
& large business for this company and tlieir lines now extend
through Steele, Dodge, Freeborne and Moore counties. Mr.
Peterson was married October 23, 1901, at St. Paul, to Miss
Regna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Peterson. Two chil-
dren have been born to their union, viz.: Irene J., born t'eb-
ruary 22, 1905: Gladys S., born December 11, 1907. In political
faith Mr. Peterson is a Republican. He is a member of the
Lutheran Church. He is a High Degree Mason, being a member
of the Shrine, was secretary of Prairie Lodge No. 123, of Bloom-
ing Prairie, of which lodge he was secretary for three years, the
Eastern Star, serving as secretary since it was organized, also
member of the M. W. A. Mr. Peterson has taken an active
interest in public aflfairs, serving four years as justice of the
peace. He is now a city recorder and is also a member of the
Commercial Club. On May 6, 1898, he became a member of
Company G, Twelfth Regiment Minnesota National Guard.,
During the Spanish-American War he was stationed at Chicka-
mauga, Ga., and Lexington, Ky. He was discharged with honor
at New Ulm, Minn., November 6, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson
reside on Fifth street. Mr. Peterson was instrumental in getting
a franchise for the building of the city sewerage. He owns
seventy-five acres of land in Dodge county which is used for the
outlet of the city sewerage. During the time of the Boer War
Mr. Peterson was engaged by the English government to buy
horses in Montana. During the last five years he has been
engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock. He is an enter-
prising business man and a good citizen, always interested in
what may be for the upbuilding of his city and Steele county.
Alex H. Fjeldstad, a hustling and up-to-date business man of
Blooming Prairie, Minn., is a native of Grand Meadow, Minn.,
his date of birth being May 23, 1873. A few years later his
parents removed to Blair, Wis., and here he received his early
education, completing this with a course in the high school of
Alma, Wis., from which he was graduated in 1893. He then
entered the pharmacy department of the Minnesota State Uni-
versity, receiving his diploma two years later, and immediately
thereafter accepted employment in a drug store of Minneapolis
in which he remained six years. Mr. Fjeldstad thence removed
to Blooming Prairie, forming a co-i)artnership with A. Olson in
his previous line of work. The firm has one of the best equipped
and thoroughly modern drug stores in this section of the state,
making a specialty of their prescription department, and also
carrying a well selected line of paints, oils, wallpaper, china,
silverware, stationery and the usual sundries. The Steele County
Retail Druggists' Association, which he is serving as president,
the Alumni Association of the Pharmacy Department of the
1176 HISTORY OF RICE Ax\D STEELE COUNTIES
Slate University, also member ^Minnesota State Pharmaceutical
Association, and the N. L. Y. V. S., of which he is treasurer, all
number him as a loyal member of their various organizations.
He is a stockholder in the Minnesota Pharmaceutical Manufac-
turing Company, of St. Paul, and in the American Druggists'
Association, of Long Island City, N. Y. In politics he gives his
allegiance to the Republican party, being a member of the Steele
Count}- Republican committee, and has served as village recorder
four years, and clerk of the board of education three years, and
was a delegate to the Minnesota Conservation and Agricultural
Development Congress held March 16 to 19 of this year — 1910.
He is affiliated with the local Commercial Club as secretary, and
with the Sons of Norway. Mr. Fjelstad is also a valued supporter
of the Lutheran Church. May 21, 1902, at Minneapolis, he was
married to Marie Olson, daughter of Mrs. Julia Olson. They
have two children — Alvin A., born August 29, 1903, and Ralf A.,
horn January 2, 1909. The family residence is on Hazel street.
Andreas and Olive (Lee) Fjelstad, parents of our subject, were
natives of Norway. Emigrating to America in 1866 they located
at Sparta, Wis., the father being engaged for a time in railroad
work and logging, and later entered into the mercantile business,
first at Grand Meadow one and one-half years, then at Sparta
two years, then at Blair, Wis., until 1893, where he remained until
his retirement in 1893. He then removed to Minneapolis and died
January 12, 1908. The mother still resides in Minneapolis.
Edward C. Wolff is one of the prosperous young farmers of
Steele county. He is a native of Aurora township and conducts
the farm in section 17 on which he was born March 22, 1883.
He received his education at the district school and worked upon
liis father's farm until 1909. Since that time he has conducted the
place himself. He is unmarried. His sister. Emma, keeps house
for him. Politically Mr. Wolff is a Democrat and he is an
adherent of the Lutheran Church. As a citizen, he is industrious
and thrifty and well liked. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wolff, the
parents of Edward C. Wolff, were natives of Germany. In
1876 the mother died. It was in 1879 that the father migrated
to America, purchasing 203 acres in section 17, Aurora township,
Steele county, Minnesota. Here he continued to farm until
1909 when he retired from active life and removed to Owatonna
where he is now located. The care of the farm was given over to
his son, Edward C, who with the aid of his sister, Emma, now
manages It.
Phillip A. Reichstetter is one of the substantial Minnesota
farmers whose thrift is an asset in the development of the
state. His home is in Aurora township, Steele county. Bohemia
is his native land and Mav 1, 18.38, the date of his birth. There
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1177
Phillip secured his education and continued to live with his
parents until 1881, when he emigrated to America, settling in
Steele county. It was not until 1886 that he made his first pur-
chase of land in section 3i and llien lie bought only twenty
acres. In the years since he has added to this by successive
purchases in the same section of adjoining lands until today his
farm comprises 140 acres. This tract is all under cultivation
with a pleasant country home, barns and buildings. He was
married March 2, 1885, to Thcresia Ripka. They have six chil-
dren— Mary, who is now Mrs. John Koasnicka, and Minnie,
both living in Owatonna; Edward, Anna, Helen and Emil, living
at home. Politically Mr. Reichstetter affiliates with the Demo-
cratic party and he is a member of the Catholic Church. He
owns nine shares in the Oak Glen Creamery of Bixby. He is
regarded as a good citizen in the community where he has lived
for more than a quarter of a century. John Reichstetter and
Thcresia Fritscher. his wife, parents of Phillip Reichstetter, were
natives of Bohemia, where their lives were .spent. Both are
deceased.
Perry J. Rockwood, a business man of Owatonna, was born
February 22. 1877, at Owatonna. He received his early educa-
tion in the public school and in the high school of that place,
then after leaving school he took up and learned the meat market
trade, which he has worked at and followed since sixteen years
of age. December 23, 1902. he entered into the business, his
first store being located on corner of Broadway and Cedar streets
where he continued a flourishing business for a number of years.
February 14, 1909, he formed a co-partnership with his brother.
They handle all the produce that can be found in an up-to-date
meat market. Their large and steadily increasing trade is due
to their courteous manner and uncompromising honesty. They
have enlarged their business and conduct two markets at this
time, one at 119 North Cedar street and the other at 154 Bridge
street. Mr. Rockwood was married June 24, 1903, at Owatonna,
to Lillian Plummer. She was a school teacher, teaching four
years in the district schools and three years in the public schools
of Owatonna. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rockwood is blessed
with three children, viz.: Wayne P., born July 15. 1904; Dorothy,
born February 28, 1907 ; Lorane A., born February 18, 1910. Mr.
Rockwood is a Republican in politics. He worships at the
Baptist Church. He is also prominent in fraternal circles, being
a member of the K. of P., F. O. E., and the B. A. Y. The home
of Mr. and Mrs. Rockwood is located at 239 Broadway.
Hubert G. Rockwood is a native born son of Minnesota, being
born in Owatonna May 31, 1879, son of George W. and Emily
(Gillitte) Rockwood, natives of New York state. The parents
1178 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
immigrated west, lirst locating in Wisconsin; from there tliey
came to Owatonna wliere the father engaged in the grocery
business. Hubert G. received his earl>- education in the public
schools of Owatonna which was supplemented by a high school
education. After leaving school he was engaged as a clerk in a
general merchandise store for three years. In 1893 he went to
Minneapolis, where he conducted a real estate business for two
years. Leaving Minneapolis he came back to Owatonna and
engaged in the hotel business, which he continued for two years.
After this he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for two years.
He later returned to Owatonna and bought an interest in the
meat market business with his brother. The firm is now known
as Rockwood Brothers. They have two markets and are doing
a very extensive business. Mr. Rockwood is an independent
voter and does not affiliate with any political party. He is a
member of the F. O. E., and the K. of P. He served for some
time as a member of the Company I, Second Regiment Minnesota
National Guards.
Herman Wolff is a farmer living in Aurora township, Steele
county. He owns 160 well cultivated and fertile acres in sections
7 and 18 of that township, on which he has built a new and
modern dwelling" with substantial barns and outbuildings. Stock
raising and dairying largely engage his attention and he takes
much pride in his Durham cattle and Percheron horses. Mr.
Wolff is a native of Germany, where he was born April 6, 1872.
He came to America with his father when he was seven years of
age, locating in Steele county. Herman received his education
at the district school and worked on his father's farm until 1896,
then purchased the land on which he has since lived. He
attends the Lutheran Church and politically is an independent
voter. Our subject is much interested in good roads and has
served as road overseer. l\lr. Wolff owns stock in the Pratt
Creamery. He is unmarried. Edward W^olff and his wife, the
parents of Herman Wolff, were natives of Germany, where Mrs.
Wolff died in 1876. In 1879, with his three children, the father
emigrated to America and located in Steele county where he
engaged in farming. In l')09 he retired from active life and now
lives in Owatonna.
Edwin Morton, a prosperous citizen of Blooming Prairie, was
born in Liveri)ool, England, July 1. 1849. He received his earl}^
education at St. Charles and later in a private school at Rochester,
Minn. He received a business training of three years at St.
Charles and in 1873 came to Blooming Prairie where he engaged
in a hardware and implement business. Mr. Morton also owns
a farm of 330 acres in Newray township, Freeborn county, where
he makes a specialty of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle. August
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1179
20, 1873, Edwin Morton was united in marriage at St. Charles,
to Mabel Johnson. They have three children— Mabel W., now
Mrs. George Taylor, of Manterville, Dodge county; Grace E.,
now Mrs. Warren Carmen, of Blooming Prairie; George E., who
works for his father at home. Mr. Morton is an active Repub-
lican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, .served as mayor
of Blooming Prairie for seven years, and again for four years, and
is a Mason and a Shriner. He is a progressive and respected
citizen, working to upbuild home industries. He has stock in
the Blooming Prairie Creamery Company. George Morton and
Elizabeth Sharpless, his wife, were natives of England. In
1849 they came to America, living for seven years in New York
City. In 1856 they came to St. Charles, Minn., and engaged in
farming. Mrs. Morton died in New Jersey in 18.S8, Mr. Morton
surviving her until 1864.
Dr. E. W. Cooley, the well known physician and business man
of Blooming Prairie, Minn., was born in Easton, N. H., March 17,
1860. He received his education in the public schools and in the
New Hampton high school from which he was graduated in
1885. A complete course in the Burnett Medical College of
Chicago completed his education, receiving his degree as a Doctor
of Medicine and Surgery in 1887. In June of the same year he
came to Blooming Prairie where he has ever since been engaged
in the practice of his profession, enjoying a large clientage. Dr.
Cooley is aLso a partner in a harness business, and also conducts
a drug store, and is sole owner and manager of the Cooley opera
house, a commodious and up-to-date two story brick structure
which he erected in 1896. It is well located on Fourth street,
having a large store on the ground floor, the theater and the
doctor's ofifice and residence taking up the second story. He
is a stockholder in the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank. In
politics, the Democratic party has in him a stanch supporter. He
has twice been a candidate for the state legislature, and has
served his village twelve years as a councilman. Any enterprise
that has for its object the good of the town or county is sure of
his active sympathy. The Modern Woodmen of America and the
Brotherhood of Yeomen claim him as a member. Alonzo and
Emmeline (Wallace) Cooley, parents of our subject, were natives
of New Hamjjshire where the father followed farming with much
success till his decease in July, 1907. The mother died in
December, 1908.
Henry Lips, one of the progressive farmers of Wheeling town-
ship, was born in Switzerland. March 2i. 1855. He came to
America with his parents in 18.56 and attended the district schools
of Wheeling during his boyhood. Leaving school he worked
on his father's farm until 1876, when he purchased the place
llsu HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
where he continued to conduct a general farming business. In
1883 he married Amelia C. Schroeder. Ten children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Lips — Wesley is married and lives in
South Dakota where he is engaged in the livery business ; Lydia,
now Mrs. Eugene Bailey, of South Dakota ; Edward rents his
father's farm ; Benjamin works out ; Ella died in infancy : Herbert,
Arthur, Minnie, Esther and Emih- remain at home, the three
3-ounger girls attending school. Mr. Lips is a Republican and a
Methodist, a stockholder in the Farmers' State Bank and in the
Farmers' Co-operative Creamery. He is one of the substantial
citizens who have helped to make the Gopher state one of th&
greatest in the Union. Henry Lips and Elizabeth Bosshardt,
his wife, parents of the subject of this sketch, were natives of
Switzerland where they were farmers. Coming to America in
1856 they located in Wheeling township. Rice county, where Mr.
Lips took a homestead of 160 acres in section 13 which he lived
on and improved up to the time of his death in 1875. Mrs. Lips
died in 1870. Charles and Rosa Schroeder, parents of Mrs. Lips,
were natives of Germany, who came to America in the early
sixties and located in Indiana, where Mr. Schroeder followed
his blacksniithing" trade up to the time of his death in 1901. Mrs.
Schroeder still lives in Indiana.
E. M. Twiford, who has contributed much to the welfare and
safety of Owatonna during his many years of service as chief
of the fire department, was born in Pleasant Valley, Ohio,
August 30, 1852, a son of Dr. Willis Twiford, whose sketch
appears elsev^'here in this volume. At an early age he came to
Somerset township, Steele county, with his parents, receiving
his education in the district schools, and subsequently working
on a farm until twenty-five years of age. He then came to
Owatonna, acting as engineer for the Diamond Milling Company
for a year and a half, after which he entered the hardware busi-
ness with W. A. Dynes under the firm name of \V. A. Dynes &
Co., in which he remained until he opened the Fountain meat
market a few years later which he conducted for two and a half
years. Disposing of his interests here he embarked in the grocery
business with D. W. Sperrj', the firm being known as Twiford and
Sperry, for eight years, when J. N. Niles purchased Mr. Sperry's
interest. He remained in partnership with Mr. Twiford in the
general mercantile line under the name of Twiford and Niles,
five years. Mr. Twiford then entered the livery business in
which he has ever since been engaged, operating alone as the
Park livery for a time, and then formed his present partnership
with N. P. Jefiferson and Charles Green, the firm being known
as JeiTerson, Green and Twiford. They are doing a thriving
general livery and transfer business. In politics he loyally adheres
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1181
to the Democratic party, and served as ma3or two terms during
1893 and 1894. lie has also ably filled the office of chief of the
fire department many years. His fraternal affiliations are with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He
was married February 16, 1882, to .Anna Howard, daughter of
David Howard, of Geneva, Freeborn county, Minnesota. Three
children ha\e been born to them — Edna, a stenographer for the
Great Northern Railroad at St. Paul ; Guy, an attorney at Minot,
N. D. ; and Nettie, attending Carleton College of Northfield,
Minn. The family are loyal attendants of the Universalist
Church.
James B. Gallea, a prosperous farmer of Medford township,
first saw the light of day in New York state, where he was
born on September 28, 1854. James received his early education
in the district schools of Clinton Falls township, and upon leaving
school worked on his father's farm. In 1896 he bought 120 acres
in Medford and later purchased forty more acres, upon which
he has done a general farming business up to the present time.
He was married in 1887 to Stella Tuttle, and four children have
been given them — Evart, Ernest, Mae and Philo. Mr. Gallea is a
Republican in politics and the family attends the Congrega-
tional Church. He has served and is still serving on the school
board. William Gallea and Polly Gilbert, his wife, parents of
James B. Gallea, were natives of New York state where Mr.
Gallea was engaged in farming. They came to Wisconsin in
1859, where a general farming business was carried on for four
years, after which they removed to Minnesota. Mr. Gallea
took part in the Indian outbreak, after which he returned to his
farm and lived there up to the time of his death on March 18,
1903. Mrs. Gallea still lives in Medford.
George B. Gallea, an up-to-date and progressive farmer of
Clinton Falls township, Steele county, was born in that county
November 23, 1872. After receiving his education in the district
schools he engaged in farming with his father and now owns the
old homestead, consisting of 250 acres of productive land, 200 of
which is under cultivation. Much attention is devoted to
dairying and stock raising, a large and well selected herd of
Holstein cows supplying milk of the best quality to a near by
creamery. Poland-China hogs are also a profitable factor. Modern
machinery and buildings assist in the economical working of the
farm, and at present the old barn, 40 x 50 feet, is being remodeled
and a new barn of the latest type, 40x80 feet in dimensions,
with concrete foundation and floor is being constructed. A fine
brick house, built by the father. William Gallea, adds to the
comfort of the family. In politics, our subject inclines toward
118-2 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
tile tenets of the Republican party, but has never been an office-
seeker. He was married in 1899 to Martha Rabey, daughter of
Robert and Maria (\\'arren) Rabey, the father now engaged in
farming in this state, formerly of New York. Mr. and Mrs.
Gallea have two children — Robert Burton, born September 24,
19(X); and William Donovan, born December 10, 1909. William
and Policy (Gilbert) Gallea. parents of our subject, were born
and raised in New York state, the father being a sailor in his
younger days and a captain of a vessel on the Great Lakes. In
1863 he came to Steele cotmty with his wife and family, settling
on the farm now owned by his son, George. In the spring of
1864 he enlisted in the second Minnesota cavalry and remained
in service until the close of the war. He then returned to his
farm and conducted it until his death in 1899. The mother is
still living with her children, enjoying a ripe old age. Ten
children were born to them, eight of whom are still living.
Ulrick C. Jansen was born in Denmark January 2, 1849, he is
a son of Ulrick Christianson and Anna Jansen, both natives
of Denmark where they lived and died. LHrick received his
education in Denmark and came to America in the spring of
1871, locating in Freeborn county, Minnesota, and engaging in
farming, in 1876 he purchased a 160 acre farm on section 19, in
Summit township, Steele county, where he farmed for three years
and then sold and went to Bath, Freeborn county, where he
purchased 120 acres, and later he added to this 240 acres, making
in all a farm of 360 acres where he followed general farming,
dairying and stock raising until 1905, when he rented his farm
and inoved to Ellendale where he now lives retired from active
work. He was married May 20, 1876, to Hannah Jensen, and
nine children have blessed their home — Christ, of Bath, Freeborn
county, Minnesota ; Mary, now Mrs. Christ Thompson, of
Geneva, Minn.: Emma, now Mrs. Gilbert Thorson, of Bath,
Minn. ; Arthur, of Nebraska : Carl, of Albert Lea ; Helen, now
Mrs. Walter Peterson, of Bath, Minn.: Annie, Nickoli and
Hannah, all living at home. Mr. Jansen is a member of the
Danish Lutheran Church, and in politics he is a Republican.
He has served on the school boards for thirty-five years and is
now clerk of the Ellendale village school board. He was very
instrumental in the organization of the Ellendale Creamery and
has been its president since its organization in 1893. He was
one of the organizers of the Farmers' Elevator Company, of
Ellendale, and has been the treasurer of the company since 1905,
he is a stockholder and one of the directors of the Security
State Bank of Ellendale. He served for one year as alderman of
the village and is now the assessor, a position which he has held
for the past three years. He lives at his pleasant home in Ellen-
mi;. AM) MRS. U. C. JANSEX
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1183
dale village where he enjoys the respect and confidence of all
who know him. It was due to Mr. Jansen's efforts that the beau-
tiful new brick school building was erected in Ellendale this
year— 1910.
Erick Ellingson was born in Berlin township, Steele county,
Minnesota, on December 24, 1877, he is a son of EUing and Anna
(Lee) Ellingson, and a brother of Elling E. Ellingson with whom
he is conducting a general merchandise business at Ellendale
under the firm name of Ellingson Brothers. Erick received his
education at the public schools and attended the Grand Forks
College at Grand Forks, N. D., and also attended Concorda
College at Morehead, Minn. After leaving school he entered
the store of his brother at Meckinock, N. D., for one and one-
half years and then went to Roseau county, Minnesota, where,
in the year 1900, he homesteaded 160 acres which he proved up
and on which he remained until 1905, when he entered into co-
partnership with his brother, Elling at Ellendale, Minn., and has
continued in the business since that time. He was married
December 31, 1901, to Miss Catherine Thoreson and five children
have been born to them — Alma E., Irene T., Ernest M., Mildred
L., and Carl J. Mr. Ellingson is a member of the Norwegian
Lutheran Church, and in his political views he is a Socialist.
He is a justice of the peace of Ellendale. He has succeeded by
hard work and strict attention to business and is a good citizen,
having won the confidence and respect of all who know him.
Elling E. Ellingson is a native of Minnesota, having been
born in Fillmore county on September 15, 1868, he is a son of
Elling and Anna (Lee) Ellingson. both natives of Norway,
who came to America in 1868 and located in Fillmore county
where they remained for one year and then came to Steele county
and settled in Berlin township, and purchased 160 acres of land
on which the village of Ellendale is now located. This was at
the time wild land and Mr. Ellingson broke and subdued it, and
followed general farming up to the time of his death which
occurred May 3, 1896. The mother is still living. In 1899 the
farm was sold for the townsite of Ellendale. Elling E. received
his education in the district schools, and after leaving school
followed farming until he was twenty-one years of age, and then
went to Geneva and clerked for one year in a general store, and
then to New Richland for six months, when he bought in with
H. A. Midje in a general store at Cooleysville where he remained
for six years and then sold his interest and in 1898 went to North
Dakota where he conducted a general store at Meckinock for
nearly three years, when, in 1900, he returned to Ellendale and
entered into business with the Ellendale Mercantile Company
and was connected with this company for a period of two years
1184 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
when he sold his interest and went to Owatonna and clerked in
a clothing house for six months to better acquaint himself with
this line, and in the spring of 1904 he purchased the harness and
shoe business of Frank Keycek and later added a full and up-to-
date line of clothing and gents' furnishing goods and is now-
conducting both stores in company with his brother, Erick, whom
he took into the firm as a partner in 1905, the firm name being
Ellingson Brothers. Mr. Ellingson was married on June 22, 1898,
to Emma Newgaard, and three children have been born to them —
Earl A., born April 19, 1900; Arthur M., born November 15,
1901 : and Marie E., born March 25, 1904. Mr. Ellingson is a
member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and his political
afifiliations are with the Republican party. He is now serving
as mayor of Ellendale, having been elected in 1909. Prior to his
election as mayor he had served as city treasurer for two years
and as city recorder for three years. He is a stock holder in the
Farmers' Elevator Company and is also a stockholder and vice
president of the Ellendale Rural Telephone Company. He is a
good citizen respected by all who know him.
H. A. Finch, a retired farmer of Ellendale village, was born
in Lewis county, New York, December 17, 1842, son of Apollos
H. and Isabel (Searles) Finch, natives of New York state. The
father died in 1845, and the mother in 1848. Horace received
his early education at Fond du Lac, Wis., where he came in
1849. After leaving school in the year 1861, he joined the Union
Army, Company G, Sixteenth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry, as a private. In 1863 he was appointed sergeant, he
served until August, 1865, having been engaged in the principal
battles of the Civil War. He was discharged at Louisville, Ky.,
and mustered out at Madison, Wis. Returning to Fond du Lac
he followed agricultural pursuits there until the fall of 1868, when
he came to Steele county, locating in Berlin township on land
he had purchased in 1865. This consisted of 160 acres of wild
land in section 9. This land he broke and improved, erecting a
home and a number of outbuildings thereon, changing the wilder-
ness into a fertile farm. He carried on general and diversified
farming successfully until 1910 when he rented the farm and
moved to Ellendale where he now lives a retired life. Mr. Finch
was married December 20, 1867, to Irene Hazen. The wif*;
passed away in June, 1881, leaving six children, viz.: Herbert,
Calvin, Minnie, who died with diphtheria in October, 1881 ; Fred,
Myrtle, Caddie, who are all residing in the state of North
Dakota. Mr. Finch married a second time May 23, 1883. to Miss
Katie Davis. This union is blessed with four children, viz.:
C. Ray, Hattie, Sedate and Horace, who are all residing at
home. Mr. Finch is a Republican in political sentiment. The
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1185
family belongs to the Baptist and the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He has served the community in a number of local
offices such as chairman of the town board, town clerk and also
on the school board. He has made his way in the world by
hard work and industry, is a hij^hly respected citizen well liked
by a large number of friends and acquaintances.
Carl R. Torgerson is a native of Berlin township. Here he
was born January 2. 1878, and attended the public schools during
his boyhood. Later he took a course of study at the Valder
Business College, of Decorah, Iowa, after which he was employed
in the Security State Bank, of Ellendale. After several months
he took a position with the h'armers' Elevator Company, of Ellen-
dale, in which he still remains. Carl R. Torgerson was married
April 27 . 1904, to Tillie Johnson. They have one child, Burnett
L., born June 22, 1907. Mr. Torgerson is a Republican, a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church and for three years was city
treasurer. He is now serving the second year as city recorder.
In 1902 he took up a homestead of 160 acres in North Dakota
which he still owns. He is an active, respected citizen, interested
in all that improves his home town. James Torgerson and Anna,
his wife, parents of the subject of this sketch, were natives of
Norway. They came to America in 1867, locating in Berlin
township on a farm where he spent the remainder of his life.
Here Mr. and Mrs. Torgerson reared a family of fourteen chil-
dren— Torger, born September 12, 1868, died February 13, 1869:
Carrie, born March 27, 1870, lives at home; John, born Septem-
ber 4, 1871. also lives at home; Regina, born December 13, 1872,
died in infancy; Torger, born April 30, 1874, now at Albert Lea;
Lewis, bom April 25, 1876, now in South Dakota; Carl, born
January 2, 1878; Bella, born November 7. 1879, now at Ellen-
dale; Martin, born October 19, 1881, now in Iowa; Tilda, born
October 11, 1883, now in Ellendale; Olei, born April 15, 1885, now
in North Dakota; Agnes, born March 25, 1887, now in Ellendale;
Josephine, born August 22, 1888, now in Blooming Prairie :
Andrew, born March 7, 1890, now in North Dakota. Mr. Torger-
son died August 3, 1905, on the home farm in Berlin township
where his wife still lives.
Wilson Bonnie Wardwell, a native of Owatonna, was born
May 29, 1885. Here "Bonnie" received his early education in the
public schools and graduated from the high school in 1903,
He then entered the employment of Netz and Vinton, drug-
gists of Owatonna. remaining four years. After taking a year's
course in the Department of Pharmacy at the State University,
Mr. Wardwell purchased the drug business of C. J. Swedenburg
at Ellendale, Sept. 23, 1908. Since taking control of this busi-
ness Mr. Wardwell has met with marked success, keeping a pro-
1186 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
gressive, up-to-date store and is one of Eilendale's most popular
and prosperous young business men. Politically, he is an active
Republican, and a member of the Masonic lodge. For nearly
three years he served as a private in Company I, Second Regular
M. N. G. of Owatonna. Interested in everything that promotes
the welfare of his community, i\Ir. W'ardwell has the merited
respect of his fellow citizens. Homer E. W'ardwell and Eliza
Wilson, his wife, parents of the subject of this sketch, were
natives of Black Earth, Dane county, Wisconsin. In 1871 they
came to Minnesota, spending one year at Faribault. Coming to
Owatonna in 1872, Mr. Wardwell engaged in blacksmithing,
which trade he followed until 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Wardwell still
live in Owatonna.
Petter H. Hafdahl, the well known blacksmith and wagon-
maker of Alerton, Steele county, was born at Trondhjem, Nor-
way, May 25, 1857. His education was received in the Father-
land, acquiring a good knowledge of the blacksmith trade. At
the age of nineteen, he emigrated to America, following his trade
for a year in Lansing, Allamakee county. Iowa, and then in Good-
hue county, remaining here two years, and then removing to
Merton, where he still plies his trade as a blacksmith and wagon-
maker, being known as a skillful workman. He is also the
owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, nearly all
under the plow, and makes a specialty of the breeding and rais-
ing of high grade Durham cattle and Percheron horses. In
politics, he is a staunch Republican. During 1881 he was united
in marriage with Ingebor Julseth, daughter of Thorsten T.
Julseth, a native of Norway. Eight children have been born to
Mr. and ■Mrs. Hafdahl, six of whom are living: Halvor. conduct-
ing the farm ; Thorsten. a buttermaker, married Dora Bruvsleten,
and has one child. Irene; and Ada, Peder, Ingval and Martin all
live at home. Halvor H. and Ingebor Anna Geving Hafdahl,
parents of our subject, were natives of Norway, where the father
carried on farming till his death, which occurred in 1898. The
mother deceased in 1866. Fifteen children were born to them,
nine of whom are living; Halvor, a farmer of Iowa; John, en-
gaged in farming in Norway, Annie, married to Nils T. Julseth,
a farmer of Norway : Halvor, who operates a farm in Goodhue
county; Sivert, owner of a Dakota farm; Petter H.. our sub-
ject ; Dorthea, wife of John Sethnan, a Norwegian farmer ; Halvor
III. carries on farming operations in Norway; and Andrew con-
ducts a farm in Rice county. The family attend the Lutheran
church.
Anton Kasper, a prosperous farmer of Steele county, was
born in Bohemia, 1855. At the age of nine years he emigrated
to this country with his parents, who at once came to Minne-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1187
sola and settled on a farm in Steele count}-. After receiving
a somewhat meagre education in the neighboring district school,
Anton engaged in farming, his practical knowledge of that line
of work, acquired on his father's farm, standing him in good
stead. His present farm in Somerset township of three hundred
and thirty acres is ample evidence of his success. A hundred
and eighty acres are under cultivation, the remainder yielding
good returns as woodland and pasturage, dairying and stock
raising being extensively carried on. A well selected herd of
about forty Durham cattle supplies milk of the best quality to a
nearby creamery. All buildings and equipment on the place arc
thoroughly up-to-date and well adapted for modern and eco-
nomical farming. The Modern Woodmen of America and a Bo-
hemian lodge count him a valued member. In 1878 he was
married to Frances Simon, b\- whom he has had seven children :
Jay, engaged in farming in Aledford township; Louis, a farmer of
Summit township; Otto, a bookkeeper of St. Paul; and Georgia,
Blanche, Sidney and Charles, living at home. Joseph and
Dorthea Kasper, parents of Anton, left their native land, Bo-
hemia, for the L^nited States in 1864, immediately coming to Min-
nesota and settling on a rented farm in Aurora township, Steele
county. Two years later, they removed to Somerset township,
where the father remained engaged in farming until his death.
Archibald Colquhoun, retired farmer of Blooming Prairie vil-
lage, was born at Toncy River, Pictou county. Nova Scotia, Sept.
2, 1835. In 1856 Mr. Colquhoun decided to start agricultural
operations, and accordingly came to Steele county and took up
a quarter section in Summit township. In the meantime, how-
ever, he followed lumbering on the Chippewa river in Wisconsin,
off and on, until 1862, when he again went back to Nova Scotia
and spent one winter. He then came again to Steele county, and
for many years carried on general farming. Mr. Colquhoun
enlisted in the Union Army, .'Vug. 20, 1864, at Geneva, Minn.,
serxing in Company D, Eleventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.
He served in the legislature in 187.3-74 and 1881-82. While in
the legislature he favored having the cities of St. Paul, Minne-
apolis and Stillwater united in one Congressional district, an act
which became a law in 1881. He has been a member of the board
of his school district thirty-eight years, serving at various times
as clerk and treasurer. He has been chairman of Blooming
Prairie three years, assessor two years, town clerk one year, and
road overseer several terms. He votes the Republican ticket,
belongs to the James .A. Goodwin Post, No. 81, G. A. R.. and is a
high degree Mason.
Philip J. Kuntz, M. A. The subject of this sketch was born
in Dearborn county, Indiana, March 17, 1857, and has spent his
1188 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
life so far in Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota. His early life was
given to farm work, his father being a farmer, but since his
maturity he has been engaged in educational work. He is a
graduate of Hedding College, Abingdon, 111., where the degree of
Ph. B. was conferred upon him. His first years of teaching were
in Indiana, the principal place being at Centerville, where his
first wife rests in their beautiful cemetery. For seven years he
was superintendent of the city schools at Aledo, 111., from which
place he came, in 1899, to Owatonna, Minn., where he has filled
the position of superintendent since that date. Usually during
the summer vacation Mr. Kuntz is called upon to conduct a
summer training school for teachers, having been called or sent
to several different parts of the state for that purpose. His suc-
cessful experience as an educator, and his long service at Owa-
tonna give him an enviable standing in the state. Mr. Kuntz
has four daughters, one of whom graduated from Hamline Uni-
versity, St. Paul, in 1908, at which time he also completed his
post-graduate course in absentia from the same institution, and
when Miss Ada received her degree of B. A., the degree of M. A.
was conferred upon him. Mr. Kuntz's special line has been in
history and civics, in which he is at present doing special work.
His success in his work niu'^t be in a great measure credited to
Mrs. Kuntz, who is a lad)' of special ability along musical
lines, and who was, before her marriage, a successful teacher.
They have built themselves a comfortable little home in Owa-
tonna, and have identified themselves with the various interests of
the cit}', in which Ijoth take an active part. Prof. Kuntz was
married in 1880 to Effie V. Smith, who died in January, 1890,
leaving three daughters — Maggie, Ada and Irene. Later he mar-
ried Amanda ^I. AVright, of Camljridge City, Ind., by whom he
has one daughter, Lucile, at present a student in the high
school. Miss Maggie works in her father's office; Miss Ada is a
teacher, and a graduate of Hamline L-niversity, class of 1908, and
Miss Irene is a trained nurse, at present night nurse in the City
hospital, Owatonna. The parents of Prof. Kuntz came from Ger-
many. The father, Milton Kuntz, came from Alsace-Lorraine to
America in 1837. The mother came to America when twelve
years of age, in 1840, and is still living in Dearborn county,
Indiana.
George R. Kinyon, president of the First National Bank, of
Owatonna, was born in Owatonna, May 31, 1861, son of the Hon.
W. R. and Mettie G. Kinyon. His earlier education was obtained
in the public schools of the city. When the Minnesota Academy
(now Pillsbury Academy) was opened he entered that institu-
tion, being a member of the first class, graduating in June, 1880.
The same spring he was appointed teller of the First National
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1189
Bank and in 1881 became assistant cashier. In 1882 he became
cashier, and in 1903 was elected president, a position which he
still holds with conservative progressiveness and much ability.
Mr. Kinyon was married April 24, 1883, to Alice Louise Holt,
daughter of Wilson and Abigail (Richmond) Holt, both natives
of New York, the father being a prominent dry goods merchant,
who, after living in Wisconsin for a time, came to Owatonna in
1877, and engaged in business. Mr. and Mrs. Holt are both de-
ceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. George R. Kinyon has been
blessed with two sons. George R., Jr., died in infancy. Sidney
W. attended the Owatonna public schools, graduated from Pills-
bury Academy in 1905 and received his degree from Harvard
University in 1909. He is now a vice-president of the First Na-
tional Rank of Owatonna.
William E. Williams, a .'^clt-nlade and up-to-date farmer of
Havana township, Steele county, is a native of this county,
being born in Merton township, September 13, 1859. He re-
ceived his education in the district schools near his home, sup-
plementing this with a course in the Pillsbury Academy. After
this he taught school until 1891, when he was elected to the
office of county superintendent of schools, which he held for
four vears. In 1895 he purchased two hundred acres in Merton
township, later adding a hundred and sixty acre tract to it,
making three hundred and sixty acres, located in sections five
and six. Here he followed general farming with success till
1909, when he purchased the George Chambers farm of two
hundred acres in section twenty. Havana township. He has
recently erected a new modern house on this property, which,
with the well-kept farm buildings and fields, makes Mr. William's
place one of the most attractive in the county. He is a believer
in modern and progressive methods of agriculture and has always
adhered to them. He is a stockholder of the Farmers' Elevator
Company, of Owatonna. As to his political faith, he is a sup-
porter of the Democratic party, and has served as chairman of
supervisors of Merton township. He is a member of the Presby-
terian Church. November 21, 1894, he was united in marriage
with Margaret Chambers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George
Chambers. They have four children : Paul, born November 13,
1895; George L., born June 5, 1899; William, whose date of
birth is August 13, 1902; and Emma, who was born Novem-
ber 29, 1907. Paul Williams, father of our subject, was a native
of Wales, while the mother, Ellen (Johnson) Williams, was born
in Norway. They emigrated to America in 1855, locating on
a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Merton township,
Steele county, Minnesota, being among the oldest pioneer set-
tlers of this countv and contributing much to its upbuilding.
1190 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Tliey followed farming all their lives, the mother's death occur-
ring January 3, 1890, and the father's, June 14, 1909.
John Wavrin, a well-known farmer of Steele county, his
birthplace, was born July 9, 1865. After receiving an edu-
cation in the district schools he at once engaged in farming,
now owning a hundred and sixty acres of highly productive land,
ninety acres of which is under cultivation. All modern improve-
ments have been added by him, making the farm one of the most
up-to-date in the county. Dairying is given much attention here,
a fine herd of Holstein cows supplying milk of the best quality,
which finds a ready market at the Pratt creamery, of which
Mr. Wavrin is a stockholder. A large apple orchard, containing
two hundred and forty-eight trees, contributes much to the
income of the farm. The family lived in the old log cabin
erected by Mr. Wavrin's father in the early days, until 1896,
when a first-class modern dwelling was erected. In politics he
is a staunch adherent of the Democratic party, and has served
fourteen years on the town board of supervisors, the last twelve
years in succession. The D. S. P. S. Lodge of Bohemian work-
men counts him among its loyal members. He was married in
1890 to Josephine Belina, daughter of Anton and Frances Belina,
by whom he has three children, William, John and Alice, all
residing at home. Joseph and Pauline Wavrin, parents of John,
were natives of Bohemia, coming to this country in 1863 and
locating in Steele county, Minnesota, where the father followed
farming till his death in 1890. The mother is still living in
Merton township with her son Frank.
Frank C. Webb, one of Medford township's reliable citizens,
was born in Wisconsin, November 23, 1850. He attended school
in his native state until about fifteen years of age, when his
parents came to Minnesota. Here Frank continued his educa-
tion in the public schools of Medford township, and later took
a business course in St. Paul. After leaving school he was
employed by the firm of Lord Brothers, dealers in merchandise
in Owatonna, for eight years. He then entered the same line
of business for himself and continued in it about five years.
Selling his mercantile interests, he took the agency of the Ameri-
can Express Company at Owatonna. which he held for three
years. Mr. Webb then bought his father's farm in ]\Iedford,
where he has since done a general farming and dairy business.
His butter is disposed of to special customers in Owatonna.
May 25, 1875, Frank C. Webb was united in marriage to Ella J.
Sanborn, daughter of David and Frances Sanborn — an old Eng-
lish family who were among the first settlers of this county.
Three children enriched the home of Air. and Mrs. Webb —
Mark D., Merritt and Charles P. Mrs. Webb died June 15, 1890.
One year later, June 25, 1 891, Mr. Webb was married to Myra F.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1191
Hunkins, daughter of David C. and Wealthy A. Hunkins, for-
merly residents of New England and later of this comity. Five
children have been born to them — Mary B., Albert I., Mildred M.,
Frances W., Stanley H. Mr. Webb affiliates politically with the
Republican party, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and is also identified with the I. O. O. F. and the K. of P.
He has served as chairman of the town board for ten years and
is clerk of the school board. Merritt Webb and Mary C. Put-
nam, his wife, parents of the subjects of this sketch, were natives
of New York. In 1849 they came to Wisconsin, where they
lived on a farm until 1864, when they came to the eastern part
of the state, and in 1868 moved to Meriden township, where
they farmed until 1869; then they moved to Medford township,
and here they carried on a farm until 1887, when they retired
from farm work and lived in Owatonna the remainder of their
lives. Mr. Webb died in 1891 ; his wife survived him three years.
H. G. Wilson is a native of Merton township, where he was
born November 1, 1867. He attended the public schools of
Merton and later spent two years in the Owatonna high school.
Leaving school, he followed farming until 1892, when he tried
ranching in Montana for two years. Returning to Merton town-
ship, Mr. Wilson bought one hundred and sixty acres in section
seven. He has since added to the original farm, having now
two hundred and eighty acres, upon which he conducts a pro-
gressive farming business, paying special attention to raising
Durham cattle. October 27, 1903, Mr. Wilson was married to
Abbie Davis, daughter of Edward and Cynthia Davis, natives,
the mother of New York and the father of Ireland. Mr. Davis
came to America when fourteen years of age and lived in Wis-
consin until 1856, when he came to Minnesota and settled in
Meriden township, where he did general farming up to the time
of his death in July, 1903. His wife died in 1886. Two sons
have been born to Mr. and Mr. Wilson — Glenn and Archie.
Mr. Wilson is an active Republican, has served on the school
board, and is a stockholder in the Merton creamery. W. H.
Wilson and Mary Partridge, his wife, parents of H. G. Wilson.
were natives, the mother of Nova Scotia and the father of New
York. Mr. Wilson came to Wisconsin with his parents when
two years old. In 1862 he came to Minnesota, located in Merton
township, and bought eighty acres of land. About six months
later he returned to Wisconsin and enlisted for the Civil War,
remaining in the service one year. He then returned to his farm
in Merton township, added more land to his original purchase,
until he had in all four hundred acres under cultivation. In 1892
Mr. Wilson sold his farm and moved to Owatonna, where he
and his wife have since lived a quiet, retired life.
1192 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
F. C. Wilson conducts a general farm in Merton township.
Here he was born June 21, 1876, and it has always been his
home. He attended the district school and enjoyed a year at
the Owatonna high school. Leaving school, he worked on his
father's farm until 1903, when he received his share — one hun-
dred and twenty acres — of tlie paternal estate. He soon added
forty more acres to this by purchase. On this one hundred
and sixty acres he has ever since carried on his agricultural
pursuits. Holstein cattle are his particular pride. Mr. Wilson
has recently built a new house and barn. He was married
October 27, 1903, to Elsa Cabot, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Albert Cabot, of Medford. In his political affiliations Mr. Wilson
has always been a Republican, while in his religious ideas he
is in sympathy with the L'niversalists. He has served on the
town board three years and on the school board four years.
Charles \\'ilson and his wife, Agnes Gibson, parents of F. C.
Wilson, were natives, the father of England and the mother of
Canada. Charles Wilson came to .'\merica -with his parents
when he was two years old. The family located in New York,
staying there until he was nine years of age, when they removed
to Wisconsin. In 1856, when he was twenty-one years old,
Charles came to Minnesota and located on a homestead in Mer-
ton township. He sold this after a short time and bought one
hundred and twenty acres in section eighteen. Later he added
eighty more acres in section eight. Here he pursued farming
until his death in 1901. He was a soldier in the Civil War,
enlisting in Company C. Second Minnesota Ca\alr}-. at the time
of the Sioux Indian outbreak. He remained in service about
nine months. ]\Irs. Wilson still lives on the old homestead.
Henry N. Winship was l)orn in Owatonna on June 13, 1857.
He is a son of Nathaniel and Emily P. (Moultoni Winship.
Henry received his education in the public schools of Owatonna,
and after leaving school worked for two years as clerk in a
hotel for his father. He then worked as a clerk in the clothing
store of John Shea, of Owatonna, until 1889, when he accepted
a position with Ilanaucr. Kohn & Co., of Philadelphia, as a
traveling salesman of clothing. He continued with them until
1896, when he accepted a similar position with Hart, Schaffner &
Mar.x, clothing house, of New York, and has continued witli
them ever since. His territory includes Wisconsin, Minnesota,
the two Dakotas and a part of Montana. Mr. Winship was mar-
ried on October 5, 1886, at Mcdo, in Blue Earth county, to
Cornelia Severson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Severson,
the father of a prosperous farmer of Blue Earth county. Both
parents are now deceased. Two children have blessed the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Winship — F. Lewis, born December 24. 1888,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1193
now a clerk in tlie clotliiiig house of Leuthold & St. Clair, of
Owatonna, and Lelah May, horn May 1, 1891, died April 18,
1908. Mr. Winship is a member of the Congregationaiist Church
and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. Botli
he and his wife are members of tlie B. A. Y. and of the U. C. T.
Anton J. Zwiener was born in Germany, March 16, 1846, son
of Frank and Thresa Zwiener, natives of Germany. The parents
emigrated to America in 1854, locating in New York state,
where they remained for one year. In 1855 they removed to
Milwaukee, Wis., where the father followed the trade of a
cooper for three years. In 1858 they removed to Jefiferson county
and engaged in farming until 1876, when they moved to Steele
county, Minnesota, \vhere they purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Blooming Prairie township. The fatlier
continued to farm here until 1909, when he retired from active
life. He still makes his home on the old homestead with his son,
a brother of our subject. The mother passed away July 28, 1907.
Anton received his early education in Germany. Leaving his
native land with his parents on his eighth birthday, he attended
the public .schools after arriving in Wisconsin. In February,
1863, he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-ninth Regiment Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry. He served until October, 1864,
when he was honorably discharged on account of sickness.
During his enrollment he was with his regiment in all its battles,
the last being with Banks, on the Red river. In 1868 he engaged
in farming in Winona county, where he remained for a period
of six years. Then he farmed three years in Wisconsin. In
1878 he came to Blooming Prairie township and bought eighty
acres of land. He erected a home, built outbuildings, and
greatlj' improved the land, and has been engaged in general
and diversified farming here ever since. He now has under
construction a new modern house. Mr. Zwiener was married
May 12, 1874, at Watertown, Wis., to Bertha Menzel. Nine
children have blessed their home, viz. : Mary, now Mrs. James
Feeney, of Minneapolis: Edward II., who died in infancy:
Frank E., of Blooming Prairie ; Lena, now Mrs. Carl Peterson,
of Blooming Prairie village ; Thresa, a bookkeeper in Portland,
Ore.: Lawrence, who conducts a restaurant at Blooming Prairie;
Edwin, George, and Raymond. Mr. Zwiener is Democratic in
his political views. In religious faith he adheres to the Catholic
Church. He served the township as clerk from 1881 to 1893, and
was again elected in 1906 and is still serving. He was instru-
mental in the organization of the Union creamery, of which
he is a stockholder. He is a highly respected citizen and has
aided in the upbuilding of his community and Steele county.
1194 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
George M. Flinn, one of the flourishing farmers of Medford
township, first saw the Hglit of day on March 8, 1860, in Nova
Scotia. Here his boyhood was spent and his schooling obtained.
In April, 1879, he heard the call of the new West, and, coming
to Minnesota, located in Medford township, where for five years
he was employed by others. At the end of that time Mr. Flinn
purchased two hundred and ninety-eight fertile acres, which he
has since cultivated and on which he has made his home. He
pays special attention to Holstein cattle and Yorkshire swine.
His wife was Alice Hankerson, to whom he was married in
188.^. Mr. Flinn attends the Congregational Church, belongs
to the Republican party, is a memljer of the K. of P., M. W. A.,
and has served on the town and school boards. Three sisters
and three brothers shared his father's home with him : Ellen
Congdon, who is dead; ]\Iary Bergess, living in Connecticut;
Sarah, who died in infancy; William; Everett R. ; Herman A.,
who died in 1884. David and Sarah E. Flinn were the parents
of George M. Flinn. The father was a native of Ireland and
came to America in 1848. Mrs. I'iinn was born in New Bruns-
wick. They first located in Nova Scotia and lived there until
1886. In that 3'ear they moved to Minnesota, settling on a farm
in Lyon county. "Sir. David Flinn died there in 1899. His wife
passed away in 1900. George O. and Eliza A. Hankerson were
natives of Maine. They came to Minnesota in 1854, locating on
a homestead in Medford township.
W. H. King was born in Lake county, Illinois, November 22,
1858. In 1866 he came to Minnesota with his parents, and
received liis early education in the district school of Merton
township. Leaving school, he worked on the farm, and after
his father's death he had charge of the farm, and has remained
there, carrying on a general farming business. In 1891 his
mother died, leaving him the owner of the home farm. During
the same year he was married to Mary McDonald, daughter of
Charles McDonald and Louise Daugherty, his wife. They have
four children: Arthur E. and Marjory R., graduates of the high
school at Owatonna; Mary L., attending the Owatonna high
school; Florence V., attending the district school. l\Ir. King
afhliates jiolitically with the Democratic ])arty, is a member of
tiie Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He
has been clerk of the school district twenty-two years, and a
member of the town board of supervisors. He is also a stock-
holder in the Merton creamery and the Owatonna Farmers'
Elevator Company. John King and Mary Bartley, his wife,
parents of W. H. King, were natives of Ireland. They came to
America at an early date, remaining in New York state for a
time; then came to Illinois, where they carried on a farm until
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1195
1866, when they bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in
section thirty, Merton township, where they conducted a general
farming business. Mr. King died in 1869. His wife lived until
1891 on the home farm.
H. A. Kruckeberg, an extensive land owner and farmer of
Steele county, was born in this county, January 13, 1880. After
concluding a common school education in the district schools he
assisted in the management of the home farm for a time, prior
to commencing farming operations on his own account. He is
now the owner of four hundred acres of productive land in Steele
and Dodge counties, on which he was personally engaged in
farming until 1909, when he rented the place and moved to
Owatonna, purchasing his present residence at 928 South Cedar.
He is expecting to return to the farm and assume charge within
a few months. October 25, 1902, he was united in marriage with
Amelia Behne, daughter of August and Maria Behne, natives
of Germany and now engaged in farming in Aurora township,
Steele county. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Kruckeberg, three of whom are living: Clarence, Leora and
Ethel. George, born February 25, 1903, died July 25, 1903;
Walter, his twin, deceased March 24, 1907; and Sloyd, born
November 1, 1906, died in April, 1907. The family attends wor-
ship at the Lutheran Church. Fred and Sophia (Meyer) Krucke-
berg, parents of our subject, came over from Germany in the
early sixties, locating in New York two months, and then two
years in Illinois. Removing to Minnesota, the father home-
steaded a farm in Aurora township, Steele county, on which
he followed general farming until his death, November 24, 1894.
at the age of sixty-three years, being known as a first-class
farmer and good neighbor. The mother passed away May 14,
1892. All their eleven children — Sophia, Henry, John, Fred.
Wilhelmenia, Anna, Ernest, Ida, Lizzie, George, and Herman —
are living.
W. H. Kilty was born in Stillwater, April 18, 1866. His
parents, Timothy and Abigail (Cashman) Kilty, who were
natives of County Cork, Ireland, came to this country in the
year 1865 and located at Stillwater, where they lived up to
the time of their death. Mr. Kilty received his education at the
St. Michael Catholic School, after which he went into the hide
business, traveling the country, buying hides, wool, etc, for
Kilty Brothers, of Stillwater. He followed this business with
success until 1897, whence he came to Owatonna, where he
formed a partnership with Mr. Willett. Together they suc-
ceeded in establishing a flourishing business, which they con-
tinued until 1909, when they dissolved partnership, Mr. Willett
conducting the hide part of the business and Mr. Kilty entering
1196 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
into the rendering business, wliicli he has conducted, Ijuying
hides and furs up to the present time. Mr. Kilty was married on
January 11, 1893, to Miss Julia [■'rawley, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. John Frawley, who are well-known prosperous farmers
of Erin Prairie township, St. Croi.x county, Wisconsin. In
his political views Mr. Kilty is a staunch Democrat, and is a
member of the Catholic Church. He is also a member of the
following orders : The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Catho-
lic Order of Foresters, the Knights of Columbus, and United
Commercial Travelers.
John J. Puetz, local manager and grain buyer for the Big
Diamond Milling Company, of Pratt, is a native of Wisconsin,
having been born in the city of Milwaukee on November 17 , 1870.
John gained liis early education in the district schools of Blue
Earth county. I'pon leaving school he took up railroad work
in St. Paul with the St. Paul & Duluth Short Line, now the
Northern Pacific, staying in this ^vork from 1891 until 1895.
During these four years he attended a night school in one of
the business colleges of the cit_\-. Leaving his railroad work in
the city, Mr. Puetz engaged in farming for two years, then
for four years conducted a general merchandise business at
Madison Lake, Minn. Selling out this business in 1907, he
accepted a position as local manager and grain buyer for the
Big Diamond Milling Company, at Pratt, Aurora township,
which position he still maintains. On October 18, 1899, Mr.
Puetz was united in marriage to Mary Mullerleile. They have
three children — Nellie, born January 27, 1901 ; Irene M., born
December 25, 1903, and Bernice J., born January 18, 1908. Mr.
Puetz politically is a Democrat ; is a member of the Catholic
Church, and of the A. O. U. W. at Madison Lake. He served
as village clerk for one year at Madison Lake, and was also a
member of the village council for two terms. Mr. Puetz is a
good citizen, respected by his community. Anton Puetz and
Mary Scherkenbach, his wife, parents of John J. Puetz, were
natives, respectively, of Germany and of Milwaukee, Wis. Anton
Puetz came to America at seven years of age and located with
his parents at Milwaukee. After receiving his education he
learned the blacksmithing trade and was married to Miss
Scherkenbach in Milwaukee in 1872. They then removed to
Blue Earth county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming until
1895. He then sold his farm and went to Madison Lake, wdiere
he lived a retired life. His wife died in 1882.
Cyrus M. Finch, the well-known and respected merchant of
Clinton Falls, Steele county, was born in Clinton county. New
York, September 22, 1847. At an early age he came west to
Steele county with his parents, receiving an education in the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1197
district schools, and later engaged in farming, teaching school
winters five years, and then devoted his entire attention to farm-
ing, until 1904, when he purchased the store at Clinton Falls,
which he still conducts. A complete line of general merchandise
is carried. In addition to his mercantile business he has a well-
improved farm of a hundred and sixty acres, all under cultiva-
tion, with the exception of a few acres of pasturage. In politics
he gives his allegiance to the Republican party and is an ardent
advocate of the temperance cause. lie is now serving as path-
master of Clinton Falls, and he served a term as county commis-
sioner several years ago. The Order of Yeomen numbers him
among its loyal brethren. Ai)ril 27, 1869, he was married to
Martha Huston, a native of Wisconsin, and her parents of New
York. They have four children: Maud S., a graduate of Pills-
bury Academy and of the University of Minnesota, is principal
of the high school at LeRoy, Minn. ; Blanche Helen is the wife
of Judson L. Day. a dentist at LeRoy, and has three children,
Ruth, Laura and Eleanor; Walter J. is connected with a bank
at Winona, Minn.; and Ruby is attending Carleton College.
The family is prominent in the Baptist Church, the father serving
as trustee and deacon. James M. and Minerva (Moses) Finch,
parents of our subject, were natives of New York, the father
being a surveyor. In 1855 they came west with other hardy
pioneers and located in Steele county, where the father acquired
a farm, dividing his attention between farming and surveying,
acting as county surveyor. He was a War Democrat, and a
deacon in the Baptist Church many years. He died in 1873
and his wife in 1879. Four children were born to them. Lucretia
(deceased) was married to W. A. Williamson — Steele county's
first marriage; Tyler B. is living at Henry, S. D. ; Albert C.
(deceased) ; and Cyrus M.
William Ferrington was born in New York state, Novem-
ber 15, 1856. He is a son of Abner E. and Caroline (Tabor)
Ferrington, both natives of New York, who came west to Wis-
consin in 1858 and engaged in farming until 1863, when they
removed to West Concord, Minn., where they followed farming
until 1867, when they came to Steele county and took a home-
stead in Blooming Prairie township and followed general farm-
ing until 1883, thence going to Redwood county, where they
passed the remainder of their days. The father died August 23,
1891, and the mother died September 3, 1867. William received
his education at the district schools and then took up farming
with his father until he was twenty-three years of age. In 1882
he started out for himself and purchased an eighty-acre farm
in Blooming Prairie township, section thirteen. He added to
this until he had two hundred and sixty acres, but later sold
1198 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
one hundred acres, and now has a quarter section of well-
developed and well-tilled land upon which he follows general
farming. He was married on March 16, 1880, to Addie Smith, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Smith. Mr. Smith was at that
time a prominent farmer of Blooming Prairie township, now
retired and living in Blooming Prairie village. Six children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ferrington : Luther R., a farmer, of
Blooming Prairie township; Tabor W., Clarence. Olive B.,
William L., and Bessie A., all living at home. Mr. Ferrington
is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church, and also
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He served his
township as a member of the board of supervisors for fourteen
years and served on the school board from 1894 until 1909. He is
now serving his second term of four years as county commis-
sioner. He is a director of the Blooming Prairie Separator
Creamery Company and is a stockholder in the Farmers' Eleva-
tor, of Blooming Prairie. He is respected and esteemed by all
who know him.
Charles H. De Long, marble and granite worker of Owatonna,
was born in St. Lawrence county. New York state, October 18,
1862, son of Richard and Harriett De Long, natives of New Y'ork
and Vermont, respectively. They emigrated west in their early
days, locating at Owatonna township in 1865. Here the father
bought one hundred and twenty acres of farm land and engaged
in agricultural pursuits, which he followed up to the time of his
decease, November, 1883. The mother is still living in Min-
neapolis. Charles received his early education in the district
schools, which was supplemented by a course at Pillsbury
Academy, Owatonna. After leaving school in 1884 he went to
South Dakota, where he homesteaded one hundred and si.xty
acres of land, remaining there six years. He returned to CHvatonna
in 1891 and engaged in farming on the old homestead for a
period of one year. He then engaged in the marble and granite
industry, representing that business as a traveling salesman,
which he continued to do for four years. Later he purchased the
Owatonna Marble and Granite Works, also the Stone Marble
Works. He is the sole owner and proprietor of this business
and is conducting a very extensive and prosperous business.
He has a number of men traveling, representing the firm in
Minnesota and also in Iowa. He is also carrying on farming in
connection with his business, having a farm of two hundred
acres in Meriden township, where he carries on general and
diversified farming. Mr. De Long ^vas married April 27, 1896,
at Pine Island, Goodhue county, Minnesota, to Mrs. Jane Wun-
derlich, of Cherry Grove. Their home is blessed with one child,
Richard, born October 26, 1898. Mr. De Long is a Democrat in
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1199
politics. In religious failh he adheres to the Roman Catholic
Church. He is a member of the AI. W. A. and the U. C. T.
The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. De Long is located at
112 East Vine street. Mr. De Long is an enterprising
business man.
Patrick J. Brennan was for forty years a highly respected and
prominent citizen of Owatonna, upon the affairs of which city
he left his impress as a man of sound common sense and shrewd
business intelligence. He was one of the familiar figures of
Owatonna life and took an active interest in all local matters,
being so well versed in the subject of municipal and public
interests that his opnion was considered one of weight even
outside of his large circle of acquaintances. Patrick J. Brennan
was born in Waterford, Ireland, on St. Patrick's day, March 17,
1835. When fifteen years of age he crossed the ocean to the
United States and landed in New York City, where he remained
several years and received one year's schooling. From there
he worked westward through Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois and
Minnesota. He then engaged in railroad contracting for him-
self, and laid many sections of roads in the western states.
February 1.?, 1858, he was married at Beaver Dam, Wis., to
Mary A. Quinn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Quinn, of that
place. In 1866 he went to St. Paul and lived there some time,
building railroads out of that city. The Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul railway at that time was built as far south on this divi-
sion as Faribault, and from that city Mr. Brennan was instructed
to work south. Accordingly, he laid the section of track from
Faribault to Owatonna. His associations in Owatonna were so
pleasant and he was so favorably impressed with the city that
he decided to move his family here. They arrived shortly after-
ward and have since maintained a family residence in this city.
For many years Mr. Brennan enjoyed the reputation of being
one of the oldest and most successful contractors of the North-
west and was identified with the construction of many of the
leading systems. Six years before his death he retired from
active work, having accumulated enough worldly wealth to live
comfortably in his old age. His handsome home was erected
where it now stands, and his later years proved to be ideal for
a man of his age. Not only was Mr. Brennan closely associated
with the welfare of Owatonna, but he was a liberal giver toward
whatever interests would help Owatonna most, and this liberal
policy stamped him as a true Irish-American gentleman — as a
man of sterling quality, honest and true to his friends and kind
to all. Mr. Brennan was loved by his family, and his taking
away was a great shock to his bereaved wife and children.
To Mrs. Brennan he was ever devoted, doing all he could to
1200 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
make her home life pleasant. An unkind word never passed
his lips for any member of his family, and he succeeded in
making his immediate home happy at all times. To his children
he was the same, and held the place a loving father should in
tlieir heart of hearts. Mr. Brennan was a Roman Catholic and
contributed liberally to that cause. He voted the Democratic
ticket, but. though often urged by his friends, never cared to
accept public office. He was a popular member both of the
Knights of Columbus and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
The home of ]\Ir. and ]Mrs. Brennan was made happy by the
presence of seven children. Edward worked as a contractor
with his father until January 7, 1907, when he died while on a
visit to his mother in Owatonna, leaving to mourn his loss a
widow and three children. Agnes Brennan was married to
Terrence J. Lilly, November 9, 1886. To them were born six
children, four of whom are living — Edward, George, Eugene and
Richard. She died in November, 190L Nellie Brennan was
married to Jolm C. Burke, of Owatonna. To them was born one
child, Mary Elizabeth, who died at about the age of eight months.
Mr. Burke died November I. 189L John VV., Alice and Eliza-
beth, the fourth, fifth and sixth children, all died in infanc)'.
Mary L. lives at home with her mother. Mr. Brennan died
April IL 1906, and his death caused universal mourning through-
out the community in which he had occupied so important a
place.
Edward J. Brennan, after giving promise of becoming one
of the foremost railroad contractors of the Northwest, was dili-
gently following in his father's footsteps when cut ofif by death,
January 8, 1907. He was born at Beaver Dam, Wis., Novem-
ber 13, 1858. When he was seven years of age his parents
moved to Owatonna, where Mr. Brennan made his home until
his twenty-first birthday, at which time he went to work for his
father, Patrick J. Brennan, assisting him in his large contract
work in railroad construction. He was with his father for about
eighteen years, and during that time a partnership was formed
which lasted until the latter's death. Subsequent to that time
E. J. Brennan followed the same line of work, and his success
was most flattering. He engaged in building many railroads
in the Northwest. His last contract was for the stretch of road
between Albert Lea and Mankato. He was married Novem-
ber 15, 1887, to Jennie E. O'Toole, daughter of William and
Anne O'Toole. This union was blessed with five children —
Ruth, Edward and Robert, living; Mary and Agnes, deceased.
Mr. Brennan's death left a vacancy in a wide circle of friends.
He possessed those same qualities which were so prominent in
his father, and during his boyhood days in Owatonna he achieved
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1201
a popularity among his companions wliicli followed him until
his lamented death.
Fred Haberman was born May 9, 1860, in Ceska, Trebova,
Bohemia, whore he received his early education. Coming to
America with his parents in 1871, he attended the district school
in Blooming Prairie township, and since has followed farming.
June 21, 1883, Fred Haberman was united in marriage to Rosa
Fisher. They have nine children, all living. Fred, a painter and
carpenter, lives at home; William is in a nursery office at Clinton
Falls ; Anna, a dressmaker, at home ; Libbic, Robert, Henry,
Helen, Nora and Emilj', also at home. Mr. Haberman is inde-
pendent in politics, voting for men rather than party. He is a
prosperous farmer, has extensively improved the one hundred
and nineteen acres, most of which is under cultivation and
meadow. He kecjis full-blood Ilolstein cattle, Chester White
and Poland-China hogs, and conducts a general farming and
dairy business. Mr. Haberman is interested in all that helps
in the progress of his communit}-; was secretary of the Union
creamer}' five years ; has served two years on the town board ;
is school treasurer, and has been treasurer and secretary of the
Cemetery Association for the past eight years. W^cncl Haber-
man and Rose Stangler, his wife, parents of Fred Haberman,
were natives of Bohemia, where he was a weaver. In 1871 they
came to the United States, locating on the farm in Summit
township where he spent the remainder of his life. Ten chil-
dren were born to this couple, of whom five are living — Wencle,
of Summit township; Jacob, of Blooming Prairie: Fred, the
subject of this sketch ; Rosie Seykora, of Brownsville, Minn. ;
and Theresa Wencl. Mr. Haberman died in 1893 ; his wife
in 1905. Frank Fisher and Theresa Rehak, his wife, parents of
Rosa Fi.sher, were natives of Bohemia, where they followed
farming. About 1847 they came to America, locating in this
county, where the mother died in 1887. Mr. Fisher survived
until 1910.
Orison M. Jones, for many years a prominent and up-to-date
farmer of Havana township. Steele county, was born in Mc-
Henry county, Illinois, April 18, 1853. At an early age he came
to this county with his parents, who homesteaded a hundred and
twenty acres in section nineteen of Havana township, and here
he grew to manhood, acquiring his education in the crude dis-
trict schools of those pioneer times. His school days over, he
engaged in farming with his father, later coming into possession
of the place. It then had only an old log house on it, but he
gradually erected new buildings of the . most approved type,
planted trees, and added other improvements until he had one
of the model farms of the county. He always gave inuch of his
1203 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUXTIES
time and attention to dairying, being a \alued stockholder and
supporter of the Havana creamery. In politics he was a loyal
adherent of the Republican party, and, though he never sought
public ofifice, took an active part in all that tended toward the
well-being of the community. The Modern \\'oodmen of America
counted him a loyal member. December 31, 1877, he was mar-
ried to Mary A. Morford, by whom he had four children.
Ethel K., born February 7, 1884, is a school teacher at Owatonna,
Minn. : William A., born October 4, 1885, conducts the old
home farm: .-Mice, born December 27, 1889, a graduate of the
State Normal School at Winona, is teaching ; George H., born
August 25, 1893, is a student at the Owatonna high school.
The family attends the Baptist and Presbyterian churches. The
death of Mr. Jones, which occurred December 24, 1907, was
mourned by his family, to whom he was a kind and loving hus-
band and father, and by the entire community, being universally
esteemed and respected by all with whom lie came in contact
during a useful and noble life. Arad and Laura (Millard) Jones,
parents of our subject, were among the early pioneers of Steele
county, coming from Pennsylvania to McHenry county, Illinois,
and later locating on their hundred and twenty acre farm in
Havana township, in 1857, on which the father followed farming
up to the time of his death. The mother is also deceased. jMrs.
Orison M. Jones, daughter of J- W. IMorford and Nancy M.
(McNamara) Morford, comes of a long line of .Scottish ances-
tors. She was born at Owatonna, Alay 24, 1857. Mr. and Mrs.
Morford came to Owatonna township in 1856. the father taking
up a claim, wliicli he subsequentl}- sold. Coming to Chvatonna,
he entered into a general mercantile business, in which he was
engaged until his death. August 31. 1889. His wife passed away
I\Jay 14, 1877. He was verv prominent in the early business
and political aiYairs of this city, having served as mayor and
also many years as city treasurer. The ]\Iasonic order claimed
him as a leading member, and owed much to him as an organizer
of the Owatonna lodge. He ranked as a Mason of high degree,
and was also affiliated with the Knights Templar.
H. P. Clemmensen, one of Summit township's most pro-
gressive farmers, is a native of Denmark, where he was born
December 27, 1851. and remained until 1880. when he came to
Albert Lea, Freeborn count}-. Here Mr. Clemmensen worked
at the carpenter's trade for four years before removing to his
present home farm, which comprises four hundred and eighty
fertile acres, two hundred and fifty of which are under culti-
vation. Mr. Clemmensen believes in diversified farming, has a
herd of Shorthorn cattle, and was one of the organizers of the
Ellendale creamerv, -where he is a stockholder and sells his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1203
cream. lie was married to Hanna Nelson in 1877. Seven
children, all livincj, have been given them — Hans, Emma, Harold,
Datthie, Lizzie. Walter and Richard. The last two named are
still living at home. During the years that the Clemmensen
family have been residents of Summit township the farm has
been transformed from wild land to its present finely improved
condition. Mr. Clemmensen has not neglected his duties as a
citizen, serving as school clerk for eighteen years. He was one
of the organizers of the Farmers' Elevator at EUendale, and is
still a stockholder. For eight years he has served on the town
board and for four years has been chairman of the township.
Politically he is a Republican. Clemmens Swensen and Chris-
tina Ilansdater, his wife, parents of 11. P. Clemmensen, were
natives of Denmark, where they lived and died. Mr. Swensen
was a sailor.
George H. R. Brush, a progressive farmer of Clinton Falls
township, Steele county, was born in Bath, Somersetshire,
England, October 2, 1867. After receiving his early education
in England, he emigrated to Canada at the age of sixteen,
locating at Guelph and completing his education with a course
of a year and a half in an agricultural college there. Leaving
school, he engaged in farming four years, and then in 1888
removed to near Austin, Minn., where he carried on general
farming until 1894. Moving to Long Prairie. Todd county.
Minnesota, he continued farming operation for one year in this
locality, subsequently going to \'illard. Pope county, Minnesota,
where he remained eight year.<. In 1905 he removed to Clinton
Falls tow-nship, Steele county, and purchased his present farm
of two hundred and fifty acres of highly productive land in
section thirty-five. Mr. I'.rush now rents the place, but per-
-sonally oversees it. In addition to general farming, dairying and
stock raising are extensively engaged in. All that goes to
make farming worth while is found here, a large modern house
and a $2,000 barn for scientific farming having been erected by
Mr. Brush. His first barn, costing $4,000, was totally destroyed
by fire a few years ago. In politics he is an earnest Prohibi-
tionist, but has never aspired to public oftice. In 1892 he was
married to Lucy Jane Hickock, daughter of Harrison and Han-
nah (Herrington) Hickock. The father, a well-known farmer
near Brownsdale. .Minn., who is nnw deceased, was born at
Troy. X. Y. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brush :
.\nnie and Lela. attending Pillsbury Academy; John, Verna,
Audrey and Clifford, all living at home. Dr. John Ramsay
Brush, father of George H. R. Brush, was born in the East
Indies, on the island of Java. He was an officer in the British
1201 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ami}-. Elizabeth (Dixon) Brush, the mother, was born in Ten-
berden, Kent, England.
William Jensen i? a native-born son of Steele county. His
natal appearance took place June 23, 1879, on the farm where
he is now located, in section ten. Blooming Prairie township.
He is a son of Carl A. Jensen and Hannah Nelson Jensen,
natives of Denmark. The father was born in Denmark, Jan-
uarj- 13, 1850, and the mother August 1, 1850. The parents left
the shores of their native land in 1877 and landed in America
June 2. They located and remained for one year near Kasson,
Minn. In 1878 they came to Steele county, locating in Blooming
Prairie township, where the father purchased eighty acres of
land in section ten. This land the father improved, erecting
buildings on it, etc.. and following agricultural j)ursuits up to
the time of his decease, July 17. 1893. He left a widow and four
children to mourn his loss. viz. : Christine, now IMrs. H. J. Bille,
of Minneapolis, was born April 12, 1878: William, the subject
of this sketch ; Hilda was born February 13, 1881, died March 1^,
1883; Hilda was born March 18, 1883, married Mr. A. L. Peter-
son, of Tagus, N. D. ; Jens C, twin brother to the second Hilda,
died November 5, 1887*; Carl C, born July 27, 1888, is on the old
homestead with our subject. William received his early educa-
tion in the district schools and then took up the duties on the
farm, where he has remained ever since. He is the manager of
the farm and takes care of the aged mother. His brother Carl
assists him with the work, and the two brothers have ver}'
successfully conducted and improved the farm since the death
of their father. In 1895 they built an up-to-date and modern
house and outbuildings. In 1899 they built a large new barn.
William has served as road overseer, and is now serving as
supervisor of the town committee. In his political views he is a
Republican, thus following in the footsteps of his father. The
family faith is that of the Danish Lutheran Church.
John Malone, a successful farmer of Merton townshi]). was
born in Racine county, Wisconsin, March 31, 1851. He gained
his education at the district school in Merton township. Upon
leaving school he followed farming. In the year 1880 he moved
to Berlin township, purchasing two hundred and forty acres,
and conducted a general farming business for twenty-four years.
Mr. Malone then returned to Merton township, where he now
owns four hundred and ten acres in sections twenty, twenty-
nine and thirty-two. His home is in section twenty. In 1880
John IMalone was united in marriage to Mary Lynch, daughter
of Patrick Lynch and Ann Gaynor, natives of Ireland. They
Ijoth died in this country. Nine children were born in the
Malone home — Nellie, a teacher ; Frank, who lives in Iowa ;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1205
William, Anna, Vincent, Raymond, Mabel, Leo, and Lucile, who
still remain at home. Mr. Malone affiliates with the Democratic
party and attends the Catholic Church. He has always been a
progressive citizen, having served on the town board. He is at
present the town treasurer and treasurer of the school board,
and is treasurer and owns stock in the Merton Creamery Asso-
ciation. Patrick Malone and Julia Burke, his wife, parents of
John Malone, are natives of Ireland. Patrick Malone was a
farmer in Ireland, but emigrated to America about 1845, and
located in Wisconsin, where he was married to Miss Burke.
i\fter farming in Wisconsin until 1856, he came to Minnesota
and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres in Merton town-
ship and traded a team of horses for another one hundred and
sixty acres. Remaining on this splendid farm until 1895, he
then disposed of it and moved to Owatonna, where he died in
1907 at the age of ninety-three. Mrs. Malone died at the age of
seventy-seven years.
Robert H. Reynolds, one of Berlin township's most enter-
prising farmers, was born on June 12, 1843, in Pittsburg, Pa. He
gained his early education in Wisconsin, coming to Minnesota
with his parents in 1846, where he finished his studies. Robert
remained on the home farm until twenty years of age. In
August, 1862, he joined the Union army and was mustered in at
Fort Snelling, Minnesota, Company E, Tenth Regular Minne-
sota Volunteer Infantry, as private, later being promoted to
corporal. He served his country until August, 1865, being honor-
ably discharged at Fort Snelling. Mr. Reynolds took part in all
the battles with his regiment, never being away from it except
three days during the entire service, when he was confined to
the hospital. At the close of the war he returned to the home
farm, remaining there for two years, then removing to Waseca
county, where he rented a farm, which was conducted for three
years. Purchasing eighty acres of land in section twenty-four,
Berlin township, in 1876, Mr. Reynolds has since made this
farm his home, making many splendid improvements. He has
also added another eighty acres in Summit township, making
him the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land. The
subject of this sketch was married on March 28, 1869, to Anna
Corr, and five children bless their home— Frank, of Butte, Mont. ;
Fred, of Bitterroot Valley, Montana; Pearl, of Geneva, Alinn.,
now Mrs. Peter Jensen; Edith, who lives at home, and Hazel,
who is a school teacher. Mr. Reynolds affiliates with the Repub-
lican party. He is an honored member of the G. A. R. He owns
stock in the Ellendale Creamery Association, in the Security
State Bank, and in the Farmers' Elevator. Mr. Reynolds is a
citizen respected by all who know him. Robert Reynolds and
120tj HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
Fannie, his wife, parents of Robert H. Reynolds, were natives
of Engfland, coming to America when very 3'oung, where they
located in New York, going from there to Pittsburg, where he
engaged as a merchant tailor. They remained in that city until
1846, going to Wisconsin in 1846, where they farmed until 1856.
They then came to Steele county, where they farmed up to the
time of his death in August, 1884. Mrs. Reynolds died in 1860.
Frank G. Sloan, a \ery progressive farmer of Berlin town-
ship, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, on Novem-
ber 10, 1855. He acquired his early education in district schools,
this being supplemented with a course of study at Pillsbury
Academy in Owatonna. Leaving school, Frank took a trip
through Montana and South Dakota, taking up a claim of one
hundred and sixty acres in Spink county. South Dakota, where
he remained one year. Upon returning he took charge of the
old home, to which he later added eighty acres adjoining it in
Summit township. Mr. Sloan also owns another one hundred
and sixty acre farm in Summit township. At the time Mr. Sloan
took charge of the home farm it was heavily encumbered, but
by his honest dealing, faithful attention and hard work he has
brought his land into the highest state of cultivation. In 1896
he made improvements on the home farm by erecting a modern
two-story home, also having a very promising apple orchard of
over seven hundred trees, covering over seven acres of ground.
He is a breeder of Holstein cattle, of which he owns a very select
herd. Dairying is his chief pursuit on the farm. Mr. Sloan was
married, June 1, 1886, to Etta Cusick, who died July 27, 1897,
leaving five children — Grant, of Pratt, Kan.; Lyle, at home:
Ernest and .\lice, twins, both graduates of the Owatonna high
school; Henry, now deceased. The subject is a follower of the
Prohibition party and an attendant of the Methodist Church.
He has served as chairman of Berlin township one year; is
now serving as school treasurer of district sixty-seven; has been
secretary of the Farmers' Elevator since September, 1904, at
which date it was organized, and is vice-president of the Security
State Bank of Ellendale. He was one of the promoters and
organizers of the Ellendale Creamery Association, serving as its
secretary since its organization in 1890. He is a splendid citizen,
very public-spirited in regard to anything that helps his com-
munity. John M. Sloan and Eliza Barkley, his wife, parents of
Frank G. Sloan, were natives of New York, migrating west in
the spring of 1867, locating in Summit township. That same
year they bought one hundred and sixty acres in section thirty-
six, Berlin township. It was all wild land, but Mr. Sloan by
the hardest toil cleared and broke the land and greatly improved
it, carrying on a diversified farming business luitil he died, in
CO
H
HISTORY or RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1307
April. 1^82, his wife surviving him until October, 1898. John M.
Sloan served in the legislature of 1874.
Barnard Schafer, a well-known farmer of Steele county, was
born in New York, April 16. 1857. At the age of eight he
emigrated west with his parents, who located at Red Wing,
Minn., where he received his early education, completing it at
Geneva. Minn. After leaving school he entered the meat busi-
ness at Milbank, S. D., in which he remained seven years, with
much success, and then removed to Steele county and engaged
in farming, now owning two hundred and forty acres of well-
improved land, practically all under cultivation, in Clinton Falls
township. Holstein cattle and Percheron horses are a specialty.
All modern improvements tending for ease and economy in
farming are found here, and a commodious modern dwelling-
house adds to the comfort of the family. In politics he adheres
to the doctrines of the Republican party and is interested in all
that pertains to the welfare of the connnunity, though he has
never aspired to office. He was married during July, 1882, to
Mary Saliler. daughter of August SahJer. They have three
children, all living at home — Walter, Elsie and Mabel. The
family are loyal attendants of the Methodist Church, in which
the father has served manj^ years as a member of the board of
trustees. Philip and Mary Schafer, parents of our subject, were
natives of New York, the father being a butcher by trade before
his emigration west, in 1865. He then located on a farm in
Freeborn county, Minnesota, where he followed general farming
up to the time of his death, in 1879. He was prominent in the
Methodist Church, acting as Sunday-school superintendent, and
in politics voted the Republican ticket. Nine children were
born to him and his wife: J. M.. a hide dealer of Owatonna ;
Elizabeth, wife of E. A. Keyes, of Excelsior, Minn.; N. J., a
banker of Sheboygan. Mich.; Henry, in the hide business at
Owatonna ; Barnard, our subject ; Kate, married to William
SchafTer. of Milbank, S. D. ; Mary, wife of E. H. Hines, a hard-
ware merchant, of Renville, Minn.; George, a sheep rancher, of
Belle Fourche, S. D. ; and Anna, married to Dr. Bowers, of Rice-
ville. Iowa. The m<jther passed away in 1902.
Peter P. Thimsen, one of the well-known and respected resi-
dents of Steele county, is a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Den-
mark, where he was born April 3. 1831. He received his early
education in his native land and worked as a farmer until 1857,
when he came to America and settled in Rock county, Wiscon-
sin, following farming until 1862, when, in comany with I'2d.
Darmady and mother, Patrick Fallon and wife and family, John
Anderson and wife and family, and Nis P. Thimsen, his youngest
brother, he made a trip to Minnesota by team. One sad circum-
1208 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
stance marred that trip — when the mother of Ed Darmady died.
The party was obliged to stop and bury her b}' the way. Of
the sturdy and courageous pioneers who made that trip, only
three are alive — Ed. Darmady, Nis Thimsen and Peter P. Thim-
sen. Arriving in Blooming Prairie township, the subject of this
sketch took up eighty acres, built his own buildings, improved
his land, and added to it until he owned four hundred acres.
July 19, 1863, Mr. Thimsen was married to Julia A. Eichler, a
native of Lafayette, Onondaga county. New York, born June 24,
1845. She came with her parents to this state, settling first at
Geneva and later in Aurora township, where her people lived
until after the war. Her father, John Eichler, was one of the
oldest settlers. He served in the Union army from 1862 until
1864, and was discharged for disability, having been a prisoner in
both Libby and Andersonville prisons. During the early days
Mr. and Mrs. Thimsen took an active part in caring for the sick
and needy. No disease was too contagious for them to nurse
the afflicted one back to health and strength ; and in case of
death, no fear ever kept them from administering the last sad
offices to the departed ones, taking the place of the undertaker,
and sacrificing their own peace and comfort for the love of
humanity. They were the parents of four children — Alarion C,
born June 10, 1864, now Mrs. Hans Johnson, of River Point,
Minn.; Hattie F., born February 10, 1866, now Mrs. J. C. Peter-
son, of Blooming Prairie township; John F., born August 31,
1868, died April" 13, 1909; Katharine M., born July 19, 1873.
Besides the four children there are nineteen grandchildren and
seven great-grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Thimsen living to see
the fourth generation grow up around them. After many years,
Mr. Thimsen sold eighty acres of his home farm, leaving three
hundred and twenty acres which he still owns. He also has a
farm of one hundred and si.xty acres in Summit township.
In 1893 Mr. Thimsen retired from active farm life and pur-
chased a home in Owatonna, where he has since lived, at 321
South Oak street. Mrs. Thimsen died September 20, 1904, since
which time his daughter Katharine has kept house for him.
He has always been a staunch Republican and a public-spirited
citizen, having served his township as road overseer. He attends
the Danish Lutheran Church. Nis Thimsen and Marion, his
wife, parents of Peter P. Thimsen, were natives of Denmark,
where they lived and died.
Nis P. Thimsen, a retired farmer of Blooming Prairie town-
ship, was born in Denmark, June 3, 1840. Following his school
days he learned the tailor's trade, and after coming to America
in 1861 he spent a year in Wisconsin. In 1862 he homesteaded
eighty acres of land in Blooming Prairie township, Steele county.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1209
The call for troops to put down the rebellion then being waged
against the United States led him to enlist in 1863 in Com-
pany K, Second Minnesota Cavalry, serving until May 24, 1865,
when he was honorably discharged at Fort Ripley for disability
from injury. Returning home, Mr. Thimsen applied his energies
to the cultivation and development of his farm acres, which
increased to two hundred and forty in 1883. In 1893 he rented
his farm property to his son, Ernest, and with his wife has since
lived in retirement at Blooming Prairie village. He was mar-
ried October 26, 1867, to Hannah Jensen. Three sons were born
to them — Frederick, with the Blooming Prairie Mercantile Com-
pany ; Nels, a physician at Hayfield ; Ernest, who conducts the
old farm. Mr. Thimsen is a Republican and an adherent of the
Lutheran Church. In civil aiTairs he has always manifested a
keen interest, having served on the town board as clerk and
supervisor, and also on the school board. Ernest A. Tliimsen,
son of Nis Thimsen and Hannah Jensen, was born in Blooming
Prairie township, December 20, 1873. He attended the district
school, and in 1893 rented the splendid homestead of his father.
Here he has since carried on general farming. On February 3,
1910. he was married to Hannah Nelson, of Bixby. Politically
Mr. Thimsen is a Republican, and in his religious afifiliations is
a Lutheran. He also belongs to the Danish Brotherhood. As a
citizen he is well liked.
Martin M. Spurr, a prosperous farmer of Berlin township,
was born in the country of Denmark in 1867. Martin gained his
education in his native land, coming to this country in 1887.
He lived in St. Paul three years, and at the end of that time
came to Berlin township, purchasing one hundred and twenty
acres of fertile land, where he has lived ever since, carrying on a
general diversified farming business. Mrs. Anna Thompson
became his wife on July 17, 1891. Seven children have made
happy the Spurr household — Emma, Marie, Olaus, Selmer, Alma,
and Mae and Tedmore. Politically Mr. Spurr is a Democrat,
and religiously affiliates with the Norwegian Lutheran Church,
of which he has been a trustee for seven years, and is a member
of the Danish Brotherhood. He is treasurer of school district
No. 83 : is now a stockholder in the Ellendale creamery, and
also of the Farmers' Elevator & Milling Company, of Ellendale,
and of the Farmers' Telephone Company, of which he was for-
merly a director. In 1909 Mr. Spurr was elected county com-
iriissioner. Mrs. Spurr's first husband, Mr. Thompson, died in
1887, leaving two children — Sena, now Mrs. Henry Langelie, of
Turtle Lake, N. D., and Ole, a farmer in Berlin township.
Thomas Spurr and Anna Martinson, his wife, parents of Mar-
1210 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
tin M. Spurr, natives of Denmark, never left tlieir home land,
Mr. Spurr dying in 1901. Mrs. Spurr still lives in the old home.
John Pichner, for many years a prominent and respected
citizen of Steele county, was born in Bohemia, January 6, 1844,
coming to this country with his parents while still an infant.
The education he received was very meager, there being practi-
cally no schools in those early pioneer days. At an early age
he commenced assisting his father with the farm work, and
when thirty-one years of age became the owner of his present
two hundred and twenty-five acres of highly improved land, on
which he has carried on general farming for the past forty-five
years. It is located in Owatonna township, three and a half
miles from Owatonna. Mr. Pichner is a staunch believer in
up-to-date machinery and equipment, and his farm is a splendid
example of what modern agriculture can accomplish. Two gaso-
line engines, furnishing ample power for various machinery,
an elevator in the granary, and a stacker, of Mr. Pichner's own
invention, make up a small part of the numerous devices for
lessening labor. Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine are
a specialty. The milk is sold to a nearby creamery, of which
Mr. Pichner is a stockholder and was a director for seven years.
For fifteen years he operated a J. I. Case threshing machine,
owned by five neighbors and himself, with the help of his sons,
during season ; but it is now managed exclusively by his sons.
In politics he adheres to the doctrines of the Democratic party
and has been active in local afifairs, having served many years
as supervisor and town treasurer, and is now acting as path-
master. Lodge No. 67 of the C. S. P. S. of Minnesota numbers
him among its loyal members. In 1865 he was married to Rosie
Jirousek, by whom he has six children— John, a farmer of
Owatonna township: Annie, wife of Frank Spatenka. a farmer;
Hattie, married to Joseph Stencel, engaged in farming in Havana
township ; Robert, married to Frances Marek, resides at
Owatonna ; Maggie, wife of Anton Ripka. a farmer of Owatonna
township : and George, who assists in the management of the
home farm. John S. and Paulina Hodinar Pichner, parents of
our subject, emigrated from their native land (Bohemia) to Amer-
ica about 1850, locating in Illinois, where the father was engaged
in railroad work for two years, receiving what was then good
wages — fifty cents per day. In 1852 they came to Owatonna, then
but a rough frontier post with one store and hotel. The country
surrounding was a pathless wilderness infested with Indians, but
they bravely ventured forth, blazing trees to mark their way,
and located a claim in what is now Owatonna township. Cakes
made from corn ground in a coffee-mill were often their only
bread, the nearest market and mill for wheat being Hastings,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1211
the trip necessitating a haul of sixty miles by oxen over mere
trails — a stall in the mud every few miles being the regular
thing. Two weeks was record time for the trip. They proved
themselves true pioneers, patiently enduring these privations and
living in a hay-roofed cabin with no floor between them and
the ground. Indians were their only neighbors for miles. They
lived, however, to see civilization gradually come to them, and
to enjoy its comforts. Wencl and Anna Jirousek, parents of
Mrs. Pichner, our subject's wife, were also pioneer settlers of
Owatonna township, coming here shortly after the close of the
Civil War. The father followed farming up to the time of his
death. The mother has also passed to the Great Beyond.
Captain Lewis G. Nelson, now deceased, was one of those
men whose death leaves a real vacancy in the community
wherein they have lived. Of a staunch character and unswerving
purpose, he attained success in life by his own efforts, and out-
distanced many of his fellows who in youth had much wider
advantages. Captain Nelson was a native of Norway, born
May 9. 1841. He came to America when four years of age,
with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gunder Nelson, who took up
their home in Wisconsin. There their son Lewis G. attended
the district schools, this being the only schooling he ever re-
ceived. Remaining on the farm, he faithfully assisted his parents
until reaching twenty years of age, when, in 1861, he enlisted in
Company D, Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was
an actor in the battle at Island Number Ten, Perryville, Stone
River, Chickamauga, and those of the east Tennessee and
Atlanta campaigns. He was shortly promoted to sergeant, and
on his twenty-first birthday received his commission as first
lieutenant. His superior officers were not long in discovering
that he had talents and energy, and his services were called
for in almost every department of the field. He commanded
the roll of honor company under Rosecrans' plan for that dis-
tinction; was division commissary and adjutant; fifteen months
quartermaster, and served some time on the brigade stafi under
Colonels Gibson and Martin. He was promoted to the rank of
captain some months before his discharge on February 13, 1865.
At the close of the war he returned to Wisconsin and engaged
in the general merchandise business for four months. In the fall
of 1865 he came to Minnesota, and during the following spring
purchased a store at Kasson, in Dodge county, where he engaged
in the general mercantile business until 1881, when he purchased
a drug store in the same town. After eleven years of success
in this business he came to Owatonna, in 1892, and opened a
similar establishment here. In 1897 he formed a partnership
with his brothers, under the name of the Nelson Mercantile
1212 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Company. The subject of this sketch was elected president and
remained in this capacity until his lamented death, August 21,
1906. Aside from his military service, Captain Nelson attained dis-
tinction in civil ofifice. He was register of deeds in Dodge county
four years, engrossing clerk for the Minnesota legislature one
year, member of the lower house of the Minnesota legislature
one term, and member of the state board of equalization four
years. He was a prominent member of Goodwin Post, G. A. R.,
and was also identified with the A. O. U. W., the Royal Arcanum,
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Owatonna Com-
mercial Club. Being a thoughtful reader, Captain Nelson pos-
sessed a vast fund of information, which served his purpose in
life better than an e.xtensive academic training would have done.
Highly respected throughout the community, he was reckoned
as one of Owatonna's most successful men. Coupled with busi-
ness acumen he was a man of lovable disposition when with
his friends, and proved a loyal companion, a true husband, and a
devoted father. Captain Nelson was married at Kasson, Minn..
to Etta Dibble, daughter of D. K. and ^Nlary (Chase) Dibble,
and to this union one daughter, Laura, and one son, Arthur,
were born. The parents of Mrs. Nelson were among the earlier
pioneers. They came from New York, their native state, in
1857, and purchased a farm in Dodge county, this state, where
they engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1874 Mr. Dibble was
elected treasurer of Dodge county, and four years later, after
retiring from office, served his successor one year as assistant.
He then returned to the farm until 1900, when he retired and
moved to Owatonna, where he now resides. His wife died
Januar\- 23, 1901, at Owatonna.
R. R. Carpenter on April 10. 1874. was born on the same
farm in Merton township on which he now lives. His educa-
tion was obtained in the district school, supplemented by study
at the Owatonna High School and Pillsbury Academy. After
leaving school he busied himself on the farm with his father.
Mr. Carpenter was a clerk in an Owatonna business house for
a number of years and then took up land in North Dakota under
the homestead law. Here he lived about five years. At the
end of this time, returning to Owatonna, he engaged in the sale
of cream separators for about two years. One year was spent
at Brook Park, Minn. In the fall of 1908 Mr. Carpenter rented
his father's farm in Merton township. He now owns one hun-
dred and sixty acres and rents two hundred acres. Miss Laura A.
Cotter became his wife in 1908. Mr. Carpenter has two brothers,
Bert W. and Walter W., both living in Minneapolis, and two
sisters, Alice and Mabel. Mr. Carpenter is a Universalist in
his church preferences and a Republican in politics, and also a
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES VZVd
member of the K. of P. lodge. Asa Carpenter and his wife,
Marion L. Wilkins, parents of R. R. Carpenter, were natives of
Vermont. They moved on to the western frontier in 1856, first
settling in Wisconsin and then in Minnesota. Mr. Carpenter
bought land in Merton township and here continued to farm
until 1904. Since that time Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have lived
a retired life in Owatonna.
Gustavus F. CardofF, a prominent land owner and farmer of
Clinton Falls township, was born in Germany, December 12,
1865, passing his boyhood in Chicago and acquiring his edu-
cation in the night schools, completing with a course in the
Curtis Business College of St. Paul. In 1887 he came to Steele
county, purchased three hundred and twenty acres in Clinton
Falls township, and commenced farming operations. Eight
years later he bought another quarter section, now owning four
hundred and eighty acres of highly productive land, all in Clin-
ton Falls townshi]). In addition to general farming, Mr. Cardoft
has made a signal success of dairying and stock raising, being
the owner of one of the finest herds of thoroughbred Hoistein
cattle in the state. Poland-China hogs were formerly raised, but
he has found Duroc-Jerseys a better paying proposition and now
gives his attention to them. All modern buildings and machinery
conducive to up-to-date agriculture are used. In politics he is a
staunch Republican, chairman of the county committee, and has
served on the state central committee. Though never an aspir-
ant to office, he is one of the pillars of his party. The Knights
of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America count him a
loyal brother. In 1891 he was married to Fanny E. Hastings,
daughter of H. M. Hastings. They have four children — Bessie A.,
attending high school; Niel H., died in 1895; Earl F., and
Thomas H. David II. and Mar)- H. (Schmidt) Cardoff, parents
of our subject, were natives of Germany, where the father was
a shipbuilder by trade. Coming to this country in the early
sixties, he located at Elgin, 111., following his trade as a carpenter
until his death, in 1869. The mother died in 1871. Four
children were born to them — David H., deceased ; Ida, living in
Germany; Gustavus F.. our subject; and Mary E., wife of G. W.
Brandon, of St. Paul.
L. S. Taylor, an enterprising Merton township farmer, was
born here November 17, 1873, and received his primary educa-
tion in the district schools, following which he spent two years
at Pillsbury Academy. Leaving school, he worked as butter-
maker in the creameries of Mankato and Glenville for eleven
years, after which he sold creamery supplies on the road for
throe years. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres of his
father's land in Merton township, where he has since conducted
12U HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
general farming, with a special interest in Holstein cattle,
which his father first introduced into this state. In November,
1897, Mr. Taylor married Bertha Young, daughter of James
Young and Ellen Wilson, his wife. They have one son, Angus,
who is still at home. Air. Taylor is a Republican in politics, has
been associated with the K. of P. order, and also with the
M. \V. A. He is a member of the school board in district fifteen
and a stockholder in the Merton creamery. E. P. Taylor and
Ellen Hulett, his wife, parents of L. S. Taylor, were natives,
respectively, of Massachusetts and Wisconsin. Coming to Min-
nesota in 1857, they pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of
land in section five, Merton township, where Mr. Taylor built a
home and cultivated and improved his land until the outbreak
of the Civil War. He then enlisted in the Tenth Minnesota,
in which he served for three years, was discharged for disability,
and returned to his home in Merton township. He soon bought
one hundred and sixty acres in section five and later one hun-
dred and sixty acres in Richland township. Rice county, giving
him a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which he con-
tinued to improve and cultivate until 1898, when he gave up
active farming, rented the farm, and moved to Owatonna, where
he and his wife now live.
A. J. Young, a native of Merton township, where he is now
a thriving farmer, was born October 5, 1872. His education,
begun at the district school, was supplemented by four years of
study at Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna. Leaving school, he
has ever since engaged in farming. In 1898 Mr. Young rented
his father's farm, on which from that time he has been busy in
tilling the soil and caring for his live stock. His especial interest
is in Holstein cattle and Percheron horses. He was married to
Lydia Greeley, daughter of James and Amelia Ribstein Greeley,
in 1898. Three children bless their home — Clarence, Jay, and
Loleita. A Republican in politics and an attendant of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church. Mr. Young has been active in local
affairs, serving as treasurer of the school district for a number
of years, and also as township road overseer. He owns stock in
and is a director of Merton creamer^', and is also director and
stockholder of the Merton Rural Telephone Company. James R.
Young and his wife, Ellen Wilson, parents of A. J. Young, came
to Minnesota in 1861 and located on a homestead claim cif one
liundred and sixty acres in Merton township. Mr. Young was a
native of New York, while his wife was born in England. In
1863 he enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War, in Company C,
Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until the
close of the rebellion, when he was honorablv discharged. Re-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1215
liuniiig home, he worked on his farm until 1898, when he moved
to Ovvatonna. wliere with his wife he still lives.
Edwin H. Naylor, a farmer of Steele county, was born on
the farm he now occupies, December 25, 1868. His education
was received in the district schools, after which he assisted his
father on the farm, and, in 1908, he became its owner. He now
has two hundred and sixty acres of fine tillable land, on which
he still follows general farming, with marked success. His place
is known as the Burr Oak Stock Farm, Mr. Naylor devoting
much attention to stock raising, and having about sixty acres of
fine pasturage. Shorthorn and Durham cattle, all thoroughbred,
and high graded swine are raised. At one time he made a
specialty of Poland China hogs, but has largely discontinued
them. His milk finds a ready market at the nearest creamery,
of which he is a director. In political convictions he is a Re-
publican and is now serving as a county commissioner — his term
expiring in 1912 — and as a member of the school board. In 1897
he was united in marriage with Jeanette Case, daughter of
Phelps Case, a prominent citizen of this county. Mr. and Mrs.
Naylor have no children. They are loyal attendants of the
Congregational Church of Owatonna. Edward and Marian
(Hunter) Naylor, parents of our subject, were respectively na-
tives of England and Canada. The father came over about the
year 1850, and after a short stay in Illinois removed to Steele
county, and homesteaded the hundred and sixty acres on which
his son is now engaged in farming with his other hundred. He
built the first creamery in his locality, and added many of the
modern improvements now on the place. He is at present living
retired at Owatonna, with his residence on Pearl street.
Harvey Stockwell was born September 4, 1862, in Merton
township, Steele county. After receiving his education he en-
gaged in farming for several years. In 1890 he moved to Owa-
tonna, and resided there two years. Then he moved to West
Concord, and engaged in the hardware, farm implements, pump
and wind mill business. In 1896 he sold out and purchased a
farm in the township of Clinton Falls, where he resides at the
present time.
Herman W. Borchert, deceased, was born in Manitowoc
County, \\ isconsin. May 22, 1865. Here he received his early
education in the district schools, after which he engaged in farm-
ing. In 1884 Mr. Borchert started in the farming business for
himself on the old homestead, on sections three and ten in
Blooming Prairie township. The farm comprised three hundred
and twenty acres of land, which he worked diligently along
progressive lines to improve. The buildings and machinery
were brought to date and the farm conducted according to the
121C HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
most a])j)rove(l methods. December 6. 1887, at the home of
the bride's parents, Herman \\\ Borchert was married to Mally
V^aith. Mr. Borchert served tlie community in which he lived on
the town board of supervisors and as an officer of district school
No. 47, and was connected with the I'nion Creamery .Association
and Oak Glen Creamery Association of Bixby. Politically, he
was a Repulilican and a staunch member of the Lutheran Church.
His death, .August 8. 1900, was a severe blow to his family. He
is survived by his wife and four children — Frank, born Septem-
ber 21, 1888; August, born May 17, 1891 ; Ida, born June 12, 1895;
Fred, born August 29, 1898. Since the death of her husband,
Mrs. Borchert has shown exceptional ability in keeping up the
farm with the same standard of excellence attained by Mr.
Borchert. In this effort she is ably assisted by her eldest sons,
Frank and August, who are capable, honorable young men,
highly respected by the community. August Borchert and Rosa,
his wife, parents of Herman W. Borchert, came from Germany
to America in 1830 and first located in Wisconsin. Coming
to Minnesota in 1870, he purchased a farm in Somerset town-
ship, where he lived several years, gave the farm to his son,
August, who still conducts it, and bought three hundred and
twenty acres of wilil land in Blooming Prairie township, which
he broke and improved, carrying on a diversified farming busi-
ness until 1884, when he gave the farm to his son, Herman W.,
and retiring from active work, spent the remainder of his life
in Owatonna. He died September 25, 1893. She died September
29, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Vaith, parents of Mrs. Borchert,
were prominent farmers of Sununit township, where Mr. Vaith
died in September 21, 1907. Mrs. Vaith died in February 14,
1909.
Edward Darmody, clerk of Summit township, is one of the
distinguished citizens of Steele county, and has served his fellow
citizens ably in various positions of public and private trust and
honor. He has gained the implicit confidence of all who know
him, and is honored as a good citizen, a loyal neighbor and an
efficient official. The subject of this sketch was born in County
Tipperary, Ireland, November 4. 1845. He came with his parents,
Michael and Bridget (Dunn) Darmody, to America in 1848,
and spent his boyhood in Rock county, Wisconsin. In 1862 the
family decided to come to Minnesota, but Mrs. Darmody died
on the way, June 20, 1862, and was buried at Spring Valley
cemetery. This trip was made by team. In this party were
the Darmodys, Patrick I-'allon and family, John Anderson and
family, Peter P. Thimsen and Nis Thimsen. Of these the only
survivors are : Edward Darmody, Peter P. and Nis Thimsen.
Michael Darmody purchased one hundred and si.xty acres of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1217
land in Suniniit township, section ten, but died in November,
1866. Since his death Edward has successfully conducted this
farm, and has added to it from time to time until he now owns
five hundred acres of highly improved land, on which he has
made improvements. He is a fancier of Red Polled cattle, and
at the present time owns a splendid herd of over one hundred
head. A Democrat in politics, he has served his township as
chairman, assessor, town clerk and as clerk of school district
No. 51. He was treasurer of the Summit Creamery from the
organization until 1908. Mr. Darmody was married to Mary
Welsh, who died in February, 1894, being survived by nine of
their eleven children — Mrs. P. H. Tracy, of Austin; Nellie,
Bridget, Michael, Thomas. Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary and Alice
(Edward and Agnes deceased).
John J. Morrison, manager of the Summit creamery, is one
of the popular men of the county, and the excellence of the
butter which the creamery produces has caused him to stand
high among the butter-makers of this section. He was born in
Vermont, February 5, 1856, and a year later was brought by his
parents to Newry. Freeborn county, this state. He there re-
ceived an excellent common school education and then attended
the Austin High School. Subsequently he taught school with
much success for seventeen terms. Then he learned the butter-
maker's trade, which he has since followed. He assumed his
pFesent position in the spring of 1910. Mr. Morrison was married
September 21, 1898, to Mary Langan, and to this union have
been born four children — Anna, born March 25, 1901 ; Sylvester,
born November 27, 1902 ; Katherine, born January 29, 1906,
and Margaret, August 12, 1908. While at Newry he was assessor
and school clerk. He is an independent voter, is a faithful mem-
ber of the Catholic Church, and affiliates with the C. O. F. and
the K. of C. James and Honora (Curtin) Morrison, parents of
John J. Morrison, were born in Ireland, lived for a time in Ver-
mont and settled in Newry, Freeborn county, in 1857. The
father there engaged in farming until his death in 1872. The
mother remained nn the old homestead until her death in 1904.
Hynds Family. Thomas and Margaret (Hill) Hynds were
both natives of the Keystone state, of Irish descent. They left
their native state and located in Illinois at a very early day, com-
ing to Minnesota in 1857. They lived in Freeborn county, and
in Faribault county for a time, and in 1874 came to Steele
county. Both are now deceased. In their family were two
sons and four daughters. John and Thomas are farmers in Sum-
mit township; Annie is Mrs. Bert Loomis, of Wells, Minn.;
Mary Jane is Mrs. Foster Loomis, of Owatonna ; Harriett is now
Mrs. Alva Henion ; Isabelle keeps house for her brothers. The
l-aJS HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
family faith is that of the Universalist Church. John Hynds was
l)orn in Ogle county, Illinois, August 4, 1856, and Thomas was
born in Geneva, Freeborn county, Minnesota, December 22, 1858.
After receiving their respective educations they took up farm-
ing, and in 1876 purchased two hundred and fifty acres of land
in Summit township. On this they erected the buildings, and
brought the land to a high state of cultivation. They now carry
on general farming under the name of the Hynds Brothers, and
are among the leading agriculturalists of the county, following
the latest and most approved modern methods. Thomas served
the township as chairman of the hoard of supervisors for twelve
years and then resigned.
Elmer E. McFall is one of the representative citizens of the
county, and has combined the sterling qualities of his Penn-
sylvanian birtli with the expansiveness and progress of the west.
He was born during the stirring days of the Civil War, in Mc-
Kean county, Pennsylvania, March 23, 1863, and was brought
to Steele county as an infant in the fall of the same year. He
received his education in the district schools, and then took up
farming. In 1892 he purchased eighty acres of land in section
seventeen. Summit township, built a home, made many improve-
ments and brought his place to a fine stage of modern develop-
ment and improvement. He is a staunch Republican in politics,
and a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was
married January 1, 1901, to Syble Hersey, born in Lemond
township March 18, 1867, daughter of Charles G. and Narcissa
D. Bush Hersey. To this union has been born one daughter,
Esther L., December 14, 1901. Chester and Phoebe (Gerlick)
McFall, parents of Elmer E. McFall, came to Steele county in
the fall of 1863, from Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming,
the father dying April 8, 1901, and the mother August 21, 1898.
Charles (j. and Narcissa D. (Bush) Hersey, parents of Mrs.
Elmer E. McFall, were natives respectively of Maine and Con-
necticut. They came west in the spring of 1864, purchased
one hundred and sixty acres in Lemond township, and farmed
the remainder of their lives, the father dying June 18, 1900,
and the mother June 18, 1882.
Peter Jensen, a farmer of Summit township, has worked his
way up in the world b}' hard work and frugality, and well de-
serves the success he has achieved. He was born December 21,
1852, in Denmark, son of Jens Petersen, who is still living in
the old country. In 1872 he landed in America with just $2.00
in his pocket. He found his way to Geneva, in Freeborn county,
this state, and worked as farm hand there until 1877, when he
came to Steele county, and out of his savings purchased sixty
acres in section thirty-si.x. Later he purchased eightv acres
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1219
and still later forty acres more in section twentj^-five, making
a fine farm on which he conducts general agricultural operations.
He also buys and sells cattle and has a fine herd of Shorthorns.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church and has served as clerk
of school district No. 56, being in politics a staunch Republican.
Mr. Jensen was married March 17, 1878, to Mary Jensen, and
this union has been blessed with five children — Lillie, Henry,
Edward, William and Hannah.
Joseph Soufal, retired farmer of Aurora township, was born
in German}- November 25, 1842, and came to America in 1881.
He located in Aurora township in 1890 and purchased a farm
of one hundred and fifty-five acres in section twenty-one, where
he erected his home and buildings, and followed general farm-
ing until 1910, when he rented the place to his son Philip, but
still resides on the farm. He is a member of the Holy Trinity
Cliurch and owns stock in the Oak Glen creamery. He is a
Democrat in politics, but has never sought public office. Mr.
Soufal was married in 1875 to .\nna Reichcsteter, and to this
union have been born five children — Anton, of the firm of Kasper
& Co., Owatonna ; Joseph, engaged in the meat business in
Butterfield : Philip, who conducts the old farm ; Edward, who
lives in Butterfield ; and Mary, who lives at home.
Philip Soufal, one of the younger farmers of Steele county,
was born January 5, 1883, in Aurora township, where he still
resides. He received his education in the schools of his neigh-
borhood and worked on his father's farm until 1910, when he
took charge of the place. Me now successfully follows general
farming, making a .specialty of dairying and grain raising, his
Durham and Holstein cattle being of a fine breed and well cared
for. He also breeds a few Percheron horses. Mr. Soufal votes
the Democratic ticket, attends the Catholic Church and is well
liked by his associates.
E. S. Tuthill, one of the most substantial farmers of Meriden
townshi]). was born there July 29, 1861. He studied at the dis-
trict school and afterwards at Minnesota Academy. He also
took a business course at Owatonna. .After a year on his aunt's
farm Mr. Tuthill homestcadcd land in South Dakota and devoted
the next thirteen years of his life to general farming and stock
raising. Selling his Dakota holdings at the end of that lime and
returning to Steele county, he bought several farms in Meriden
township, until he now owns five hundred and seventy-one
acres. He carries on a very successful farm and pays much at-
tention to stock raising, his Hereford cattle being his special
pride. Mr. Tuthill was married in 1882 to Emma L. Andrews,
daughter of Robert Andrews and Louisa .Andrews. Two chil-
dren blessed this union — Bessie Halvorsen and John R., who
1220 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
both live at home. In May, 1906, Mr. Tuthill was married to
Ella B. Andrews, the sister of his first wife. The only child by
this marriage is one son, Thomas. E. S. Tuthill is a Republican
in politics, a member of the M. W. A. and the A. O. A. of Owa-
tonna. He has also been one of the school board. John O.
Tuthill and Anne S. Green, his wife, parents of E. S. Tuthill,
were natives of New York. Moving west, they settled in Wis-
consin, remaining there until 1856, when coming to Minnesota
they located in Meriden township. Mr. Tuthill kept busy im-
proving his farm until he enlisted during the Civil War in 1862,
in Company I, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. His death
at Memphis. Tenn., in 1864, was the result of exposure in camp
life and on the field. The mother, who remarried and is now
Mrs. Powell, lives in Owatonna.
Henry O. Ruen, a progressive farmer of Steele county, was
born in W'innishiek county, Iowa, July 31, 1864. His early edu-
cation was received in the district schools, and in practical mat-
ters on his father's farm. After school he assisted on the home
farm for a time, and then engaged in farming for himself, pur-
chasing his present farm of a hundred and sixtj- acres in Steele
county, in 1891, and moving onto it the following year. The
farm is now mostly under cultivation and by hard work and
modern farming methods has been developed to a high state of
productiveness. The buildings and machinery are of the latest
patterns, well adapted for economical farming. Holstein cattle,
Poland China hogs and high lired Norman horses are success-
fully raised. In politics, he votes independent of party, en-
deavoring to pick the man best qualified for the office. He has
served as supervisor and in other town offices. May 25. 1897,
he was married to Caroline (Ege), daughter of Hans Ege, of
Winnishiek county, Iowa. Four children have been born to
them — Katrinka, Olga, Leonard and .\rtliur. The family attend
the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Ruen is a trustee. Ole P.
and Carrie Ruen, parents of our subject, were natives of Norway,
the father emigrating to this country while still a boy and
locating in Dane count}-, W'isconsin, where he remained but a
short time. Leaving here, he came to Winnishiek county, Iowa,
purchasing a farm on which he followed farming up to the
time of his death in 1893. The mother is still living. Eleven
children were born to them, seven of whom are living — Peter,
Emelia, Henry, Cornelia, Olans, Marie and Margaret. The father
was prominent in the Lutheran Church. He was a Democrat in
politics, and filled many township offices.
Alpha C. Thomas, of Blooming Prairie, was born in Scott
county, Minnesota, January 29, 1872. He went to school in
Scott and Kandiyohi counties and attended the Minneapolis
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1221
Business College. Learning the carpenter's trade, he worked in
Minneapolis until 1890 and then as superintendent of the Fuller
Construction Company, was employed in Chicago, St. Louis and
other large cities of the east and south. In 1896 he settled
in Blooming Prairie, lie has as a contractor built many public
and private liuildings in Minnesota and adjacent states. Mr.
Thomas was married April 19. 1898, in Minneapolis, to Frances
M. Heskainp, of New Orleans, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman
Heskamp. Her father was a merchant tailor. He died Novem-
ber 30, 1891. Her mother is still li\ ing in New York City. Four
children have been born lo Mr. and Mrs. Thomas — Ray C, born
January 23, 1899, died when five weeks old; Shirley R., born
February 10, 1900; a daughter who died in infancy, born April
11, 1904; Lois C, born July 27, 1908. Mr. Thomas is politically
a Republican and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In
the Masonic fraternity, he is a member of the Blue Lodge Chap-
ter Commandery and a Shriner in St. Paul. He is also a member
of the M. M. A. In civic affairs Mr. Thomas has always shown
a keen interest. He has served as one of the city council for
three years and been a member of the school board for five
years. As a sportsman his skill is recognizetl and he is a mem-
ber of the Blooming Prairie Gun Club. His success in life has
resulted from his own untiring efforts. He has a beautiful
modern home, which he built in 1900. besides other city property.
Chester C. Thomas and Elizabeth Spurrier Thomas, parents of
Alpha C. Thomas, were natives, respectively, of New York and
Virginia. They removed to Wisconsin in 1855 and settled in
Scott county, Minnesota, in 1866. In 1880 they located in Kandi-
yohi county and in 1887 went to Minneapolis. Seventeen years
later they came to Blooming Prairie. Mr. Thomas during the
Civil War was a member of Company A. Second Regiment, Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry. He served two and a half years. In
the battle of Gettysburg he was severely wounded. He was in
the hospital six months before his final discharge. Mr. Thomas
had si.x brothers in the Union army, two of whom were killed
in battle. They were George. William, Charles, Joseph, Collins
and Virgal. William and Charles died in battle.
Jay A. Kaspar, a prosperous farmer of Medford township,
was horn in Somerset township on January 14, 1879. He at-
tended school at River Point, Somerset township, after which
he entered the eighth grade of the Owatonna public schools.
Leaving school. Mr. Kasper worked with his father on the farm.
In 1903 he bouglit two hundred acres in section twelve, Medford
township. The farm has been greatly improved in every way —
fine buildings having been reared recently. Mr. Kasper takes
great interest in his Holstein cattle. On March 15, 1904, he
r222 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
was married to Anna j\I. Ripka. Mrs. Kasper's fatlier is dead
but her mother still lives. Two children have blessed the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Kasper — \'aldimore S. and Jay Jerome. Polit-
ically, Mr. Kasper is a Democrat. He is a member of the M.
\V. A. and C. S. P. S., and serves on the school board, and is also
interested in and a director of the Medford Creamery. Anton
Kasper and Frances Simon, his wife, parents of the subject of
this sketch, are natives of Bohemia. They came to America
in 1864 and located in Pratt township, Steele county. Staying
there a short time, they removed to Somerset township, where
Mr. Kasper still conducts a general farming business.
Nis Petersen, the owner of a fertile farm in Blooming Prairie,
was born in Denmark October 17, 1849. His parents, Thomas
and Walberg (Juul) Petersen, spent their lives in their native
country. They are both deceased. Nis received his education
in Denmark and emigrated to America in 1872. Upon arriving
in this country, he spent a few months in Illinois. Then he came
to Steele county, where he remained for a few months. From
there he moved to Howard county, Iowa, where he engaged in
railroad work. He remained there for four years. In 1876, he
came to Steele county and located in Blooming Prairie township,
where he purchased one hundred and forty acres of land. He
has greatly improved this land, has erected an up-to-date dwell-
ing and other buildings, and has followed general and diversified
farming here since. Mr. Petersen was married June 13, 1876.
Six children have blessed their home, viz : Soren, now of Bixby
Village, Steele county, was born November 6, 1877; Thomas,
a clerk in a hardware store in Claremont, was born June 20,
1880: Carolina, now Mrs. John Jerdet, was born October 21,
1883: Chris, who resides at home, was born September 26, 1885:
Nels, also at home, was born February 17, 1887: Agnes Christina
Marie, residing at home, was born April 27, 1892. Mr. Petersen
is a Republican in political sentiment. He is a member of the
Danish Lutheran Church. He makes a specialty of breeding
Shorthorn and Durham cattle and Norman horses, and has
some very fine stock on his farm. He is an enterprising farmer
and a highly respected citizen.
Thomas Thompson is a native of Blooming Prairie township,
where he was born April 12, 1868. Here he attended the district
school during his boyhood and afterward worked on his father's
farm until his father's death, when Thomas bought the old home-
stead from the other heirs, and now has one hundred and twenty
acres, eighty acres in section thirty-four. Blooming Prairie town-
ship, and forty acres, Freeborn county. He has never married,
but his sister Caroline is his housekeeper. He has three other
sisters — Mary, now Mrs. Christ Heen of Goodhue county ;
X'l''
m
^ f%
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1223
Bertha, now Mrs. Peter Peterson of North Dakota, and Stena.
Mr. Thompson is a RepubHcan politically, a member of the
Lutheran Church, has served his township as road overseer and
is an upright and highly respected citizen. Edward Torgerson
and wife, parents of the subject of this sketch, were natives of
Nonvay. Coming to America in the later fifties, they located
in Blooming Prairie and engaged in farming which he followed
all his life. Mr. Torgerson died in 1872 and his wife in 1878.
Both were killed by lightning.
Hon. William H. Kelly. — Every community, which achieves
prominence as a business center must needs possess in the days
of its earlier growth and later progress, a few men of business
acumen who, while building in the present, can also see the neces-
sities and possibilities of the future. Such a man was the late
Hon. William H. Kell}', who died in Owatonna December 12,
1908. At that time the press of the county and state joined in
their encomiums. One of the tributes his life received was as
follows. "Mr. Kelly was one the early settlers in Owatonna,
coming here in 186L He was probably the wealthiest
man in the city, but that wealth was never gained tak-
ing advantage of his fellow men. In fact, the great respect
and aflfection in which he was held by his fellow citizens
of Owatonna was rather because of his generosity and
public spirit than because of his wealth. Mr. Kelly was generous
to a fault. He loved to give for service rendered, a bonus over
and above the stipulated price or wage. He was exact in his
business methods and expected every man to meet his obligations
promptly and fully, jusl as he did himself, but when the account
was closed it was a common thing for Mr. Kelly to make the
other party to the transaction a handsome present upon the
acceptance of which he would insist, l)ut the thanks for which
he would avoid so far as possible. In public affairs and public
enterprise Mr. Kelly was similarly generous. He could always
be counted upon to do his part when funds were needed for any
public entertainment or undertaking. More than that, he inaug-
urated and launched several public enterjirises without sugges-
tion from others. Such was his gift of a $10,000 addition to the
Owatonna City Hospital and his generous donation to Pillsbury
Academy for the purpose of the erection of the boy's dormitory
named for him, "Kelly Hall." Pillsbury Academy also had
many other gifts, large and small, from this big-hearted man.
In his private enterprises, so far as the public welfare was
concerned, Mr. Kelly was equally generous and public spirited.
An evidence of this is the beautiful and costly three-story Kelly
block, which stands on the corner of Broadway and Cedar streets
— one of the handsomest business buildings in this city of many
1224: HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
handsome blocks. Mr. Kelly was a man to whom activity and
achievement were as necessary as breath. His long life was a
busy one and the variety of enterprises in which he was engaged
w^as remarkable. He was a tireless worker, a man of highly
developed business ability and foresight. In a business way he
probably was more extensively engaged in an occupation which
might be described as that of land attorney, than in any other
occupation. As such he was considered the best informed and
ablest man in the state. His activity was first directed along
this line by his appointment as receiver of the United States
Land Office at Redwood Falls, through the influence, and dur-
ing the early service in Congress, of the late Hon. jM. H. Bun-
nell. In this position Mr. Kelly made his mark for ability and
method and thereafter his attention was largely devoted to land
business as well as to investments generally. He was an hon-
orable man, and his word was as good as his bond. The great
number of warm and loyal friends which Mr. Kelly had is per-
haps the best evidence of his true character. He was an excellent
host, a most pleasant companion in social moments and a firm
friend. He was especially interested in young people, loved to
offer them encouragement ; and his friendship for people of ma-
ture years extended to their children and grandchildren. That
he deserved the rank of a first citizen of Owatonna and that
his memory should be cherished as one of the city's principal
benefactors is the feeling of all in the community who knew
and appreciated his generosity, public and private."
William H. Kelly was born in New York State May 17,
1831. He there received his education in the public schools
and supplemented this with a business course. Previous to his
arrival in Owatonna in 1839 he engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness in his native state and in Illinois. For many years, until
1871, he was a prominent Owatonna merchant. In that year he
became receiver for the United States Land Office at Redwood
Falls, Minnesota, serving four years. He then took up land,
speculating largely in Minnesota and in the Dakotas. continuing
in this business for the remainder of his life. He found time
to serve the city of Owatonna as mayor and also in other offices.
Among other business holdings in Owatonna he was a heavy
stockholder in the First National Bank. Being of a sociable
nature, he allied himself with the Alasonic fraternity and at-
tained high degrees in that order. Mr. Kelly was married Octo-
ber 5, 1870, at Morrison, Illinois, to Mattie Drake, of that place,
who proved a most able helpmate and loving companion, to
whose sympathy and encouragement much of his success in life
was due. Marion C, a daughter of \Vm. H. Kelly, passed away
January 2. 1880. Mr. Kelly was interred in Forest Hill cemetery.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1235
where he had erected a beautiful family vault at the time of his
daughter's death. Mrs. Kelly still survives and maintains a great
interest in her husband's numerous philanthrophies.
Charles Adsit was one of the pioneer settlers of Steele county,
being of that number who left the comforts and luxuries of the
east for the rigors of pioneer endeavor and thus helped to estab-
lish the prosperity of the west. He was born in Jefferson county,
New York. April 29, 1833. He there received his education in
an old district school house and worked with his father on the
farm until two years after attaining his majority. At that time
Minnesota was being opened for settlement and many of the
more courageous of the young men in New York State were
hastening to try their fortunes in the newly opened country.
Among such was a party of five from Jefferson county, con-
sisting of Allen C. and Charles Adsit, George Grimshaw, John
Bail and John Perham. The story of the arrival in Steele county
of this party is told elsewhere by A. C. Adsit. Sufficient it is
to say here that Charles Adsit located on Section 35, Aurora
township, where he became one of the leading citizens. In the
fall of 1856 he was appointed postmaster at Oak Glen, Aurora
township, and served fiften years. He also served in various
township offices at different times. In 1896 Mr. Adsit came to
Owatonna, and lived retired until his death, which occurred in
1902.
Mr. Adsit was married May 10, 1860, to Janette Woodruff, a
native of Jefferson county, New York. She proved a devoted wife
and loving mother and after a life filled with loving sacrifice and
good deeds died October 2, 1879. To Mr. and Mrs. Adsit were
born seven children. Three died in infancy. Charles W. was
born February 11, 1863. Will B. was born March 21, 1865.
John Waldo was born December 12, 1868. Nettie P. was born
March 13, 1877. She died 1894. Jonah Woodruff, father of
Mrs. Charles Adsit, was a man of distinction in the east. In
his younger days he achieved considerable renown as a land-
scape and portrait painter. Subsequently he was connected witTi
the Woodruff Sleeping Car Company, and was the inventor of
the first sleeping cars used in the United States. These cars were
the forerunners of the Pullman cars of the present day, and
the manufacturers of the latter car have paid large royalties
to the Woodruff family for the original rights.
P. W. Ebling, a well known farmer of Meriden township,
Steele county, was born in Owatonna, Minnesota, November 18,
1871. After completing his education in the district schools and
assisting for a time on the home farm he was given his present
farm by his father, consisting of a hundred and sixty acres in
Meriden township. A hundred acres of this land is under
1226 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
cultivation, the remainder yielding good returns as woodland,
and as patsurage for his numerous herds of stock. Durham cattle
have been Mr. Ebling's favorites, but he is gradually changing
over to high grade Holsteins, finding them better adapted for
dairying purposes. The milk is sold to a neighboring creamery.
Full blooded Poland China hogs and good horses are also raised.
The buildings are all of the most modern type, and the machinery
and equipment are fully up to twentieth century standards. In
politics, Mr. Ebling has always been a staunch adherent of the
Democratic party, but has recently become a convert of the
Socialists. He has served as justice of the peace several years.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Eagles counts him as
a valued member, as have the Modern Woodmen of America for
the last fifteen years. In 1895 he was married to Minnie
Steleter, daughter of Gottlieb and Minnie Steleter. Seven chil-
dren have blessed this marriage: Michael, Golda. Arthur, Reu-
ben, Paul, Emerald and Marie, all living at home. The family
are loyal attendants of the Lutheran chiuxh.
Michael and Mary (Heneritzi) Ebeling, parents of the subject
of this sketch, were born and raised in Germany. In 1860 they
came to this country, locating in Wisconsin, where Michael en-
gaged in construction work on the Northwestern railroad for
ten years, his first wages being 75 cents a day. Coming to
Meriden township, he engaged in land dealing with great suc-
cess, at one time owning over 1.000 acres of land. He had a
family of five children: George, John, P. \V. (our subject),
Michael, and Mary, the wife of Edward Degner. Each child was
started out in life with a farm of 150 acres of Meriden land. His
wife owns a quarter section also. Michael Ebling died in 1908.
Christopher Batzle, now deceased, was one of the substantial
residents of the county, and while establishing the foundations
of his own family competence, found time to think of the needs
and desires of others. Throughout his life he was assisted in all
his endeavors by his worthy wife, and left her to carry out many
of his philanthropic and altruistic plans. The subject of this
memoir, whose deeds so worthily deserve perpetuating in this
work, as an example of successful accomplishment to the younger
generations, and the generations to come, was born in Wurtem-
berg, Germany, April 27, 1837, and came to America with his
parents, Henry and Martha Batzle, who located in Buffalo, N. Y.,
where Christopher spent his boyhood days. In 1856, with his
brother, Henry Batzle, Jr., he came to Minnesota, and settled in
Anoka county, near St. Paul. There in 1857, he married Elizabeth
Koller, w^ho proved a sympathetic and capable helpmeet. Mr.
Batzle continued to farm in Anoka county, until the outbreak
of the Civil War, when, filled with patriotic ardor, he prepared
TIL':
't/^
Ji^
HISTORY OI' RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1227
for an absence by putting his alYairs in shape, and in 1864, on
February 20, enlisted at Rochester in Company D, First Minne-
sota Vohinteer Infantry, serving until mustered out, in August,
1865. At the close of the war, he came back to Minnesota, and
farmed in Nicollet county for six years, afterward moving to
Minneapolis, where he dealt in real estate, and became a house-
building contractor. The Centennial year, 1876, records his first
arrival in Steele county, his first residence here being on a
farm within the city limits of Owatonna. Afterward, turning
over his farm to his son-in-law, C. P. Sahler, he moved to Owa-
tonna, and invested in and built up business property in the city.
In 1901, they moved back to the old homestead, and there re-
sided until the death of Mr. Batzle, March 29, 1903. Mr. Batzle
was an honest and upright man, a good husband, a kind father
and an excellent neighbor. His life was a success, not so much
in the fact that he became prosperous, as in the fact that he be-
came well known and esteemed for virtuous and upright man-
hood, which is above, beyond and better than any other success.
His remains were followed to the grave by a vast concourse of
loving friends, the services being conducted by James A. Good-
win Post, G. A. R., with interment in the Forest Hill cemetery.
Mr. Batzle was a member of the German Lutheran and his
wife of the Reformed church. He was a Republican in politics,
and though often urged to run for political office, he never
cared to seek jniblic honors. He was a self-made man, starting
his career with nothing, and with the aid of his loving wife,
accomplished more than many men with wider advantages and
opportunities. Shortly before his death, Mr. Batzle made known
to his wife, his wish that out of the estate a considerable sum
be devoted to the Owatonna City Hospital, an institution in
which he had the depest interest. The amount and character
of what was to be done was left to the discretion of his wife,
who nobly filled her trust by contributing to the hospital a
large amount of up-to-date apparatus for giving electrical treat-
ment, consisting of a Wimshurst-Holtz static machine, with all
the accessories, including cases, etc. In addition to this, Mrs.
Batzle paid for laying the new cement sidewalks and for many
other things needed at the hospital. All honor is due her and
the memory of her departed husband, for their generous gifts,
which were actuated, not by desire for approval, but rather by a
humanitarianism and patriotism of the highest type. Mrs. Batzle
has erected in the cemetery a beautiful monument to the memory
of her husband. She still resides at 32.t North Oak street, and
is known for the numerous good works and acts of charity and
kindness that she does. Mrs. Batzle was Elizabeth Koller, born
March 19, 1842, daughter of Emily and Katherine (Ramsdorf)
1228 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
Roller, who came from Schleswig-Holstein in 1845, and settled
in Davenport, Iowa, and in Henry county, Illinois. Later they
moved to Chisago comity, Minnesota, in 1856, and followed farm-
ing all their lives. The former died in 1891 and the mother in
1895. Mr. and Mrs. Batzle had one daughter, Sarah, the wife
of C. r. Sahler.
Hon. William Riley Kinyon, retired president of the First
National Bank, has had an active part in the upbuilding of
Steele county, and his shrewd business acumen and integrity has
assisted the farmers and business menof thecounty in weathering
more than one period of financial stress. He was born in Jeffer-
son county, New York, February 3, 1833, and there received his
early education. Left fatherless at the age of seventeen years,
he had to work hard as a youth, doing various odd jobs, includ-
ing service in a dairy. Determined to make the most of his
talents and to rise above his circumstances, he spent all his
spare time in reading and study. Later by stern self denial he
was enabled to study a few terms at Union Academy, Belleville,
N. Y. Laboring under almost every conceivable disadvantage,
he nevertheless, at the age of twenty-one, in 1854, was so far
advanced as to enter the junior class of Union College, Schenect-
ady, N. Y., graduating with honors and delivering the valedictory
of the Adelphic Society. The two winters before graduating, he
taught school, following the college curriculum all the time and
keeping up with his classes. Soon after completing his studies
in college, Mr. Kinyon moved to Juneau, Wis., and taught school
one year. Subsequently he spent several months in the office
of the clerk of court, reading law all the time he was in Juneau.
In the spring of 1858 he was admitted to the bar, and the same
year came to Owatonna, being admitted to practice at once upon
his arrival. A few days after Minnesota was admitted as a
state, Mr. Kinyon purchased a small building where the First
National Bank building is now located. Here he opened a law
and abstract office. In 1866. in company with Jason C. Easton,
he opened a private bank which has since become the First
National Bank. A history of this institution appears elsewhere.
In the early days, Mr. Kinyon became associated in law practice
with the late Hon. Lewis L. Wheelock, a partnership which
continued until 1872, when Mr. Kinyon retired from the law to
devote all his time to finance. In 1903, after thirty-three years
of faithful and efficient service, Mr. Kinyon resigned his position
as president of the First National Bank, and retired. Since
then he has traveled extensively, taking various trips to Europe,
through old Mexico, and through the Canal Zone, including
Panama and Venezuela. Mr. Kinyon was a member of the
lower house of the Minnesota Legislature in 1868, chief clerk
Jffi. AND MRS. C. P. SHALER
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUx\TIES 1329
of the same house in 1869 and 1870, and again member and
also speaker of the house in 1875 and 1876. He has been a
member of the school board and of the city council. Since 1883
he has been treasurer of what is now Pillsbury Academy, and is
also serving" on the e.xecutive committee. Few men have been
more active in Masonry in this state than Mr. Kinyon. He was
the first Worshipful Master of Star in the East Lodge, No. 33,
A. F. & A. ,M.. and the second commander of Cyrene Com-
mandery. No. 9, Knights Templar. Mr. Kinyon was originally
a Douglas Democrat, but since the outbreak of the Civil War
he has adhered to the Republican party. The subject of this
sketch was married December 31, 1857, at Juneau, Wis., to
Mettie Gillett, and to this union has been born one son, George
R., president of the First National Bank. The life and character
of William R. Kinyon need no eulogy from the pen of the
biographer. His name has been prominent in the affairs of the
county and state for over half a century, and in all that time
his integrity has never even been questioned. Samuel and Dolly
(Wheelock) Kinyon, parents of W. R. Kinyon, were staunch old
New Englanders. The grandfather, Joshua Kinyon, was in the
war of 1812. Samuel Kinyon was a successful farmer. The
Wheelocks are one of the oldest families in Vermont. Isaac and
Lydia (Harrington) Gillette, parents of Mrs. W. R. Kinyon,
were natives of Wayne county, New York. They settled in
Wisconsin in 1856, and later came to Minnesota. The father
died at an early age, and the mother died in Owatonna in 1901.
Charles P. Sahler, a well known and highly esteemed citizen
of Owatonna, was born at Baraboo, Wis., on June 15, 1857. His
parents, August and Christena (Kline) Sahler, are both natives
of Germany, from which country they emigrated to America in
the early forties. Upon their arrival here they located in Sauk
county, Wisconsin, where they engaged in general farming for
about twelve years. In 1869 they moved to Minnesota and
located in Clinton Falls township, Steele county. All their
household goods and various belongings were packed upon emi-
grant wagons and Mr. Sahler, then a lad of twelve years of age,
was engaged as teamster. He patiently guided his team, up
hills, down dales, over creeks, through the woods, and over
rough roads until his tedious journey was ended. Arriving at
Clinton Falls, they purchased a 240-acre tract of prairie and tim-
ber land, which with diligent toil and unceasing courage they
succeeded in clearing, breaking and improving, until it now
stands an ideal living place. Our subject received his early educa-
tion at the district schools of Baraboo and Clinton Falls. Most
of the time not spent at school was devoted to improvements
on his father's farm, until 1880. In the spring of 1880, he
1230 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
started for himself, renting a farm witliin the city limits of
Owatonna, where he worked with the spirit of a good German
until, after the lapse of a few years, he was able to purchase
the farm. Mr. Sahler did not lay aside his ambition upon becom-
ing owner of these premises, but purchased more land until now
he owns 170 acres, all which lie within the city limits. During
the month of December. 1880. he was married to Miss Sarah M.
Batzle. In 1907. he rented his farm and in 1910 moved into the
business districts of Owatonna, where he still resides. He is a
good, big-hearted man, appreciated by his friends and the whole
community. For several years past Mr. Sahler has served as
alderman of the third ward. He is one of the organizers of the
Farmers' Gilt Edge Creamery Association of Owatonna, and
served as treasurer for eight years. In 1901 and again in 1910
he became president, which position together with that of man-
ager, he still holds. For the last ten years he has been director
of the Farmers' elevator at Owatonna, and is now president, and
he is also a director of the Owatonna Canning Factory and of
the Washintgon Tool Company of Owatonna. He was influential
in organizing the Steele County Fair Association, and at present
holds the office of director and second vice president of that
organization. Mr. Sahler received nothing by luck or chance ;
but owes all to his good honest dealings and his unceasing toil.
His political sentiments are with the Republican party, his re-
ligious faith with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is
also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Charles J. Kinyon, cashier of the First National Bank of
Owatonna, is one of the substantial men of Owatonna, and has
taken his part in its municipal and financial progress. He was
born in Jefferson county. New York, May 17, 1848. and received
his education in the public schools, supplementing this with a
thorough business course in the Hungeford Collegiate Institute,
at Adams, N. Y. In 1870. as a young man of twenty-eight, he
came to Owatonna, and after working in a bank for a short time,
entered the grocery business. He then went back east, but
after a short period returned to Owatonna, and became teller in
the First National Bank. In 187.S he became cashier, and in
1883 was elected vice president. In 1906 he again assumed the
duties of cashier, in which position he is still serving. Possibly
Mr. Kinyon's most distinguished service to his fellow citizens has
been his work in connection with the water supply of Owatonna,
he being practically the originator of the present system. He
was city treasurer four terms, and alderman from the second
ward four terms. During the latter period he served as acting-
mayor for a short time. Mr. Kinyon was married in September,
1874, to Charlotte E. Wardwell. a native of New York State.
THUS. K. ('ASHMAN
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1331
To tliis union lia\e been born three children : l'"ayelte C, is
assistant cashier in the P'irst National Bank of Owatonna; Wil-
liam W. is employed by the Alexander Lumber Company ; Edna
A. married Richard D. Collins, of W'inton, Minn. The family
residence is pleasantly situated at 331 East Vine street. The
parents of C. J. Kinyon were Samuel and Dolly Kinyon. natives
of New York State. The father went to California with the
gold rush in 1849, and died at sea while on his way back to
New York. The mother came to Owatonna in 1874 and died
in June, 1881.
Hon. Thomas E. Cashman, tlie well-known nurseryman, has
achieved an enviable position in the state, both as a man of
public affairs and as a successful and progressive horticulturist.
His nursery business is constantly growing, and his political
friends predict that in public life the state senatorship is but
a first step which will lead him on to still greater honors.
Mr. Cashman is a native son of this countjs born in Clinton
Falls township, September 2, 1871, and lived on the home farm
till he became of age. He attended the public schools of his
neighborhood and the parochial school at Owatonna, after which
he began his career by working a short time at the carpenter's
trade. He felt a call, however, to wider fields of activity, and
accepted a position as traveling salesman for a nursery concern.
Seeing the opportunities for a young man in the nursery busi-
ness, Mr. Cashman, in 1898, purchased a small tract of land inside
the city limits of Owatonna, and started in business for himself
on a small scale under the name of the Clinton Falls Nursery
Company. The growth of this business was steady and satis-
factory. In 1901, came a necessity for an enlargement of the
scope of the industr}', and a company was incorporated with
Thomas E. Cashman, M. R. Cashman and W. H. Hart as the
stockholders, and one year later took in J. R. Laughlin and
J. A. Cieszinski. In 1906 this company added 100,000 square
feet of glass for greenhouse purposes, devoted almost entirely
to the cut flower business, and in 1908 added an extensive seed
department. This combination is among the largest of its kind
in the United States. Mr, CasJiman is a director of the Security
State Bank of Owatonna, and belongs to the Knights of Colum-
bus, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Ancient Order of
Hibernians. The subject of this sketch is a staunch Democrat
in politics, and has been active in the councils of his party. He
served for a long period as a member of the school board of
Owatonna. and ably filled the mayor's chair of the city for
two terms. In 1906 he was elected to the Minnesota state senate
for a term of four years. It is a tribute to the personal popu-
larity of Mr. Cashman and a testimonial of the confidence he has
1232 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
won, that he carried a nominally Republican county by a plurality
of over 300 votes. Mr. Cashman was married September 14,
1897, to Margaret J. Laughlin, a daughter of J. H. Laughlin, of
Merton township, Steele county. The Cashman home has been
blessed with five children: Katherine, Mary, Eugene, Edwin
and Genevieve.
Edward and Mary (Welch) Cashman, parents of Senator
Cashman, are natives of Ireland and Alassachusetts, respectively.
They came to ^Minnesota in 1867 and located in Clinton Falls
township, Steele county, where the)- are still engaged in farming.
Mr. Cashman was appointed president of the State Horti-
cultural Society in 1910, and is also president of the Minnesota
Farmers' Institvite board.
Julius F. Young, an honored veteran of the Civil War, and
for forty A-ears a business man of Owatonna, has made an
enviable record for himself, both in military and civil life. He
was born in German}-, February 28, 1845, son of Friedrich and
Julia Young. In the Revolutionary times of 1849 the father
took an active part on the side of the people, losing life and prop-
erty.
The molher, as a refugee, came to New York City, and in
1852 to Stillwater, Minn.
The subject of this sketch was reared by his grandmother in
Germany until 1859, wdien he came to St. Paul, Minn., learning
the watchmaker trade, working there until 1862, when he went
to \\'isconsin, enlisting in Company A, of the Twentieth Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry. While at St. Louis, Mo., he was
made orderly to Major General Herron, with whom he served
in the Army of the Frontier, in the Thirteenth Army Corps
during the Vicksburg campaign and in the Department of the
Gulf. When the commanders were changed, he became orderly
for Major General Gordon E. Granger, who commanded the
corps. In the campaign against Mobile, Ala., when IVIobile was
captured, he stayed at Mobile and became orderly for Major
General Canby until July 1865, when he came to Madison, Wis.,
for muster out of the service. He was in the following engage-
ments : The Battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., where he was wounded
in the left shoulder and lip; the capture of Van Buren, Ark.;
the capture of Fort Smith, Ark., and a number of skirmishes in
Missouri and Arkansas ; the siege of Vicksburg and the battles
leading thereto; the capture of Yazoo City; the battle of Achafa-
layo, La. At Achafalayo bridge, while delivering dispatches to
the Nineteenth Iowa and Twenty-sixth Indiana, he was captured
with these regiments and taken to Tyler, Tex., where in about
two weeks he with others escaped to Fort Smith, Ark., rejoining
without delay his command at New Orleans, La., in time for the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1233
General Banks expedition to the Rio Grande, where he partici-
pated in the capture of Brazos Island and Point Isabel, the
battle of Brownsville, the capture of Corpus Christi and a skir-
mish at Cortina Ranch, Tex. ; also in the invasion of Madamoras,
Mex., for the protection of Americans during the battle between
Imperial and Loyal Mexicans. He was left on Commodore
Farragut's flagship, "The Hartford," to be sent back with dis-
patches to General Granger as soon as an opening for the army
was effected. He witnessed the terrible havoc to the fleet while
passing the batteries of Fort Morgan and Gaines, the blowing up
and sinking of the Monitor Tecumseh, with 126 men, close to
the Hartford ; the thrilling naval battle and capture of the Con-
federate ram, "Tennessee" ; the siege of Fort Morgan and en-
gagements of Bassccour (Fish river), Ala.; the battle of Pasga-
goula, Miss. ; expedition to Pascavello Bay, Fla. ; the siege of
Spanish Fort and Blacklcy and the capture of Mobile, Ala. He
served until July, 1865, and was mustered out at Madison, Wis.
He subsequently came to Owatonna, Minn., and worked at his
trade until January, 1866, and then started a jewelry store on
Bridge street, where he continued business for forty years, meet-
ing with reasonable success, retiring from business in 1906.
He was married July 30. 1872. at Owatonna, to Rosalie Caroline
Dinnijes, a native of Watertown, Wis. Four children have
blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Young: Eleanor R. and Ca-
milla A., living at home ; Julius F. and an infant boy, both de-
ceased. Mr. Young is a Unitarian in his religious belief, and
in politics is a progressive Republican. He is a member of
James A. Goodwin Post No. 81, G. A. R., Owatonna. By hard
work and strict attention to business he has accumulated a com-
petence, owning the "Young Block," on Bridge street. Owatonna,
and also properly in St. Paul, Minn.
Claude J. Clefton, ])resident of the Clcflnn Company, and one
of the well known citizens of Owatonna, was born in Muk-
wonago. \\'is., May 24, 1867, and when nine years of age was
taken by his mother to Madison in the same state. There he
attended the public schools, and subsequently learned the plumb-
ing and heating trade, working at this line in Madison for five
years. In 1885 he came to St. Paul and engaged in similar
work. His first experience in Owatonna was in 1888, when he
installed the heating plant and did all the plumbing in the state
public school buildings, the first work of this kind in the city.
He then entered into business at Faribault with his brother,
under the firm name of the Clefton Brothers. A short time
afterward the firm took the contract for installing a public sewer
in Owatonna, and subsequently opened a general plumbing
establishment here. After a few years, David W. Sperry be-
1234 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
came a partner, and the firm name was changed to Clefton
Brothers & Sperry. In the meantime the firm continued to
grow in importance, and the volume of business increased ma-
terially. Three years after Mr. Sperry 's admission to the firm,
Claude J. Clefton purchased the interest of his brother Sewell,
and the firm name became Clefton & Sperry until Mr. Sperry's
death. The business was then continued under the name of the
C. J. Clefton Plumbing & Heating Company, until 1905, when
G. J. Clefton purchased a half interest. In 1908, S. M. Clefton
purchased an interest, and a branch was opened at Austin, Minn.
In 1910 the business was incorporated, with C. J. Clefton as
president, the firm name being "The Clefton Company." The
company has been very successful, its business dealings are
conducted on a high plane of integrity, and its work is of the
best. The subject of this sketch belongs to the Masonic order
and to the I. O. O. F., the K. of P.. the C. of H. and the B. A. Y.
He is a member of the park board of the city of Owatonna, and
chairman of tlie committee on fountains and grounds. He was
married December 25. 1890, at Mukwonago, Wis., to Mena Gul-
bronson, of that place, and to this union have been born three
children: Clyde M., May 11, 1892; Herbert E., Feb. 1, 1896; and
George S., Oct. 25. 1899. The family faith is that of the Episco-
pal Church, and the residence is a comfortable home at 622
East Vine street.
George W. Morford, formerly a prosperous farmer, now re-
tired from active work and living in Owatonna, was born in New
York state on September 17, 1831. He is a son of Cyrus W.
and Mary (Riggs) Morford, both natives of New York, who in
1843 came to Wisconsin, where tlie father worked at his trade
as a carpenter for the remainder of his Iffe, dying there in 1857.
The mother is also dead. Mr. Morford was educated in the
public schools of New York. After leaving school he took up
farming until 1854, when he came west, locating first in Wis-
consin. In March, 1856, he came to Owatonna and pre-empted
160 acres of land in section 6. Owatonna township; broke and
cleared the land, built himself a home and followed general
farming until 1894, when he retired from active work and moved
to the city of Owatonna, where he now lives. He was married,
December 23, 1857, to Miss Sarah A. Weller, of Lyons, N. Y.,
a daughter of James and Harriet Weller, natives of England,
who came to America in 1853 and located at Lyons, N. Y.,
where they engaged in farming the rest of their lives. The
father died in 1862, and the mother is also dead. Two children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morford. Alice C. is in the
art department of Pillsbury Academy and lives at home with
her parents ; Harriet E.. a teacher in the public schools of Owa-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 123n
tonna since 1893, is now principal of the Lincoln school. In his
political views Mr. Morford is a republican, and in his religious
faith he is a Baptist. He has served his town as supervisor,
and also as assessor, and has been a member of the school board
of Owatonna. By the hard labor of himself and his good wife
he has acquired a competence, and they are now living in retire-
ment in their pleasant home in Owatonna, where he still takes
an active interest in all that pertains to the advancement of the
city and county.
Dana P. Sawyer for many years went in and out among the
people of Summit township, his character and life a living ex-
ample of righteous industry and unswerving integrity. He was
born in \'crmont, July 29, 1840, and there received his early
education. In 1866, he came west and located near Geneva, in
Freeborn county. There he purchased eighty acres of land.
Later he sold the land and moved to a farm near Blooming
Prairie. In 1881 he came to Summit township and purchased
eighty acres, to which he added from time to time, until he
owned 240 acres of well tilled land. He was successfully en-
gaged in farming at the time of his death, October 29, 1900.
He was a Republican in politics, a director of the school board
of his district and a prominent member of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Sawyer was married March 28, 1888, to Melinda McFall,
and to this union were born four children : Ira, of Summit town-
ship; Mabel, wife of Ralph Burshem, of Summit township; Floyd
and Fhvain, who are at home with their mother. Mrs. Sawyer
was born in McKean county, Pennsylvania, April 8, 1854, and
came west with her parents, Chester and Phoebe M. (Garlick)
McFall, in 1863, locating in Summit township, where they farmed
all their days. The father died April 8, 1901. and the mother
August 21. 1898.
George W. Moriarty, who farms on the family homestead in
Summit township, is well liked throughout the community. He
was born in Franklin county. New York, April 6, 1866, son of
John and Ellen Moriarty. He attended the public schools and
then took a course in the Lawrenceville (N. Y.) high school.
Then he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1884 came west
and became a contractor for the Dululh & Iron Range railroad,
until 1895. when he came to Summit township and took up his
residence on the old homestead, which, one year later, he pur-
chased. He has since successfully carried on general farming.
Mr. Moriarty was married June 23, 1897, to Alice Farr, of
Geneva, Freeborn county, daughter of R. P. Farr, a prominent
farmer, and Isabelle Hill, his wife, who died August 29, 1901.
Mrs. Moriarty was born September 2, 1875. To her happy union
with G. W. Moriartv have been born three children: Marie I.,
]-^36 HISTORY OF RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES
January 16. 1899; Alice I.. October 13, 1903, and George R,
January 15, 1902.
John and Ellen Moriarty. parents of George W. Moriarty,
were natives respectively of Xew York state and Ireland, the
mother having come to this country at the age of nine years.
After living for a time in Xew York state, they came west in
1884 and located in Steele county on 160 acres in section 35.
They built a home, developed and improved the land and fol-
lowed general farming. The mother died in 1886, two years
after coming to Minnesota. The father sold his farm to his
son in 1897, and lived with him until his death, April 13, 1909.
Isaac W. Ferguson, a respected citizen of Summit township,
was born in Chenango county, Xew York. December 23. 18-F9,
son of Stephen and Catharine (Ruliffson) Ferguson, life-long
residents of that slate. He received his education in the public
schools and remained in his native state until attaining his ma-
jority, at which time, in 1870, he came west and located in sec-
tion 30, in Summit township. After ten years he sold this land
and moved to Marshall, Lyon county, remaining there thirteen
years. Then he lived in Freeborn county for five years, and sub-
sequently returned to Steele county and purchased his present
farm in section 31, where he has since successfully farmed. Mr.
Ferguson is a stockholder in the Ellendale creamery. A thor-
ough friend of civic righteousness, he is determined that the
Prohibition party has found the sure cure for the greatest of
the evils with which the country is afflicted, and has been an
earnest w-orker in the ranks of that party for many years. In
the Methodist Church he is a steward and trustee, and his serv-
ices on the official board for many years have been highly valued.
He has also been superintendent of the .Sunday school twelve
years and chorister of the church for a considerable time. The
subject of this sketch was married. December 25, 1868, to Marie
Tabor, who was born in July. 1851, and died August 25, 1872,
leaving one daughter, Josephine E.. who was born January 12,
1870, and died February 4, 1874. Mr. Ferguson was married,
October 16, 1877. to Emma Cusick, born in Monroe county. New
York, April 9, 1857. To this union have been born three chil-
dren: James Raymond, born September 9, 1884, and died June
10, 1886; Harold, born December 8, 1885. his father's right-hand
man on the farm; Catherine Avis, born August 9, 1890, and
died September 24, 1898. Stephen and Catherine (Rulif¥son)
Ferguson were natives of New York state, of Scotch and Ger-
man ancestry respectively. The former followed farming in
New York state all his life, and died in 1855. The latter passed
away in 1878.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1237
Thomas M. Anderson, a well-known farmer of Havana town-
ship, has the honor of having been the originator of the station
of Anderson and the postoffice of Lysne, having given several
acres of his land to the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Com-
pany for the purpose of establishing a station at this advan-
tageous point. The subject of this sketch was born in Norway,
January 2, 1858, son of Mons Anderson Void and Martha Thors-
tondotor Grathe, his wife, who came to America in 1861, bring-
ing with them young Thomas, who at that time was but two and
a half years old. Locomotion was slow in those days, and being
hindered by high winds and rough weather, they were fourteen
weeks in making the tri]) in the old sailing vessel in which they
had embarked. They at last reached land, and after another
tiresome journey, found themselves at Red Wing, where a num-
ber of fellow countrymen had already settled. Hearing of the
good lands about Holden, they made the trip to that township,
going mostly by foot. There the father engaged in farming for
six years, having the usual trying experiences and privations of
the early pioneer days. At first the family lived in a dug out, and
later built a log cabin. At the time of the Indian outbreak, it
was often rumored that bands of the bloodthirsty savages were
headed toward Goodhue county, and night after night, a little
band of immigrants, consisting of five or six families, would
gather in the dugout armed with pitchforks, axes and other
weapons, while the children, filled with fear of the savages in a
strange country, cried all night. But the scare passed, and life
moved on in its accustomed channels. In 1867 the Anderson
family came to Havana township. The trip from Holden to
Rice Lake, Havana township, was made by ox team. Sloughs
and marshes impeded their progress, and the trip through Rice
Lake woods was made over an old corduroy road of logs, the
wagon bumping from one log to another. Reaching their des-
tination, the father purchased eighty-eight acres of mixed prairie
and timber land in section 28, adding to this from time to time
and improving the whole until he had a fine farm of 165 acres.
On this farm, Thomas M. passed his boyhood and received his
education in the district school. His school days over, he as-
sisted his father on the home farm until the latter's retirement
in 1883, when he purchased the home place, on which he has
followed general farming ever since. Mr. Anderson is a staunch
believer in up-to-date agriculture, and aided by modern buildings
and equipment, has developed one of the finest farms in the
county. He is a stockholder in the Havana creamery. In politics
he is a supporter of the Democratic party, and has always
taken an active interest in public affairs, at present serving his
tenth year as clerk of school district, No. 91. He has been
1238 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
justice of the peace, constable and town overseer. He was post-
master of Lysne, on his farm, where the station of Anderson is
now located, and at one time conducted the store at Anderson.
Gov. John A. Johnson appointed him a delegate to the Farmers'
National Congress, at Buffalo. He has been trustee of the Nor-
wegian Lutheran congregation three years and secre'ary of the
Norwegian Lutheran Church at Aurora four years. His wife
and family are also loyal members of the Lutheran faith. Mr.
Anderson is also one of the popular members of the Modern
Woodmen of America. He was married June 25, 188^-, to Anna
Moe. To this union have been born twelve children, all of whom
are living, Mary, wife of Alfred Anderson, a traveling salesman
of Mankato; Alma, of Mankato; Hattie, who lives at home;
Clare, of Watertown, S. D. ; Louise, now wife of L. W. Thomp-
son, a hardware merchant, of Denhofif, N. D. ; Melsien, Arthur,
Myrtle, Ervin, Ruben, Esther and Bernard. Mons Anderson,
father of Thomas M.. died on the old farm, December, 1898.
The mother lives with her son.
Lars Anderson, a successful farmer of Summit township,
was born in Denmark. December 7, 1851, son of Anders Hansen
and Carrie Christiansen, his wife, who lived and died in the old
country. Lars received his education in Denmark and came to
America in 1873. For a time he worked on a farm in Dodge
county by the month, and came to Steele county in 1877. He
first purchased eighty acres in Summit township, and later added
eighty more, making a fine farm of 160 acres, which he now con-
ducts. His land is well tilled and his buildings neat and well
kept, his stock being looked after in a humane and scientific
inanner. Mr. Anderson was married March 19, 1877, to Anna S.
Nelsen, and to this union have been born six children : Mary,
the wife of Lewis Larsen, of North Dakota ; Sena, the wife of
George Larsen, of North Dakota ; Carl \^^ and Anton S., of
Summit township, and Dora J. and Arnold V. at home. The
family faith is that of the Lutheran churcli. and Mr. Andersen
votes the Republican ticket.
L. G. Campbell, president and manager of the milling com-
pany at Owatonna, that bears his name, was born at Northfield,
Rice county, Minnesota, September 16, 1862, to John and Cath-
erine (Graham) Campbell, the former a native of Scotland and
the latter of Canada. The father settled at Milwaukee, Wis., in
1852, and for a time was engaged as a railroad contractor. He
afterwards settled on a farm near Northfield, Rice county Min-
nesota, and carried on general farming till 1868. He then moved
to Claremont in Dodge county, and engaged in the same occu-
pation, giving special attention to grain and stock raising till
1889. when he moved to Austin. Minn., where he and liis wife
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1339
now reside, 1910. Our subject was educated in the public schoo's
in Dodge county and at Pilisbury Academy, and after leaving
home engaged in railroad contract work. In 1886, in company
with his brother, under the name of Campbell Brothers, he turned
his attention to the milling business at Austin till 1894. The
firm also took a mill at Blooming Prairie, of which Mr. Campbell
has had the management till 1909, when the L. G. Campbell
Milling Company at Owatonna was organized, and incorporated
with L. G. Campbell, president; T. H. Kelly, vice president;
E. G. Campbell, secretary and T. R. Kelly, treasurer. The com-
pany conducts an extensive business, and has a far reaching
influence, its output being six hundred barrels per day, and its
products being shipped throughout the states of Wisconsin,
Iowa, Illinois and other sections of the Northwest, also to New
York and the New England States, while its export trade reaches
London, Amsterdam, and other European markets. Mr. Camp-
bell is a wide-awake and thorougii man of affairs and takes an
active interest in matters outside of his private business. At
Blooming Prairie he served two years as president of the city
council, and also on the city school board. He is also a Mason
of high standing. In politics he adheres to the principles of
the Republican party, and in his religious belief is a Pres-
byterian. In August, 1885, Mr. Campbell married Janet McMar-
tin, whose parents, Peter and Conlin McMartin, removed from
Scotland, their native land, to Canada. Thence they came to
Claremont, Minn., and settled on a farm, being among the early
settlers of that section, and there passed their lives. Mr. and
Mrs. Campbell have four children, of whom Edward G., the
eldest, is connected with the milling company ; John S., is a
student at Macaelester College, while Margaret G. and Lawrence
M. are pupils in the Owatonna High School.
John R. Carroll. Among those whose lives are worthy of be-
ing recorded in this book, as examples of hard work and
progress to the younger generation, is the subject of this sketch.
He was born in Canada, July 11, 1846, and in 1863 came with his
parents to Dane county, Wisconsin. In 1876 he came to Austin
and worked in the railroad shops for the C. M. & St. P. Ry., for
one and a half years. Then he came to Steele county and lived
in Meriden township five years. At the close of this period he
had saved enough from his earnings to purchase 100 acres in
Summit township, in addition to 100 acres which his wife
received from her father, Jeremiah Foley, one of the pioneers.
This farm of 200 acres he has developed and improved, bringing
it to a high stage of cultivation. The well kept land and the
comfortable buildings makes the farm one of the best in the
immediate neighborhood. Mr. Carroll is a Democrat in politics.
1240 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIE«^
and has served as supervisor of Summit township three years
and as chairman of the board five years. He is a director of
school district No. 95 and a stockholder in the Security State
Bank, of Owatonna. Mr. Carroll was married in January, 1876,
to Anna Foley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Foley, the
early settlers. Ten children have blessed the Carroll home,
William, of Ellendale ; Mamie, wife of Christopher Lynard. of
Summit township ; Nellie, a school teacher ; Arthur, who is at
home; Myrtle and Mabel, twins, students at the Owatonna High
School ; George, Irene and Ida. Alvin is dead. The family faith
is that of the Roman Catholic Church. Roger and I\Iary (Gal-
agher) Carroll, parents of John R. Carroll, were natives of Ire-
land. They located in Canada in 1845, and in 1863 took up
their residence in Dane count}', Wisconsin, engaging in farming
the remainder of their lives. Both are deceased.
John Hobenschield, one of the well liked farmers of Summit
township, was born in Austria, November 25, 1855 and came to
America thirty years later, locating in Steele county, on sixty
acres of land, which he purchased in Aurora township. Two
years later he came to Berlin township and rented the Lord
Brothers farm. In 1897 lie purchased 920 acres in Summit
township, known as the Kelley farm. This tract of land he has
developed and greatly improved, and has carried on farming with
great success. In addition to this, he and his son own a complete
set of ditching machinery, which they work with throughout
the township, in addition to conducting the farm. Mr. Hoben-
schield is a Democrat in politics and attends the Catholic church.
He owns stock in the Farmers' Elevator and the Farmers' Cream-
ery at Ellendale. Mr. Hobenschield was married in October,
1877, in Austria, and to this union have been born a goodly
number of children, eight of whom are living. Joseph assists his
father in conducting the farm ; Theresa is the wife of Frank
Hondl, of Aurora township; Carolina is the wife of Anton liondl.
of the same township; John, Anton, Leopold, Frances and Ida
live at home.
Nels Jergensen has successfully conducted the Deloss Higbee
farms for over thirty years, and his agricultural methods have
been successful during all of that long period. He was born in
Denmark, October 25, 1852, and after receiving his education in
that country, learned the weaver's trade. In 1873 he came to
America, located in Summit township, Steele county, and took
up general farming. In addition to the 520 acres, which he so
admirably manages, he owns a small tract of forty acres in his
own name. For twenty-five years he has been breeding up to
a high grade of Shorthorn cattle, and his fine herd is now one
of the prides of the township. With this herd, Mr. Jergensen
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1241
makes a specialty of dairying. He is a Republican in politics,
has been supervisor of the township and director of the school
board several years. He is a stockholder in the Ellendale cream-
ery and in the Farmers' Elevator. The subject of this sketch
was married August 30, 1873, to Karen Kerstine, of Denmark.
Of their ten children, seven are living. George is dead; Hannah
is Mrs. R. P. Nelson, of Blooming Prairie township ; Mary is
Mrs. M. W. Nelson, of Minneapolis; Harvey, who married Anna
Casperson, now deceased, lives at home ; Turvcl lives in Water-
loo, Iowa; Peter and Ida live at home; Arthur, twin of Ida, is
dead ; Emma is a dressmaker at home, and Arthur, the second,
is dead. The family faith is that of the Lutheran Church. Jer-
gen Nelson and Marie Jacobson, his wife, parents of Nels Jergen-
sen, were natives of Denmark. The mother died in 1854, and
the father is still living in Denmark at the good old age of
81 years.
Henry Kruckeberg, a prominent farmer of Steele county, his
birthplace, was born December 14, 1858, a son of Fred Krucke-
berg. A sod shanty was his boyhood home, his education being
the best obtainable from the district schools at that time. His
father was a large landowner, at one lime, possessing 1,000 acres,
and after lea\ing school, he helped him with the farming of a
portion of it for a few years before engaging in farming on his
own account. He is now the owner of 450 acres, eighty in
Aurora and the remainder in Dodge county, and carries on gen-
eral farming on a large scale with much success, his up-to-date
equipment and buildings being of much assistance. Dairying is
extensively engaged in. a large herd of Durham cattle supplying
milk of the best quality to a near by creamery, of which Mr.
Kruckeberg is one of the largest shareholders. Poland China
and DuRoch Jersey hogs are an inii)ortant factor. In politics,
he is a loyal adherent of the Republican party, but has never
aspired to public office, his other afifairs taking all his time and
attention. During 1885 he was married to Ida Day, daughter of
Jacob and Mary Ann Day. They have seven children : Delorma
is a drayman at Owatonna, and Stella. Ezra. Rachael, Elmer,
Harold and W illard all live at home. Lizzie, Esther, Myrtle and
another child, who died in infancy, are deceased. The family
are loyal attendants of the Lutheran Church.
James J. Lea is one of the men who have assisted in building
up the farming interests of Summit township. He was born in
Norway, January 4, 1849, there received his education, and in
1871 came to America, locating for a time in Freeborn county.
He purchased 174 acres and farmed thereon until 1879, when
he came to Steele county and purchased eighty acres in Berlin
township. He later sold that and purchased 163 acres in sec-
1U2 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
tion 28. Summit township, erected buildings, improved the land
and made other modern improvements, now carrying on general
farming successfulh-. He has been constable, and has served
many years on the school board of his district, being a thorough
believer in education. To his union with Carrie Anderson, whom
he married February 20. 1874, twelve children have been born:
Johnnie is dead; Henry is a farmer in Berlin township; Christina
is the wife of Andrew B. Lea, of Goodhue county : Joseph is a
farmer in Berlin township and Annie, Ola, Jennie, Carl, Emma,
Mary and Clara are at home. The family religion is that of the
Lutheran Church. John and Anna (Peterson) Lea. parents of
James J. Lea. were natives of Norway, where the father died.
The mother came to America in 1877 and lived with her chil-
dren until her deatli in 1894.
John Richmond Morley, one of Minnesota's distinguished
citizens, is known far and wide for the interest he has taken
in the pure food laws, and his efforts in behalf of the dair3'men
of Minnesota, being at the present time president and general
manager of the Minnesota Co-Operative Daries' Association.
He was born in Onondaga county. New York, November 19,
1830, and at the age of nine years was brought to Wisconsin
by his parents in 1860. In 1868 he came to Steele county, re-
mained here tmtil 1872, then went to Illinois in the Chicago &
Northwestern Railway service, remaining there until 1883, when
he returned to Steele county and purchased his present farm.
He now owns a model dairy farm, and is one of the foremost
exponents of modern dairying methods in this state. In his
official capacity with the Co-Operative Dairies he has actively
worked for the interests of the creameries throughout the state.
During his seven years of service from 1902 to 1909. as secretary
of the Minnesota State Dairymen's Association, he did much
toward making that organization the power that it now is. In
politics, Mr. ^lorley is a staunch supporter of the Republican
party, and as a member of the lower house of the Minnesota
Legislature from 1901 to 1905, he did the state distinguished
service. The Knights of Pythias count him as a loyal brother.
October 16, 1872, Mr. Morley was married to Emma C. Searl.
by whom he has four children : Mrs. Mary C. Annett, of
Owatonna ; Mrs. Ida Maude Foster, of Clark, S. D. ; Mrs. Alice
E. Scram, of Owatonna, and Edith C. Morley, also of Owatonna.
John S. and Corinthia S. (Richmond) Morley. parents of
John R. Morley, were natives of Onandaga county. New York,
being of English and Welsh descent, respectively. They moved
to Wisconsin in 1860 and came to Steele county in 1868. The
grandparents of Mr. Morley came from England and were among-
the pioneer settlers of Onandaga county.
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1243
Axel Nelson, a well known resident of Summit township,
lives on the farm where he was born, October 29, 1879. He
received his education in the district school, and farmed with his
father, still remaining on the home farm, and looking after iiis
mother's interests. In addition to this he rents 150 acres, and
carries on farming in an able maner, being one of the sticcessful
men of the vicinity. He is a Republican in politics, and a
member of the Lutheran Church. He has been clerk of school
district No. 56 since reaching the age of 21 years. He was a
member of the Republican county committee two years. His
particular pride is in his fine herd of Durham cattle and his
drove of Poland China hogs. Jacob Nelson and Jane Jergen-
son, his wife, were born in Denmark and came to this country
in 1877. One year later they purchased eighty acres in section
25, Summit township, made many improvements and built a
home, conducting farming for many years. The former died July
17, 1904, and the latter still owns the old place. In the family
were eight children: Emma, Nora, Anna, Olga, Alma, Sarah,
Ella and Axel, the latter of whom manages the farm for iiis
mother.
Jens C. Petersen, who owns a fertile farm in Blooming
Prairie township, was born in Denmark September 3, 1855, son
of Peter Jensen and Patrena (Andreasen), natives of Denmark,
where they were both born and died. Jens received his educa-
tion in the schools of Denmark and at the age of twenty years,
in 1875, immigrated to America, locating first in Illinois, where
he remained for two years following cement work and mining.
In 1876, he went to Iowa, where he was engaged in railroad
work. In the month of December, 1877, he came to Minnesota,
locating at Owatonna, in the spring of the following year he
moved to Blooming Prairie township, where he first worked by
the month at the rate of ,$18, he then purchased 180 acres of land
and engaged in farming until 1887. At this time he sold the farm
and went to Colorado, where he worked for the Union Pacific
Railroad one year. He then returned to .Steele county and pur-
chased 120 acres of land, on which he farmed until 1895. Again
selling his land, he repurchased 120 acres in Blooming Prairie
township, sections 26 and 27, where he has followed diversified
and general farming ever since. Mr. Petersen was married
March 25, 1882, to Hattie F. Thimsen. Their home is blessed
with nine children, viz. : Peter J., Julia A., now Mrs. Dovvd,
living in Charles City, Iowa; Jessie J.. Geo. J., Charles J.. Wil-
liam J., Patrena J., Hans C. and Jay C. Mr. Petersen is Demo-
cratic in his political views. He is a member of the Lutheran
Church. He is also a member of the A. F. A. M., M. W. A., and
the Danish Brotherhood. He has served his township as justice
1244 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
of peace for twenty years, and is still serving, and many are
the people that has been guided by his good advice. lie has
been assessor for fourteen years, which office he still holds, and
he has also served on the school board in his district. He is
also interested in co-operative enterprises and has been director
in the Dearfield Mutual Fire Insurance Company for seven
years, and also was one of the organizers of the first Co-Opera-
tive Creameries in Blooming Prairie township, now called the
Union Creamery. Mr. Petersen is a good citizen, has made all
by his own hard work, and is highly respected by all who know
him.
Peter Pribyl, a substantial agriculturalist of Summit town-
ship, was born in Bohemia, in May, 1859, and received his educa-
tion in the schools of that country. In 1866 he came to America
and lived in Somerset township, Steele count}-, two years. Then
he came to Summit township and purchased a farm of 200 acres,
120 acres in section 11 and eighty acres in section 12. He de-
veloped this land, erected buildings, and made many improve-
ments, making the place one of the excellent farms of the coimty.
He is now engaged in general farming with great success. He
holds stock in the Summit creamery, votes the Democratic
ticket, and belongs to the Catholic Church and the St. Joseph
Society. To his union with ^Matilda Kubecek. whom he married
in September, 1890, have been born six children ; Peter, Jr.,
Frank, Charles, Mar\-, Joseph and Henr}-.
William L. Smith, now deceased, was for many years one of
the capable and highly regarded farmers of Summit township.
He was born in Ohio in 1843, son of John W. and Susan (Shabo)
Smith. The mother died in 1849 and the father, after marrying
again, came W'est in 1858 with his family, and located in Summit
township, engaging in farming until his death in 1893. William
L. grew to manhood on the farm, and as he reached manhood
ptirchased eight\- acres of land. In 1867 he married INIrs. Julia
A. Russell, a widow, who also purchased eighty acres of land.
Mr. Smith worked this farm of 160 acres in Summit township
imtil his death January 2, 1880. He is survived by seven
children: James A., Robert P. and John W., farmers in Sum-
mit township ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Charles Gordon, of Canada ;
George E., a farmer in Summit township; Charles P., who
works with his mother, and Sarah, wife of E. Koffman, of Canada.
Mr. Smith was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the
Universalist Church.
Mrs. Julia A. Smith was born in Indiana, October 29, 1835,
She married Enos Russell, who was killed in 1864 in the service
of the United States Army, leaving two children. She was
married in 1867 to William L. Smith, and has seven children
1 THE NEW YORT^
r?
DR. K. K. BKiELUW
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUxXTIES 1345
by this union. Since Mr. Smith's death she has managed the
farm herself, and has proven a most capable business woman.
She has increased the farm until she has 320 acres in the home
farm, aside from a quarter section that one of her sons is work-
ing. Mrs. Smith is highly esteemed among her neighbors.
A. J. Young, a native of Merton township, where he is now
a thriving farmer, was born October 25, 1872. His education
begun at the district school, was supplemented by four years
of study at Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna. Leaving school he
has ever since engaged in farming. In 1898, Mr. Young rented
his father's farm, on which from that time, he has been busy
in tilling the soil and caring for his live stock. His especial
interest is in Holstein cattle and Percheron horses. He was
married to Lydia Greek}', daughter of James and Amelia Rib-
stein Greeley, in 1898. Three children bless their home : Clar-
ence, Jay and Loleita. A Republican in politics and an attendant
upon the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Young has been
active in local affairs, serving as treasurer of the school district
for a number of years and also as township road overseer. He
owns stock in and is a director of Merton Creamery, and is
also director and stockholder of the Merton Rural Telephone
Company.
James R. Young and his wife, Ellen Wilson, parents of
A. J. Young, came to Minnesota in 1861, and located on a home-
stead claim of 160 acres in Merton township. Mr. Young was
a native of New York, while his wife was born in England. In
1863, he enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War, in Company C,
Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close
of the rebellion, when he was honorably discharged. Return-
ing home, he worked on his farm until 1898, when he moved to
Owatonna, where with his wife he still lives.
Edward Elisha Bigelow, the oldest physician and surgeon
residing in Owatonna, was born in Akron, Ohio, July 1, 1842, his
father being a descendant of the Bigelow and Sumner families
of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont, emigrating from
the latter state to Akron with his parents at the age of 18
years ; his mother was a daughter of Dr. Jacobs of Elmira, N. Y. ;
both families spring from purely English blood. His mother died
in 1848, leaving a family of eight children, four boys and four
girls, he being the fifth born to the family. In 1850 he joined
his father, who had emigrated to Lake Mills, Wis., and there
received a common school and academical education and was
prepared for college work when the war of the rebellion inter-
rupted and he enlisted in the fall of 1861 with what was known
as General Fremont's body guards and went to rendezvous at
Milwaukee, from whence the company went to St. Louis and
1-M6 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
reported to Gen. Fremont. He was finally rejected as being
unfit for service and returned home. Determined to make an-
other trial, in July, 1862, he procured a commission to recruit a
company of infantry and soon, being joined by an old friend,
C. H. Bryant, who afterwards became the captain of the com-
pany, and who had just completed a three-months' service, the
two soon secured a full complement of volunteers and organized
the company which subsequently became Company D of the
Twenty-ninth Regiment Wisconsin \'olunteers. in which he
was a seargeant.
From the over exertion, the subject of this sketch was pros-
trated and taken to the post hospital at Helena. Ark., army
measles followed and, in turn pneumonia and a relapse of the
same, lying in the hospital at Helena during the months of Jan-
uary, February and March, 1863, then removed to Memphis
Hospital, where he was finally discharged from service by a
general order, extended to all similar cases, and returned to his
home in the North under the care of the sanitary board conducted
by the ever-to-be-remembered soldiers' friend, Mrs. Governor
Harvey of Wisconsin, who had, after the death of the governor,
dedicated her service to the caring for the sick and disabled
soldiers.
In the procuring of sanitary stores and forwarding them to
the front so that he felt that he had been able to do a fraction
of good in the cause. In the winter of 1864 and 186.T he taught
the village school of Milford, \Vis., and in September following
entered the University of Michigan, from which he received the
degree of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery in March, 1867, hav-
ing while a student at the university been honored by the position
of an assistant to the demonstrator of anatomy, professor of
anatomy and professor of gynecology and diseases of women and
children. Though there were no paid assistants at the university,
as such, except in a few instances, the experience received in that
capacity was of priceless value to the doctor in after life in en-
abling him to render better service to his patrons. After leaving
the university he immediately began work at the village of Milan,
a few miles south of Ann .-\rhor. that he could continue in close
touch with the university and add knowledge from an associa-
tion with the teachers of the institution as a member of the
Washtenaw County J\Iedical Society, where advanced jiapers
were read and discussed by tliem. At Milan he immediately
entered upon a large and lucrative practice, his old teachers ever
ready to render good council when needed.
During his sojourn in Michigan he met Miss Ella A. Eeles
(an English lady), of W^aterloo, N. Y., and on July 5, 1877, was
united with her in marriasje and moved to Owatonna, ^linn.
IllSTURV UF lUCE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1247
He is actively associated with James A. Goodwin Post, Grand
Army of the Republic, and was a charter member at its organiza-
tion.
The doctor has served sixteen years upon the Owatonna
United States board of pension examining surgeons, which
through his instrumentality was established at Owatonna, and is
still a member of the board. In 1864 he joined the Christian
Church, there not being a church of that denomination in Owa-
tonna ; and believing that every person should be identified with
some form of a Christian church organization, joined the Meth-
odist Episcopal denomination and in later years, with his family,
united with the First Congregational Church. He is a member
of Steele County Medical Society, the Southern Minnesota Med-
ical Society, the Minnesota State Medical Society, the American
Medical Association, and was an accredited member of the ninth
session of the International Medical Congress held at Washing-
ton, D. C, in 1887, from which he received full and voluminous
reports of the complete papers read before the congress by
the representative members of the medical and surgical profes-
sion of the world. In early life, the doctor became a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic fra-
ternities ; many years ago was honored by being promoted to the
offices of high priest in Chapter 15, Royal Arch Masons, and
eminent commander of Cyrine Commandery, No. 9, Knights
Templar, at Owatonna, and at the age of 68 years is still an
active member of the Masonic Orders, and also a member of
Osman Temple, Ancient Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at
St. Paul, Minn.
Among the papers contributed upon medical topics he has
stood staunchly in favor of advanced sanitation and as early as in
1875 read a paper before the Washtenaw County Medical Society
at Manchester, Mich., in support of what at the time was called
his pet theory "that tuberculosis was a contagious disease and
that all cases should be isolated and be placed under govern-
mental control before its ravages could be brought under subjec-
tion," a theory he has always since held and from time to time
advocated before medical associations, and while the different
states are now rendering aid in that direction he still believes it
to be the general government's duty to take the matter in hand
and give its full force to the end that the disease may be wiped
from our country. Dr. Bigelow was always enterprising in
doing his full part in the upbuilding and beautifying the city of
Owatonna, and for a time owned and published the Owatonna
Daily and \\'eckly Journal.
124S HISTORY OF RICK AND STEELE COUNTIES
Edward T. Archibald is a native of Canada, and came to the
United States in 1856, and located in Rice county, Minn., where
he remained a short time, and subsequently went to Hastings,
where he engaged in the real estate business. His brother,
John S., came to Rice county in 1857 and purchased about 1,100
acres of land where the present village of Dundas is located, and
in the spring of the same year built a dam across the Cannon
river, and erected a flour mill, which was the second mill of its
kind in the county, the first having been built by Hon. John
North, at Northfield, the previous year. The mill was of small
capacity and was built for custom trade, and was conducted by
John S. until 1865, when Edward T. bought a half interest, and
the mill was rebuilt in 1870, with better equipments of machin-
ery and a capacity of 800 barrels per day. In 1894 this mill was
destroyed Ijy fire, and they decided not to rebuild, but sold the
site. The brothers operated another mill on the Little Cannon
river, known as the O.xford mill, which was built in 1867, and
was sold in 1875. Mr. Archibald's son bought half interest in a
flour mill which was located on Third street, St. Paul, in 1878,
in partnership with Mr. Shurmier, the firm name being Archi-
bald &■ Shurmier, which they operated for about two years. Mr.
Archibald was married in 1848 to Jane Morse, of Hammond, St.
Lawrence count}-, New York, and they had two sons, both of
whom are dead. They were John and Frank. Airs. Archibald
died in 1882, and the only living relative of Mr. Archibald is
Alice, daughter of his son John. Mr. Archibald is a prominent
man in the county, and was one of the incorporators of the First
National Bank of Northfield, and also one of the directors. He
was at one time a stockholder and director m the First National
Bank of St. Paul. He was born June 14, 1827.
Walter K. Adams, banker, was born in East Prairie, Walcott
township, March 4, 1864, son of Thomas C. and Georgia (Vose)
Adams, early pioneers. He received his education in the tiistrict
schools of Walcott, and in the public schools of Faribault. He
entered Carleton college in 1883, and left that institution in 1886,
taking up farming on the old homestead. In 1891 he entered
the employ of the Sheffield Milling Co., as bookkeeper two years,
then purchased the old homestead and again engaged in farming
until 1900, when he was elected county auditor. He served until
i904, then went to Montana and engaged in the banking business
at Sidney, Dawson county, organizing the Sidney National Bank
in company with Thomas C. Gardner, of Faribault. Mr. Adams
served at one time as town clerk in the town of Walcott. He is
a high degree Mason and belongs to the Knights of Pythias and
the United Workmen. He was married September 4, 1889, at
East Prairie. Minn., to Elizabeth C. Herrington. daughter of
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1349
Elias and Mary llerrington, the former of whom is now dead
while the latter lives in North Dakota. To Mr. and Mrs. Adams
were born four children: Georgia K., Mabel J.. Mary E. and
W'innifred.
Thomas C. Adams and Georgia (Vosc) Adams, his wife, were
early pioneers, greatly esteemed in their commimity. They
were born in \^ermont, came to Minnesota in 1859, located in
East Prairie, W'alcotl township, took a homestead of 160 acres,
broke and improved the land, and continued farming until 1889.
They then came to Faribault, lived four years, and subsequently
went to Louisiana, which is now their home. Thomas C. Adams
was closely connected with the politics of Rice county. He was
county commissioner four years, supervisor many years in Wal-
cott township, prominent in his school district and town treas-
urer during the war period.
George L. Anderson, Faribault manufacturer, was born in
Stillwater, Minn., November 30, 1880, son of Axel and Hannah
Anderson, whose sketch will appear elsewhere. He came to
Faribault at the age of four with his parents and here received
a public school education. After leaving school he followed
clerking for one year and then took up butter making at Forest
Creamery one year to learn the business, then in the Grant
Creamery of Faribault for five years. In April, 1904, he went to
\\^ayzatta and engaged in machine work for the Campbell Motor
Co., until 1905. He then entered the employ of Rawson &
Anderson, of the Faribault Machine Shop and Foundry. June 1,
1905, he and his brother. Axel R., purchased the interest of Mr.
Rawson, and since then it has been known as the Anderson &
Son Machine Shop and Foundry, George L. becoming secretary
and treasurer, which position he has since occupied. Mr. Ander-
son lives on West Third street. He is a Republican in poliitcs
and belongs to the Maccabees. He attends the Methodist
church. Mr. Anderson has risen in life by his own efforts and
deserves much credit for the place he has carved out for himself
in the business life of Faribault.
John J. Alexander, now deceased, was one of the early pio-
neers of Rice county, where he came in June, 1854, with his
father, and established a home in what was then a wilderness,
but lived to see it blossom into beautiful farms, of verdant fields
and substantial homes. It is said that they built the first house
between Hastings and Faribault. Mr. Alexander was a lifelong
farmer, and became very prominent and influential in the county,
where he held several important offices, and also represented his
district in the state Legislature, to which he was elected in 1888.
He was a man of quiet habits and domestic taste, and who loved
his home above e\xrything else. He was born in Erie county.
1250 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUXTIES
Xew York. February 15, 1833, son of Jonathan and Lydia
(Davis) Alexander. The father was born in Vermont in 1801,
and died in 1887 in Rice county. In the Alexander home was a
family of seven children: Mrs. Joseph Wise, of Sharon, Wis.:
Mrs. John Lamphere, of Northfield ; John J. (deceased), and the
subject of this sketch : Jonas, of Washington : Mrs. Sylvester
Shirpey, of Northfield : Ira. deceased; Mrs. Charles Holt, de-
ceased. John J. Alexander remained at home until his marriage,
which occurred May 1. 1855. to Mary Ann Lake, who was born
in Rock County, Wis., January 24, 1836, daughter of Stewart and
Miranda (Willis) Lake, and they were the parents of two chil-
dren: John Palmer, born March 9, i857, and James \\'., born
June 13, 1863. Mr. Alexander was a lifelong Democrat and a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died Februar}'
11, 1891, and his wife reside? in Xorthficld in a home which she
built in 1907.
James W. Alexander, of Xorthficld township, was born on the
farm where he now resides, June 14, 1863, son of John J. Alex-
ander and Mary Ann (Lake) Alexander. He received his edu-
cation in the public schools of Xorthfield, and completed his
studies with a high school course, and after finishing his educa-
tion he took up farming at home and has since remained, carry-
ing on general farming. He was married Xovember 11, 1884, to
Frona Chamberlain, who was born at Honesdale. Penn.. Janu-
ary 25, 1866. daughter of Hiram and Mary (Kimble) Chamber-
lain, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in 1821. and
the mother in 1841. They spent their entire lives in their native
state, the father dying in 1867 and the mother in 1905. Mr. and
Mrs. Alexander have two children : Mary Ellen, born May 22.
1887. and James G., born October 19, 1891. Mr. Alexander, like
his father before him, is a firm believer in the principles of the
Democratic party, and although never having sought or held
public office, is always interested in the affairs of the community.
He is a stockholder in the Farmers" and Merchants' Elevator at
Xorthfield, of which he is also the president, which office he has
held since 1901. Fraternally he is associated with the A. O. U.
W. and the Social Lodge, Xo. 48, A. F. & A. M.
Henry F. C. Albers, a prosperous and well-to-do farmer of
Bridgewater township, was born in Bridgewater, December 21,
1861, to Henry and Christinia (Chite) Albers, natives of Ger-
many. His father, a farmer in his native land, came to America
in 1853 and located near Milwaukee, Wis., where he remained
until 1855; he then came to Minnesota, driving across the coun-
try with an ox team, and located in Bridgewater township. Rice
county, where he preempted land in section 31 and on which he
has carried on general farming and made extensive improve-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1351
ments. He also served in Company II, Fourth Minnesota Regi-
ment, (luring the Civil War. Our subject attained his education
in district schools of Bridgewater. After leaving school he
worked on a farm and in 1892 bought 120 acres of land, to which
he has added additional purchases until he now has a farm of 280
acres, well cultivated and up to date in every respect. He also
has 160 acres in St. Louis county. In addition to carrying on
farming successfully, he also conducts a lumber yard at Dundas,
Minn. Mr. .Mhers was married November 1.5, 1894, to Miss
Louisa, daughter of -Aug. and Catherine (Suess) Zimmerman,
natives of Germany, who in 1881 came to America and located
in Bridgewater township, from whence they later moved to
Northfield township, where they still live. Mr. and Mrs. Albers
have seven children, named in respective order of their birth :
Freemont. Clarence, Hattie, Frances, Edward, Carl and Harold,
all living at Jiomc. Mr. .Albers affiliates with the Democratic
party. In religious faith he, with his family, adheres to the Ger-
man Moravian church at Northfield. He is also a member of the
United Workmen. Besides conducting his own business suc-
cessfully, Mr. Albers is a public spirited man, and has done a
good deal to promote the welfare of his community. He is a
stockholder and (firect(^r in the Farmers Elevator Company, in
Northfield Telephone Company, stockholder in Forest Creamery
Company, and stockholdei in Independent Harvester Company,
of Piano. 111. He has filled a number of local offices, such as
assessor, which office he filled for five years, also supervisor and
justice of the peace.
W. Ward Allen, of the Sheffield-King Milling Company, was
born in Oswego, N. Y., April 15, 1855, son of H. B. and Arte-
mecia Allen, natives of New York state, where the father fol-
lowed milling in his adult days, dying in January, 1905. His
wife, the mother of W . Ward, is still living in Oswego, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch received his early education in his
native city and then attended the Academy at Mexico, in the
same state. He then took up milling with his father until 1874.
That year he came west and lived in River Falls, ^^'is., remaining
until i881. After working at his trade in Rush City, Minn., and
Jordan, Minn., he came to Faribault in July, 1903, acquired an
interest in the Sheffield-King Milling Company, and has since
been its superintendent. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen
and the Elks, and is a Republican in politics. His home is a
pleasant residence at 610 Fourth street. Mr. Allen was married
in September, 1881, at Mexico, N. Y., to Lillah E. Howard, of
that place, daugliler of George H. Howard. Mr. Howard died
in March. 1910; Mrs. Howard died in December, 1906. Mr. and
1252 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Mrs. Allen have one son, Howard C, of Faribault, who is con-
nected with the Faribault Gas and Electric Company.
John P. Andrews, nurseryman, of Faribault, has taken a deep
interest in the agricultural development of Minnesota. He was
born in Grant county, ^^'isconsin, December 16, 1846, and came
to Faribault in 1864. .A.fter receiving a good education in the
public schools he took up nursery work in fall, 1868, and in
1872 started in the nursery business, of which he has since
made so great a success. He now owns 365 acres of good land,
partly in the city limits, and has a wide trade for his output
throughout the Northwest. His home is just outside the city
limits. I\Ir. Andrews was married December 16, 1873, to Eliza-
beth Howard, of Hallowell, IMaine. To this union have been
born seven children: Charles FI., with his father in the nursery
business ; Grace B., a graduate of the Agricultural college of the
university of Minnesota, and now teaching in that institution ;
Elizabeth K.. a graduate of the State university, wife of \\'. S.
Weston, of Faribault; Eleanor G., a kindergartner ; John K., a
graduate of the Agricultural school of the State university, also
interested in the nursery, married to Helen Dixon, of Mora.
Minn.: Luhi D., stenographer, in nursery office; Rufus H., stu-
dent. The family faith is that of the Congregational church.
The parents of John P. Andrews were Daniel and Almira
(Bacon) Andrews, natives respectively of New York state and
Vermont. They migrated to Michigan, and in 1844 to Grant
county, Wisconsin, and farmed there until 1863, when family
came to Faribault, where the mother died in 1866. The father
went South and in 1876 died there.
Samuel B. Bauemfiend, bookkeeper for the Citizens National
Bank, was born in ^\'heeling township. Rice county, September
29, 1873, and received his education in the district schools. He
remained on the home farm until attaining his majority, then
came to Faribault, and became a bookkeeper in the dry goods
store of Charles Hutchinson, for a period of three years. In
partnership with H. \\' . \\'olf, he then engaged in the dry goods
business, but after two years sold out his interest to his partner,
going to St. Paul and taking up the grocery business. After
four years there sold out to S. Bosshardt and in 1905 returned
to Faribault, where he became bookkeeper for the Security Bank.
In the spring of 1908 he accepted a similar position with the
Citizens National Bank, where he is now engaged. Mr. Bauem-
fiend is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Ro_\al
Arcanum and the Yeomen. He attends the Evangelical Associa-
tion church. Mr. Bauernfiend is a self-made young man, highly
esteemed bv all wlio know him. He was married October 16,
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1253
1899, to Ida L. Wolf, born September 27, 1875, daughter of J. B.
Wolf. To this union one son, Harrj- B., was born April 24, 1905.
Martin Bauernfiend, deceased, came to Rice county before the
Civil War, and spent the span of his adult days here. He was
born in Bavaria, October 16, 1849, and was brought by his
parents to America at the age of nine years. They located for a
time in Jefiferson, Wis., and then came to Rice county, taking up
farming in Wheeling township. Here Martin and his wife, Mar-
garet, became highly esteemed citizens. Martin was an ener-
getic and hard-working farmer, and successfully conducted farm-
ing operations, owning at the time of his death, August 3, 1904,
215 acres of land in Wheeling township and 160 acres in Todd
count}-, this state. His widow now lives at Faribault. Mr. and
Mrs. Martin Bauernfiend had fourteen children : Samuel B.,
bookkeeper for the Citizens Bank, Faribault ; Aaron, of Sauk
Center, Minn.; William H., of Wheeling township; Rachael.
deceased ; George, of Sauk Center, Alinn. : Alvin J., of St. Paul ;
Arthur, living on the old homestead in Wheeling township :
Jesse, deceased; Mandor, of St. Paul; and Sarah, Edna, Susan,
Lillian and Sadie, who live with their mother. The family faith
is that of the Evangelical Association.
Paul Borehardt, who is counted among the prosperous mer-
chants of Morristown, Minn., has attained his position in the face
of many obstacles, by persevering, hard work and a firm deter-
mination to succeed. He is a native of Germany and the young-
est of a family of five children born to Karl and Pauline (Alden-
burg) Borehardt. The father was a farmer by occupation and
attained the age of eighty years, his death occurring in 1907, at
Morristown. Tiie mother died in Germany. Their other chil-
dren are : John, who lives at Morristown ; Lena, who is married
to A. Severin, and lives at Detroit, Mich.; Herman, who is
deceased, and Albert, who resides at Morristown. Paul came to
this country in 1893 and began his life here working by the
month for Robert Hedge, of Morristown. A little later he
rented and worked John S. Hedge's farm, and still later worked
for R. V. Hedge. During all this time he improved everj- spare
moment studying and mastering the English language. Paul
was successful in his farming and continued at it till 1905, when
he turned his attention to the mercantile trade. In this he got
little encouragement from others, who looked upon his venture
as ill-advised. But he had faith in himself, and the results of his
mercantile experience have shown the wisdom of his choice. He
began in a modest way, opening a small store on Devishen
street, opposite his present establishment, with a stock of gen-
eral merchandise not to exceed two thousand dollars in value.
At the same time he kept up his studv of English. Bv careful
1254 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
management and wise planning his trade prospered and soon
outgrew the little place where he began, and at this date — I'JIO —
he has a splendid up-to-date store equipped in modern style, with
a six-thousand dollar stock of finely assorted goods and an estab-
lished trade that is constantl_y expanding. Mr. Borehardt is
thoroughly progressive in his ideas and business methods, and
he believes in keeping abreast of the times. He is a loyal mem-
ber of the German Lutheran church. In Morristown Mr. Bore-
hardt married Wilhelmina, daughter of Mathias Baur, a pioneer
of the German colony of Rice county. Mr. and Mrs. Borehardt
have six sons, named in the order of their births, respectively,
Alvin, Werner, Arnold, Barnhard, Harold and Oswald.
Oscar W. Ball, proprietor of the carriage and wagon manu-
facturing establishment bearing his name, at Faribault, Minn.,
was born in Albany county, New York, July 25, 1851. His par-
ents, Jacob and Anna (Stong) Ball, natives of New York and
Germany, respectively, settled at Faribault in 1869, and there
passed the remainder of their lives. The father was a blacksmith
by trade. The mother died in 1871. Oscar \V. passed his boy-
hood in his native place, and there attended the public schools
and worked as a farmer bo}'. After the family settled at Fari-
bault, he being then eighteen years old, he worked in the emplo}-
of Messrs. Andrews & Stafford some fourteen years, and in 1883
engaged in business on his own account as junior member of the
firm of Westerveld & Ball, and continued that relation twenty-
five years. In 1908 Mr. Ball purchased his partner's interest and
since that time has carried on the business at the same stand in
his own name with eminent success. Mr. Ball makes a specialty
of the manufacture of carriages and delivery wagons and doing
all manner of job, order and repair work in that line, having a
fine establishment thoroughly fitted and equipped to meet the
demands of his extensive trade. He has always been an indus-
trious, hard-working man and enjoys his well-merited success.
He is a Republican in political sentiment and action, and in relig-
ious matters and belief is affiliated with the Congregational
church. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and has passed through all the chairs of the order. In
1885 Mr. Ball married Libby, daughter of C. A. and Elizabeth
Sherwood. Mrs. Ball departed this life March 25, 1895, leaving
one child, Harold S. Ball, of Faribault.
Homer G. Best, dairyman, living just outside the city limits
of Faribault, was born in Nova Scotia, May 3, 1858, son of John
B. and Isabelle (Woodworth) Best. He received his early edu-
cation in Nova Scotia, and in 1880 came to Rice county. In 1887
he went back to the land of his birth, but in 1892 again came to
Faribault, purchased a farm in Cannon City township, just out-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUXTIES 1355
side the city limits. He sold this place and purchased a farm,
where for the past ten years he has conducted dairy farming,
retailing milk to the select trade of the city. He makes a spe-
cialty of raising high-grade Holstein cattle. While in Cannon
City township Mr. Best served as path master and as assessor.
He is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the Modern Wood-
men. Mr. Best was married June 30, 1882, at Faribault, to
Emma A. Shepard, daughter of Horace C. and Mary A. (Holt)
Shepard, of Faribault. To this union have been born five chil-
dren ; Ethel is the wife of George A. Collard, of Valley City, N.
D. ; Harry V. manages the home farm ; Ella B., a teacher, is a
graduate of the Faribault High school; Walter F. assists his
father on the farm ; Ruth H. is still attending school. John
B. and Isabelle (Woodworth) Best, parents of Homer G.
Best, were natives of England, and came to Halifax, N. S.,
in the early days. They had ten children : Leverett E., of Berry
Plain, Mass.: Homer G., of Faribault; Olive F., a physician, of
Providence, R. I. ; Clarence W., a farmer of South Dakota; Anna
Belle, wife of J. C. Jenkins, of Collinsville, Conn.; Fenwick B.,
of Massachusetts ; Herbert E., a physician of West Pembroke,
Maine ; Bertha Blanche, wife of Richard Hood, of Waltham,
Mass. ; Maude, wife of Grant Foot, who lives on the old home-
stead in Nova Scotia, and Lillian G., wife of the Rev. Harlim.
president of the Toronto university, Toronto, Canada. Horace
C. and Mary A. (Holt) Shepard, parents of Mrs. Best, were
natives of Massachusetts. They came to Minnesota in 1869,
located in Cannon City, and engaged in farming. The
father died July 9, i897, and the mother, December 6, 1892.
Mrs. Best was born at Springfield, Mass., December 16, 1862. In
the Shepard family there were six children: Lizette, deceased
wife of Everett Sanborn; Herbert E., of Minneapolis; Emma A.
Best; Edward B., of Faribault; Albert C, of St. Cloud, Minn.:
Gazella, married to Oliver Thomas, of Canada.
Andrew Jackson Bell, for many years a prosperous merchant
of Faribault, Minn., is a native of Berkshire, Mass., his date of
birth being February 12, 1834. His boyhood was passed on his
father's farm, receiving his education in the district schools, and
later supplementing this with a course in the Jonesville Seminary
of New York. After leaving school he clerked for a time in a
grocery store and then taught school until his removal to St.
Anthony Falls, Minn., September 17, 1854, being among the early
pioneers of the state. Here he was engaged in driving team
from Wayzatta, on Minnetonka lake, to St. Anthony, for a year,
and then moved to Steele county, where he used his right of pre-
emption upon a quarter section of land which he somewhat im-
proved and li\cd upon for a couple of years. Then selling it and
1-^56 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
moved to Waseca county, again taking up the battle of life on a
farm, and proving himself of the true pioneer stufif, capable of
enduring the hardships of those early days. Mr. Bell remained
engaged in the cultivation of his tract, and teaching school win-
ters, until 1879, when he entered into the implement business in
Faribault, Rice county, Minn., remaining in this line ten years
and meeting with unusual success. His next ^■cnture was in
flour, feed, seed and grain business, in w-hich he is still engaged,
together with his son. II. P.. the firm being known as the Fari-
bault Seed Company, the father acting as president and manager.
The company is doing an extensive and flourishing business and
its products are widely and favorably known throughout this
section of the Northwest. In politics Mr. Bell adheres to the
teachings of the Republican party, and is keenly interested in the
Avelfare of iiis city and county. He served as assessor several
years while in \\'arsaw township. The Masonic order numbers
him among its loyal members. July 10, 1862, he was united in
marriage with Eliza W. Patterson, daughter of ■Mr. and Mrs.
Jonathan Patterson, the father a prominent farmer of Warsaw
township for many years. He is now deceased, as is his wife.
Mrs. Bell died August 6, 1907, leaving five children, three others
— Frank, Estej- and Ellis — having previously died. The other
children are: M. E., of Aberdeen, S. D. ; Arthur G., of Tahoma
Falls, Ore.; Armina J., now Mrs. T. B. Brown, of Faribault;
Blanche E., of Faribault; and H. P., who is in partnership with
his father. The family residence is on Fourth street. Mr. Bell
also owns another residence on Lincoln avenue. The Methodist
Episcopal church counts the family amt>ng their valued mem-
liers. Alfred and Phoebe A. (Goodale). parents of our subject,
were born and reared in Massachusetts ; afterwards mo%'ed to
Saratoga county, York state, where the father followed farming-
till his death, in 1842. His wife died in '65 ; was buried in South
Egremont Cemetery, Bershire county, Massachusetts.
Emery Russell Bloomer was born in Morristown township.
Rice county, Minnesota, .\pril 4, 1872. and is a son of Colman
and Sarah J. Russell Bloomer. Our subject's great-great-grand-
father Bloomer was kidnaped in England and brought to Amer-
ica. He was a blacksmith and worked at his trade in New York,
and there died at the age of one hundred and two years. William
Bloomer, a grandson of this centenarian, was a native of New
Jersey. He was a millwright and built a grist and saw mill on
his large farm in Fayette county, Ohio, where he married Sarah
nee Paul. They moved to AN'abash county, Indiana, in 1839, and
there died in 1846. William Bloomer's son, Coleman, our sub-
ject's father, was born in P^ayette county, Ohio, March I.t, 1834.
He was left an orphan when twelve years old and had but
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1257
meager educational privileges. In the summer of 1855 he ac-
companied to Rice county, Minnesota, an invalid brother, who
passed away June 20, 1856. Here he pre-empted and settled on
the northwest quarter of section thirty-four, Morristown town-
ship, and has lived there continuously ever since, the place being
known as Pleasant Ridge. In 1864 he enlisted in Company E,
Eighth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers, infantry, and under
General Sulley helped to drive the Indians through the bad
lands into Canada, and later served in the War of the Rebellion,
being stationed at Charlotte, N. C. He has always taken a
<leep interest in religious affairs, and the first Methodist Epis-
copal church society and Sunday school in Morristown township
was organized in his cabin in 1856 by the Rev. A. V. Hisscock.
On December 20, 1859, he married Lydia C. Pool, who died July
7, 1866, leaving two children, viz.: Florence May and Ella
Alice. On October 24, 1867, he married Mrs. Sarah J. (Russell)
Soulc and they have five children, named, respectively, Olive
Patience, born September 20, 1868; our subject; Lee Coleman,
born January 11, 1874; Jesse Hartwell. born February 27, 1881,
and Lloyd Chester, born December 14, 1887. Mr. Bloomer
is a strong advocate of temperance and both he and his wife are
loval members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Elmer Russell Bloomer. Our subject accjuired his education
in the district schools of Morristown township and at the Fari-
bault high school. On attaining his majority he located a home-
stead in South Dakota and lived there five years. Selling his
interest there, he returned home and turned his attention to
dairy farming on seventy acres which he bought in section
twenty-six, Morristown township. He has the place finely im-
proved, well fenced and all under cultivation and well stocked.
Mr. Bloomer has remodeled the barn, which has a capacity of
thirty-five tons of hay, and built two splendid silos, twelve feet
in diameter, with twenty-six-foot posts. He is a man of force
and influence in the community and has been called to fill
numerous local offices, among others, that of town clerk, by
election four years and by reappointment to complete the unex-
pired term of Mr. Charles McKenzie. He is secretary of the
Morristown Creamery, also holds membership in the Modern
Brotherhood of America and is senior warden of Cannon River
Lodge, No. 52, Morristown, of Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons. He is an earnest advocate of temperance, and since
he was sixteen years old has been a loyal and active church
worker. He was for a number of years in his earlier life iden-
tified with the Methodist Episcopal church, but after his mar-
riage joined the Congregational church, with which he is now
affiliated. On lunc 21, 1809. Mr. Bloomer married Miss Ger-
1258 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
trude, daughter of George and Ella (Nichols) Davis. Mr.
and Mrs. Bloomer have no children of their own, but have
taken to raise and educate a brother and sister — Leslie and
Edna. Mrs. Bloomer's father, a native of \'ermont, was born
in 1846. the son of John and Martha (Schofield) Davis, the
former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of Vermont.
The father, George Davis, moved from Vermont when he was
fifteen years old, with his family, and settled in \\'arsaw town-
ship. Rice county, where he improved a fine farm and reared his
family, and where he died about 1886. His wife died there
about 1876. George Davis was the fourth child in order of
birth of their family of two sons and three daughters, and suc-
ceeded to the family homestead, whence he moved to Morris-
town township, and from there to the village of Morristown
in 1900.
O. Benson, rme of the respected and well-to-do citizens of
Northfield, Minn., was born in Sweden on August 11, 1834. On
attaining his majority, in 1855, he came to the United States,
and lived one year at Knox\ille, 111., whence lie removed to
Red \\^ing, Minn. While there he took up a claim near Cannon
Falls. In 1858 Mr. Benson settled at Northfield, and owned a
blacksmith shop and for eighteen _\ ears carried on a successful
business. In 1876 he closed out his business and, going to
Dakota county, purchased and settled on a farm of 340 acres
in Sciota township, and for thirty years devoted himself to its
improvement and cultivation with eminent success. Mr. Benson
made a specialty of dairy farming and breeding fine stock, par-
ticularly Poland China hogs, and his place, with its :iiodern
equipment and appliances, came to lie widely known as one of
the model farms in the county. In 1906 Mr. Benson retired
from his farm and and took up his permanent residence m
Northfield, in his commodious and pleasant home on Union
avenue. In 1908 he sold a portion of his farm land, but still
retains a quarter section, which he leases. Throughout his life
Mr. Benson has been a hard worker and by wise management
and thrift has acquired an ample competence, and richly deserves
the esteem in which he is held by all who know him. He is an
active member and generous supporter of the Swedish Lutheran
church, and in all that related to the betterment of his com-
munity has always shown a commendable interest. In political
sentiment he is a Republican, but in voting is not liound by
party lines, always supi^orting the candidate whom he thinks
best qualified and fitted for the office sought. In 1859 Mr.
Benson married Bets)- Johnson, and they have six children :
Nels, Theodore, Oscar. Maude, Anna and Ella, all of whom are
happily married aiid comfi:>rtably settled.
HISTORY OI' RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1-^59
Wilbur N. Bowman is a native of Marquette county, Wis-
consin, and was born June 2, 1862, to W. P. and Lestina
(Boynton) Bowman, natives of New York. His father, a
farmer by occupation, after the close of the war, in which he
served, moved to Osage, Iowa, in 1865, and there bought a quar-
ter section of land and carried on farming nine years. In 1874
he went to Clay county, Iowa, and was there engaged in the
coal business and draying until his retirement, in 1897. He
now lives at Spencer, in Clay county. The mother died in 1906.
Wilbur N. received Iiis schooling at Osage and Spencer and
learned the printer's trade in the office of the "Spencer Reporter."
Going to Dell Rapids, S. D., in 1883, he was there in the
machinery business four years, and, selling out in 1886, he
spent the next three years as traveling salesman for D. M.
Osbourn & Co. After this he worked as a printer in various
towns and cities, learning the linotypes in the office of the
"Sioux City Tribune," Sioux Cit}-, Iowa. Later, associated
with Mr. W. M. Dynes, bought the necessary machinery and
under the firm name of Dynes & Bowman carried on a gen-
eral linotype composition business one year. He then sold
his interest in the business, and September 1, 1908, established
himself at Faribault, where he has since continued as proprietor
of the Faribault Composition Company, which does high class
composition for the trade. Mr. Bowman is an active, energetic
man. and takes an interest in various organizations, being a
member of the Independent Order cjf Odd Fellows and the
I'nited Workmen. He is independent in his political opinions,
and in religious matters is affiliated with the Congregational
Church. On January 5, 1885, Mr. Bowman married Miss Nellie
McKay, whose parents, Cyrus and Livia A. (Porter) McKay
moved from Pennsylvania, their native state, to Decorah, Iowa,
where they made their home and where the mother now resides.
The father, who was an accountant by occupation, is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have had four children, of whom the
eldest, Lyle, died in infancy; Clifford L. lives at Winnipeg,
Manitoba, Canada, and Jessie Alice and Lloyd Porter live at
home. Miss Jessie was graduated from the high school in
1910.
Charles Bollenbach was born in Wheeling, Cook county,
Illinois, February 24, 1865. He is a son of M. and Magdeline
(Barbaras) Bollenbach, natives of German)', who came to
America in 1855 and located in Cook county, Illinois. The
father was a farmer by occui)ation and purchased a farm in that
county, on which he did general farming up to 1893, when he
retired and moved to Palatine, III., where he and his wife are
still living. Charles Bollenbach was educated in the district
1260 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
schools of Illinois, and after leaving school worked on his
father's farm until he came to IMinnesota, in 1886. He worked
out for three years and then bought a farm of eighty acres, and
later acquired an additional eight}- acres, on which he still
lives and carries on general farming and stock raising. He was
married on June 4, 1891, to Hannah Knopf, a daughter of Adam
and Louisa (Clump) Knopf, natives of New York state. He
came to Illinois at an early day with his parents, where they
lived until 1856, when he came lo Minnesota and located in
Wheeling township. lie bought a farm and has carried on
general farming up to the present time. Mrs. Knopf died in
1876. Two children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Bollenbach : Milton H. and Lyle C., both living at home. In
politics I\Ir. Bollenbach is a Republican. He has been mayor
of Nerstrand since the Aillage was incorporated, in 1897, and
still holds that office. He has been treasurer of School District
No. Ill since 1901, and is a director of the Farmers' State Bank.
Helge A. Boe, for many years a hardware merchant of
Northfield, was born in Norwa}'. at ^'ang, \\'alders, July 17,
1849, and in 1864 emigrated to America, going direct to
Decorah, Iowa, where he entered the school and attended one
year, after which he and his brother decided to come west,
and walked the entire distance from Decorah to Northfield,
where they secured employment for a time, after which they
engaged in the hardware business, in 1879, in partnership with
A. R. Manning, and continued for about fifteen years, when
Mr. Boe bought his partners' interests and continued to conduct
the business alone. Part of his present store, which fronts on
Main street, was at the time of the Northfield robbery occupied
by the First National Bank, and in this building Mr. Haywood
was killed by the robbers. Mr. Boe has built up a large and
prosperous business, and carries a complete stock of hardware.
He also owns a farm in Bridgewater township, located about
two and one-half miles from Northfield. He was married to
Mary Lajord, a native of Norway, who was brought by her
parents to America when an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Boe have
had four children, one of whom died in infancy. Aslak M.,
Bertha A. and Anna 1. The family faith is that of the Nor-
wegian L'nitcd Lutheran Church, of which they are regular
attendants.
Anders T. Brandvold, holder of extensive real estate inter-
ests in Rice county, was born in Norway, April 7. 1846, and
there received his earlier education, coming to America in 1862,
at the age of sixteen years. He located first at Faribault,
farmed two 3^ears, and then clerked for some time in a store.
In 1869 he opened a general stoie and conducted same until
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1361
1888. The rich lands of North Dakota were then attracting
general attention, and Mr. Brandvold decided to try his for-
tunes there. Accordingly, he shipped his goods to that state,
and conducted the business a couple of years. Later he sold
his stock and shipped horses to Dakota for a number of years
and engaged in the real estate business. Mr. Brandvold always
resided at Faribault, and though he is now practically retired,
he still deals in real estate to some extent. Mr. Brandvold has
been prominently identified with pul)lic affairs. He served
on the school board ten years and was city treasurer of Fari-
bault two years. He has been one of the trustees of St. Olaf
College at Northfield twelve years and was cashier of the same
institution four years. He is a trustee of Zion Lutheran church
and has been treasurer of that institution since 1870. Andrew
T. Brandvold was married July 10, 1877, in Goodhue town-
ship, this state, to Sissel Haugen, daughter of Knute and
Martha (Austinson) Haugen, prominent farmers of Holden
township, Goodhue county. To this union were born three
sons. Arthur is a traveling salesman in California, Cornelius
is in the laundry business in Faribault, and Gust O. is book-
keeper in the Security National Bank, Faribault. The parents
of A. T. Brandvold were Torkel and Gunver ( Finseth) Brand-
void, natives of Norway, the former of whom died at the age
of ninety-seven years, and the latter at the age of ninety-five.
Horace Everett Barron, now deceased, came of a family of
American patriots, noted in the annals of L'nited States history,
and himself added much to the family name by his life and work,
more notably in connection with the public institutions here
located. Business methods introduced by him are still in vogue
in these institutions. Mr. Barron was a notable type of the
true American gentleman. Of ancient and illustrious lineage,
he was nevertheless of a democratic and affable nature, com-
bining the best of the traditions of New England with the
expansiveness and breadth of the northwest. His influence
on the little hamlet of Faribault in the earliest days, and upon
the city of Faribault in later years, has never fully been meas-
ured. He was born in Bradford, Vt., March 21, 1826, and
spent his early boj'hood on his father's farm, growing to sturdy
boyhood and young manhood. An old-fashioned district school
afforded him his first educational training, after which he at-
tended Bradford Academy and Norwich University, becoming
especially proficient in the mathematical branches. When
about eighteen years of age he joined the engineering party
that made the first survey of the railroad from White River
Junction to Derby Line (in Vermont), and was thus engaged
for four years, imtil the road was completed and the cars in
1262 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
operation between White river and Wells river. The news-
papers of the East were then filled with stories of the vast
opportunities of the middle West, and in the fall of 1850 Mr.
Barron went to Chicago, where for five years he was traveling
representative for wholesale houses in that vicinity, traveling
in the three states of Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. In Octo-
ber, 1855, he came to Faribault, then a straggling village w^ith
several log cabins and a very few frame dwellings. Strangers
were coming into the city rapidly, and many who came to take
up claims were locating in the village while waiting to go on
their farms. Consequently, Mr. Barron saw an opening for a
good hotel. Therefore he purchased a site, and in the spring of
1856 he erected the Barron House. In 1862 the death of his
only brother, William T., necessitated his return to Chicago,
to look after his brother's affairs. Two years were spent in
settling the estate, and in 1864 Mr. Barron came back to Fari-
bault, and again took up the active management of his hotel.
In 1870 he built a stone addition to this house, leaving the
frame part as an annex. The place became known as one of
the finest of its day in Minnesota. In 1879 it was leased, and
in March, 1881, it was destroyed by fire, the total loss being
$25,000. only ?12,000 being covered by insurance. The sub-
ject of this sketch held various municipal oiTices, and in 1874
was a member of the state legislature, serving as chairman of
the committee on ways and means. He became a director of
the state institution for the deaf, dumb and blind in Faribault,
and served many years as president of the board of directors
of that institution. In 1882, after the internal reorganization
of the institute, Mr. Barron resigned as president and became
steward and superintendent of construction. At the entire
reorganization of the institution, under the name of the Minne-
sota Institute for Defectives, by the legislature of 1887, Mr.
Barron retained this position, and served until his death, Feb-
ruary 26, 1892. .So highly were his services esteemed that
Barron Hall, at the school for the deaf, was named in his
honor. In politics Mr. Barron was a ^^'hig. Later he became
a Republican, and was a delegate to a number of conventions,
although he never cared for political life, except on such occa-
sions as would promote the interests of his friends. He was a
member of the Episcopal church and a high degree Mason.
Horace E. Barron was married February 22, 1876, in St.
George's church, at St. Louis, AIo , to Kate Gray, born in Chi-
cago, January 2, 1847, daughter nf James L. Gray, a merchant
on North Clark street, Chicago. James L. Gray died December
23, 1859, and his wife, Estelle (Cummings) Gray, of Virginia,
died August 15, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Barron had four children.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STKRLK COUNTIES 1263
Marie, Elsie and Kate are dead. Mary G., born January 26,
1880, is a teacher in the Minnesota School for the Deaf.
William Trotter Barron, only and elder brother of Horace
E. Barron, graduated from the University of Vermont and
took up the practice of law in Chicago, being for several terms
judge in Cook county. He was killed by a railroad accident
at Kenwood Station, Chicago, in 1862.
William Barron, great-grandfather of Horace, was a scout
during the French and Indian War, and commanded a company
from Lyndeboro, X. H., in the Revolutionary War. He had
seven brothers also in this war. He was born in Westford,
Mass., and died in Lyndeboro, N. H., but the family originated
from Watertown, Mass., the first <.f the name appearing on the
records there in 1640.
Micah Barron, grandfather of Horace, was born in Tyngs-
boro, Mass., adjoining Chelmsford, in 1763; moved to Brad-
ford. Orange county. Vermont, in 1788, and engaged in lum-
bering and farming. F"or twenty-three years he was sherifif of
Orange county and was the man sent to Canada to arrest
Stephen Burroughs, the noted counterfeiter and desperado.
Micah Barron was at one time colonel of a regiment in the state
militia, and rose to the rank of brigadier-general.
William Barron, father of Horace, was less than a year old
when his parents moved to Bradford. The maiden name of his
second wife, mother of Horace, was Hannah Davis Brooks,
who had two brothers in the Canadian parliament. William
Barron, like his father, served in the state militia, and rose to
the rank of colonel. He was appointed by the first President
Harrison to be United States marshal for the district of Ver-
mont. He ended his days at Hartford, Conn., at the age of
eighty-six years.
George Buchanan, supervisor of the township of Cannon
City, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, December 1, 1857,
and came to Cannon City township. Rice county, with his
parents at the age of ten years. He received his education in
the district schools, and has since continued farming on the
home place, which consists of 120 acres. Before entering upon
the duties of his present office he served several terms as super-
visor. He was a member of the Minnesota National Guard for
nearly five years. Mr. Piuchanan is an estimable citizen in
every respect and is held in high honor in the community
where he has resided since early boyhood.
William Buchanan, and Jane Sloan Buchanan, his wife,
natives of Pennsylvania, came to Cannon City township in
November, 1867. and his widow is still living. Mr. Buchanan
died in 1870. They had eight children: Evelyn, deceased;
UGi HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Sarah J., of Cannon City village; Thomas; George; Addie, wife
of Edward McKieby, of Bridgewater township; John, deceased;
Annie, a school teacher, living at home, and Mary Elma, a
stenographer and school teacher in California. The family
religion is that of the Christian church.
Amos H. Bice, retired farmer, of Faribault, and veteran of
the Civil War, was born in Sandusky. Ohio, August 25, 1846,
and came to Wolcott township, this county, with his parents
in 1859, as a youth of thirteen years. He received his educa-
tion in the public schools and remained with his father until
sixteen years of age, joining the Union Army August 13, 1862,
twelve days before his birthday. He enlisted at Prairieville,
joined his company at Northfield, and was mustered in at Ft.
Snelling as a private in Company A, Seventh Minnesota \"ol-
unteer Infantry. He saw service for three years and was mus-
tered out at Fort Snelling August 17, 1865. He then resumed
farming with his father. In 1869 he bought forty acres in Wal-
cott township, added land until he owned 120 acres, and suc-
cessfully conducted farming operations until 1901, when he
sold out to his son and retired, moving to Faribault. During
his residence in Walcott township he served on the town board,
was a member of the school board and served the town in other
ways. He is a popular member of the Michael Cook Post, No.
123, G. A. R. Mr. Bice was married November 16, 1869, at
Prairieville, to Sarah C. Cloce, born September 4, 1850, daughter
of William Cloce, prominent resident of Richland township.
Mr. Cloce was born September 9, 1827, and died April 12, 1893.
Mrs. Cloce was born July 19, 1828, and is now residing at Fari-
bault. To. l\Ir. and Mrs. Bice were born three children: Cora
C, born August 16, 1870, is the wife of Carl Swartwood, of
Minneapolis ; Mary E., born February 24, 1872, is the wife of
O. V. Sherpy, of Northfield ; George F., born June 16, 1874, owns
the old homestead. He married Pearl Austin. The family faith
is that of the Methodist church. The jiarents of Amos H. Bice
were John and Mary (Johnson) Bice, natives of Pennsylvania.
They came to Minnesota in 1859 and located in Walcott town-
ship, where they followed general farming. The father was
born January 15, 1819 ,and died May 29, 1886. The mother
was born February 3, 1825, and died October 10, 1868.
James Buchanan, a farmer, of Cannon City township, was
born in West Aliddletown. Washington county, Pennsylvania,
September 26, 1826, son of William and Sally (Piles) Buchanan,
natives respective!}- of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The father
was a shoemaker. He died in Cannon City township in 1881.
His wife died in Pennsyh-ania in 1838. James received his early
education in Pennsylvania, and then for several years farmed.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1265
In 1843 he went to Ohio and engaged in farming until coming
to Cannon City township in 1867. Since that date he has con-
tinued to follow farming. Mr. Buchanan is ripe in years and
experience, and bis advice is much sought after and highly
valued by the younger generations. He was married in 1849,
to Mary A. McElroy, who died September 26. 1905, leaving
two daughters and a son. They are James, a meat dealer in
California- Selina, wife of William Brown, and Sallie J., wife
of Frank Sweet, manager of the county alms house. The family
faith is that of the Christian church.
J. W. Bollenbach, a well known farmer, of Wheeling town-
ship, was born in Illinois April 7, 1870, to Michael and Lena
Bollenbach, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America
and located in Pennsylvania, where the father worked in a
tannery and in the woods. He continued there until he came
west to Illinois, engaging in farming, he remained there
until 1895, when he retired from actual work of life and
moved to Palentine, 111., where he still lives. The mother is
also living. The subject of this sketch was educated in the
district schools of Illinois. He started life on his father's farm,
where he remained until 1888. He worked out until 1891, and
then came to Minnesota and located in Rice comity. Wheeling
township, where he worked on a farm until 1893. .\t this time
he rented a farm of 135 acres in section 13, continuing same
until 1900, when he bought the place, where he carried on gen-
eral farming in the raising of Holstein-Frcsian cattle success-
fully at the present time. Mr. Bollenbach was married in Janu-
ary, 1893, to Minnie S., daughter of Charles and Caroline Vier-
kant, natives of German}-, who emigrated to America in the
early days. Mr. \'ierkant was a Civil War veteran. After the
close of the war he came back to Minnesota and bought a
farm in the township of Wheeling, on which he carried on
general farming until his death, which occurred in August, 1899.
Mrs. Vierkant still lives in the town of Nerstrand. Mr. and
'Sirs. Bollenbach have four children: Gaylord, W'ilna, Harvey
and Stanley, who are all living at home. In political faith Mr.
Bollenbach is a Republican. In religions faith he belongs to
the Methodist Episcopal church. He has been a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America, and i-; also a stockholder in
the Nerstrand Creamery.
Jacob J. Bosshart, a well-to-do farmer, of W heeling town-
ship, was born in Switzerland July 4, 1835. He is the son of
Mark and Regina Bosshart, who were natives of Germany and
came to America in 1856, locating in \V'heeling township, Rice
county, where the father made a claim of 160 acres in section
22. They remained here until 1868, when they moved to reside
126r, HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
with their son, Jacob J., who had filed a claim in section 27
previous to this time. Mr. Mark Bosshart died in 1876 and
Mrs. Bosshart in 1879. Our subject was educated in the old
country, and came to America in 1853. He worked at farming
in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Iowa and spent
two winters in the pineries. In 1855 he came back to Minne-
sota and settled on his claim, which he had filed on in 1854.
Here he has remained ever since. He has 295 acres of farm
land, on which he has made all necessary improvements. Mr.
Bosshart has twice visited the old country. On May 17, 1860,
he was married to Sophia, daughter of Fred and Dorothy Hell-
berg, natives of German)-. The father was a shoemaker by
trade and came to America in 1848, locating in Illinois, where
he farmed until 1856. At that time he came to Minnesota and
located in Rice county, township of Wheeling, where he farmed
until the time of his death in 1874. His wife died in 1867.
The home of our subject was blessed with eight children, viz:
H. C, died in 1901 : Annie, now Mrs. Henry Kelm, li\'es at West
Concord; Mary, a widow, lives with her father; H. W. is a
farmer and lives in Cherry Grove, Goodhue county: Sophia,
now Mrs. D. flensing, lives in West Concord on a farm; Henry
J. is married and lives on a farm in the township of Wheeling;
Frank J. lives at home; John died in 1885. Mr. Bosshart is a
Republican and belongs to the German Evangelical church.
He has served on the town board and also on the school board.
William Bultmann is one of those thrifty farmers of Wheel-
ing township, lie was born in Germany March 28, 1856, son
of William and Louisa (Haller) Bultmann. natives of Germany.
The father was a wagon maker by trade, and came to America
in 1857, being one of the early settlers of Rice county, where
lie located in the township of Wheeling, pre-empted 120 acres
of land in section 25, later he bought forty acres in the same
section, and again increased his farm by another purchase of
160 acres in section 36, making 320 acres in all. He erected
buildings and made his home in section 26, where he worked
at his trade as a wagon maker and engaged in general farming
until 1882, when he retired from active life. His son, William,
then worked the farm and the father resides with him at the
present time. The mother passed away May 24, 1902. William
acquired his education in the district schools of Wheeling town-
ship. Leaving school, he went to work on his father's farm,
where he is engaged in general and diversified farming in the
raising of Holstein cattle. Mr. Bultmann was married Decem-
ber 31, 1877, to Sophia Tatge. Their home was blessed with
one child, Henry. Mr. Bultmann was married a second time
November 24, 1885, to .\melie. daughter of William and Eustena
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1267
Gess, natives of German). 'l"hc father, a tailor l)y trade, came
to America in 1863, located in Rice county, Wheeling township,
where he farmed tuiiil 1''04, when he retired from farming and
moved to Goodhue county, where he still lives. Mrs. Gess
died in 1902. The fruit of this second union is eight children :
.\lar\, who lives at home; Lydia is a dressmaker at Faribault;
Richard, Rose, Walter, NVilliam, Ervin and Leonard are all
living at home. Mrs. Bultmann died March 2, 1907. Mr. Bult-
mann takes an active interest in public affairs of his vicinity.
He has served as clerk for the school board twenty-one years.
He is a stockholder in the l>"armers' Mutual Elevator at Kenyon.
He votes the Republican ticket. In religious faith he adheres
to the Evangelical church.
Jacob Bosshardt was i)orn in Philadelphia, I'a., March 6,
1852. He is a son of Jacob and Barbia S. (Busch) Bosshardt,
the father being a native of Switzerland and the mother of
CJernianj'. He was a dyer by trade and came to America at
an early day and located in Pennsylvania. He ran a news route
for a few years and then conducted a grocery store until 1855,
when he came west and bought :i farm of 160 acres in Wheel-
ing township. Rice county. He then returned to Pennsyl-
vania and in the fall of the same year brought out his family
and settled on his farm in Section 21, where he did general farm-
ing until 1883. He rented his farm to his son Daniel and
moved to Faribault, where he lived in retirement until his death,
in 1887. Mrs. Bosshardt died at Nerstrand in the month of
October, 1908. Jacob Bosshardt was educated in the district
schools at Wheeling and after leaving school he worked on his
father's farm, until 1875, when he rented a farm and did gen-
eral farming until 1878. He then moved to LeSueur county,
bought eighty acres, and farmed until 1884, when he sold his
farm and returned to Rice county and bought the old home-
stead of his father. He did general farming until 1909, then
he rented his farm to his son Edwin and moved to Nerstrand,
where he and his wife are now living. Ten children blessed
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bosshardt: Aaron, married, and
living on his farm at Sauk Centre ; Adol])h. married, and also
living on a farm at Sauk Centre ; Benjamin lives at Nerstrand ;
Lydia, married to Charles Taylor, who works in a wagon fac-
tory— they live at Sauk Centre; Edwin lives in Wheeling;
Franklin, Herbert, Ellen, Lovern and Lillian, the last five, are
living at home with their parents. In politics he is a Republi-
can, and he is a member of the United Evangelical church.
G. J. Branes, one of the enterprising farmers of Webster
tow-nship, was born in Norway, February 16, 1855, to Jens and
Anna Thorson, natives of Norway, who emigrated to Amcr-
1268 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ica in 1868 and located in Goodhue county. They remained
tliere one year, then moved to Faribault, Minn., where they
remained about a year and a hall, whence they returned to
Goodhue county, remaining there, on a rented farm, three
years. They came to \\^ebster township. Rice county, where
they farmed until the death of the father, which occurred in
1886; the mother died in 1898. Our subject attained his edu-
cation in Norway, which was supplemented b}^ but a few
months' schooling in Goodhue county. Leaving school, he
farmed, having bought some land in Webster township pre-
vious to moving there. He now has 160 acres in Section 16,
on which he has farmed successfully up to the present time,
also engaging in dairy business and the breeding of short-horn
cattle. Mr. Branes was married in 1878 to Thea Amalia,
daughter of Ole Thostenson and Elizabeth Thostenson. They
have nine children, viz.: Anna, now Mrs. Holm, who lives at
St. Paul; Elizabeth also lives in St. Paul; Ole died in 1886:
Ole the second resides in Canada ; John also lives in Canada :
Julia died in 1886; Julia the seeond lives in St. Paul; Alfred
resides in Wisconsin and Agnes S. lives with her parents.
Mrs. Branes died in 1896. Mr. Branes married a second time
in 1899, to Anna J., daughter of John and Anna J. Lein, of
Doge county, Minnesota. Mr. Branes takes an active interest'
in public affairs in his community, and the fact that he has
filled a number of local offices signifies that he is appreciated
in the community in which he lives. He has served almost
continuously on the town board, \\hich office he still holds, and
at the present time is treasurer of the school board. He is also
a stockholder in the Creamery, Telephone Company and Co-
operative stores, and is a director in all of the above mentioned
institutions. He was one of the prime movers in organizing the
Creamer}- and the Telephone Company. In religious faith Mr.
Branes is a Lutheran and takes a very active part in church
affairs. He is at the present time president of the congregation
and one of the trustees. In political sentiment he is a
Republican.
Mathias Becker, Jr., was born in Bridgewater township. Rice
county, Minn.. December 24, 1870. He is a son of Nicholas
and Barbara (Meyer) Becker. The mother was a native of
Rice county and the father was a native of Germany. He came
to America in 1863 and located in W'isconsin. Here he worked
out until 1868, when he came to Minnesota, and located in
Bridgewater township, where he farmed until his death, in 1907.
The mother .still lives on the old homestead. Mr. Becker at-
tended school in Wells township, and after leaving school
worked on his father's farm until 1899, when he purchased
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1269
eighty acres in Section 24, Forest township, on which he has
carried on general farming up to the present time. In 1898 he
was married to Gertrude Wagner, daughter of Stephen and
Margaret (Green) Wagner, of Mitchell county, Iowa. Three
children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Becker: Dor-
othy, Stephen and Joseph, all living at home. In religious
belief Mr. Becker is a Catholic, and in politics a Democrat.
He is a member of the German Benevolent Society, and a
stockholder in the Forest Creamery.
L. N. Becker, a thrifty farmer of Bridgewater township,
was born tiure October 4. 1876, to Mathias and Margaret (Jan-
sen) Becker, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America
in 1866, and located at Springfield, 111., where they remained
a short time. They came to Miimesota in the seventies and
located at New Market, remaining there five years, when they
removed to Bridgewater township. Rice county, and located in
Section 31, where the father has carried on general farming
up to the present time. The subject of this sketch acquired
his education in the common schools of Bridgewater. Leaving
school, he worked on a farm, and in 1899 he bought a farm in
Section 20, which he sold two years later; buying another, 150
acres, in Sections 21 and 30, which he has improved and on
which he carries on general and diversified farming with suc-
cess up to the present time.
In 1899 Mr. Becker married Miss Barbara, daughter of
John and Mary (Driver) Strouth, natives of Germany, who
came to America in 1868, locating in Wisconsin, where they
farmed for some time, and later came to Minnesota, being of the
first settlers in Cannon City township. Rice county, where they
are still farming. Mr. and Mrs. Becker have three children:
Mathias, Margaret and Alfred, who are all living with their
parents. Mr. Becker takes an active interest in the public
affairs in his locality. He has served on the town board in
Bridgewater, and is also secretary and manager of the Forest
Creamery Company. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and
his family belong to the Catholic church.
J. W. Barnett was born in Buenavista, Iowa, May 31, 1853,
son of R. M. and Margaret (Volmerine) Barnett; the mother
was a native of Germany and the father of the state of Ohio.
He learned the blacksmith's trade and went to Iowa when he
was a boy, working at his trade and in the lead mines of that
state. He came to Minnesota in 1855 and located land in Good-
hue county, one-half of the land which he pre-empted now com-
prising the village of Kenyon. He remained there for only
one year and then went to Cannon City, where he worked at
his trade for about two years, going from there to Faribault,
1270 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
where he remained until 1860. lie then moved to Owatonna,
and was there one \'ear, when he again returned to Rice county,
in the year 1861. and located on a farm in Section 25, Forest
township, where he did general farming until his death, in
1900, January 4. The mother still lives on the old homestead
with her son. J. W. Barnett was educated in the public schools
of Cannon City, Faribault and Owatonna. After leaving school
he lived at home with his parents for several years, and in
1876 bought eighty acres in the northern part of Forest town-
ship. He sold this in 1882 and moved down on his father's
place, where he has since remained. He has one brother.
Frank B., now living in the state of Washington. His political
affiliations are with the Republican party, and in his religious
belief he is a Congregationalist. He is also a Royal Arch
Mason. He has served his town on the school board for sev-
eral years, and is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Com-
pany of Faribault, and in the Forest Creamer)'.
Arthur B. Childress, the efficient and able county attorney
of Rice county, was born in Kingston, Tenn., August 17, 1871.
He attended the schools of his neighborhood and later entered
Grant University at Athens. Tenn.. graduating in June. 1892.
In the fall of 1893, having decided to locate in the North, he
came to Rice county, took up his residence in Dundas, and in
company with a partner, opened a law office in Northficld, the
firm being known as Childress & Barrett. January 1. 1907, Mr.
Childress became county attorney, in which position he has
won hundreds of friends and demonstrated his fitness. The con-
fidence of his constituents is shown by the fact that at the expi-
ration of his first term he was named to succeed himself in the
office and was elected by a large majority. Attorney Childress
has moved his family to Faribault and established his home at
324 Fifth avenue, but he still retains his law office at North-
field. He belongs to the Masons, the Elks, the Modern \Vood-
men, the Modern Brotherhood and the Odd Fellows, as well as
to the Faribault Conunercial Club. He has also associated
himself with the ^Minnesota Bar Association. Attornej' Chil-
dress was married January 22. 1901, at Herman. Minn., to
Mabel E. Noel, daughter of Jacob A. Noel, a merchant, farmer
and stock buyer. John Childress, and Mary Glenn Childress,
his wife, parents of Arthur B. Childress, were both natives of
Tennessee. The father is a merchant in Athens, Tenn., and
the mother died in March. 1906.
Charles H. Caron, contractor and builder, of Faribault, was
born in Quebec, Canada, February 18, 1861, son of Antoine and
Sarah Caron, natives of Canada. The parents went to Massa-
chusetts in 1872. In 1875 thev went back to Canada. After
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1271
five more years there they located in Minnesota, and in 1884
came to Faribault, Minn., where tlic father was a carpenter.
He still lives in Faribault, at the ripe old age of eighty-two
years, his wife having died February 5, 1908. Charles H.
received his education in Canada and learned the currier trade
in a cotton mill in Massachusetts. He then came to Minnesota
and worked at the carpenter trade. In 1887 he again went back
to Boston and worked about a year and a half for the American
Tool Machine Company in the millwright department. In
1889 he returned to Faribault, and in 1890 started in the general
contracting and building business for himself, in which he has
since continued with good success. He is a member of the
Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Foresters and the Faribault
Commercial Club. He is a Democrat in politics and attends
the Catholic church. Mr. Caron was married May 7, 1882, at
Salem, Mass., to Angeline Tramblay, of that city. To this
union have been born ten children : Angeline, Emil, Emma
(deceased), Eva, Lena, Rose, Emma, Charles, Beatrice and
Margaret. The family residence is on East Division street.
Noble S. Canedy, of Northfield, was born in Bennington,
Vt., February 6, 1851, son of Joseph and Anna (Phipps) Canedy,
natives of Vermont. The father was born November 15, 1811,
and the mother March 17, 1817. The father came west and
purchased 320 acre of land in Northfield and Bridgewater town-
ships in 1854, and then returned to Vermont, where he remained
a year, after which he came back to Minnesota in 1856, with
his family, and took up his residence permanently on his farm,
where he devoted his entire life to farming. He had been
married twice, his first wife being Sally Crosier, whom he mar-
ried February 2, 1836, by whom he had three children : Thomas,
born February 2, 1837, died November 1, 1868; Joseph, bom
February 22, 1841, died in infancy: Willard, born April 26, 1843,
now of Beloit, Wis. The mother of these children died July
30, 1843, and on October 9, the same year, Mr. Canedy married
Anna Phipps, and to this union were born three children :
Maryette, born June 8, 1845, died June 20, 1863; Noble S., the
subject of this sketch; Charles H., born February 19, 1855,
now of Tracy, Minn. The mother of these children died October
23, 1891, and the father passed away May 4, 1902. Noble S.
received his education in the public schools of his neighborhood
and afterward took up farming at home with his father, and in
1874 assumed entire charge of the homestead and conducted a
general line of farming and dairying, keeping cows of the short-
horn breed, principally. In 1906 he retired and moved to North-
field, where he now resides. Mr. Canedy has taken part in
public affairs for many years, having served on the board of
1274 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
west to i\Iinnesota with his parents, Jonathan L. and Susan
B. (French) Clifford, in 1855. They pre-empted 160 acres of
land in Stanton township, Goodhne county, and cleared and cul-
tivated this farm until in 1873, when tlie father moved to Can-
non Falls and lived a retired life until his death in 1878. The
mother died in 1901. There w'ere seven children in the Clifford
liome : Samuel, who died of yellow fever in the West Indies;
Arthur T., of Cannon I'"alls ; Mrs. Willard Kenyon, of Ray-
mond, Neb.; John (deceased) was formerly in business at North-
field; Everett F., of Wabasha, Minn.; Charles, the subject of
this slcetch, and Albion L., of Cannon Falls. Arthur T. and
John were soldiers in the Civil War, the former serving in the
First Regiment, Hea\'y Artillery, and the latter in Company F,
Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Charles F. remained
at home, and in 1872 took charge of the farm, wliich he after-
ward purchased. He carried on a general line of farming, and
also engaged in stock raising to a considerable extent. In 1894
he rented the farm and moved to Northfield, having purchased
a small farm of forty acres within the city limits, where he has
since resided. While a resident of Stanton township he served
as treasurer and was also a member of the school board of his
district for many years. April 5, 1873, Mr. Clifford was united
in marriage to Jeanette Whitson, a native of Smith Falls, On-
tario, and was born November 8, 1848, daughter of Robert and
Mary (Riddle) Whitson. The father was born in Edinborough,
Scotland in 1827, and the mother was born in Canada April 19,
1828. In 1863 they came to Minnesota and settled in Stanton
township, where the father died July 7, 1889. Two years later
the mother moved to Northfield, where she passed away Feb-
ruary 10, 1904. They were the parents of eight children : Mrs.
C. F. Clifford; Robert A., of Drayton, N. D. ; James, of Fergus
Falls, Minn.; Mrs. Amos Gile, of North Yakima, Wash.; William
(deceased) ; John H., of Stanton, Minn. ; Mrs. Eugene Bullock,
of Puyallup, Wash., and Henry, of Drayton, N. D. To Mr. and
Mrs. Clifford have been born five children: John E., born Janu-
ary 3, 1874, who is a farmer, of Northfield township ; William P.,
born April 1, 1877, of Alberta, Canada ; Charles W., born October
8, 1882, of Minneapolis; Herbert, born July 4, 1886, of Havre,
Mont. ; Jeanette M., born September 19, 1890, is at home. The
family are members of the Congregational church at Northfield.
Carl Clarine, horticulturist, who, with his brother. Nils P.
Clarine, conducts the only greenhouse in Faribault, was born
in Sweden, April 13, 1868. Carl received his earlier education
in the country schools of Sweden, and came to America in
1887, locating in Webster county, Iowa, for about a year. He
then engaged in the greenhouse business in Minneapolis, until
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1275
1891, when he went to St. Paul, continuing in tlie same business
until 1894, when he came to Faribault, where he and his brother
built their ])resent large greenhouse. They handle a large
variety of flowers of all description and enjoy a large trade.
Mr. Clarine is an independent voter. He belongs to the Sons
of Herman, the Degree of Honor and the United Workmen. He
was married July 2, 1901, at Faribault, to Marie Beyer. To this
union have been born four children : Esther, Herbert, Florence
and Donald. The family faith is that of the Episcopal church.
N. R. Castle, of Faribault, has the sole agency for southern
Minnesota for the sale of the Phelps carbide feed gas generator,
and has exploited the excellent qualities of this light in so able
a manner as to secure for it a wide distribution and general pop-
ularity. N. R. Castle was born in Lee Center, Oneida county,
N. Y., May 7, 1844, son of John J. and Sary R. (Cornish) Castle,
natives of New York. The father, was superintendent of the
Black river canal for eight years. He came west with his fam-
ily in 1859, located in W'alcott township. Rice county, and con-
tinued farming until his death, in 1901, his wife having passed
away in 1896. The subject of this sketch received his early
education in New York state, came west with his parents in
1859, and here continued his schooling. After working on the
home farm for a time he took up railroad work, and after six
years purchased 160 acres of wild land in Merton county, im-
proving the land, erecting a house and barn, and developing the
place in general. In 1896 he sold out and purchased the old
homestead in Walcott township, which he worked until 1905,
when he sold the farm and came to Faribault. Two years
later he took the agency which he still retains. Mr. Castle
is an independent Democrat. While in Walcott township he
served several terms as supervisor and occupied other posi-
tions of public and private trust and honor. Mr. Castle was
married July 3, 1864. at Clinton Falls, Steele county, Minnesota,
to Amelia J. McNitt. daughter of Sylvester and Susan McNitt,
who "died January 4, 1904. To this union eight children were
born: W. H.. a miller of Morton, Minn.; George VV., a farmer
of Wadena, Minn.; Asa, of Faribault; Fred, a farmer of Todd
county ; Adren, a farmer of South Dakota : Clifford, who is a
plumber and lives at home; N. R.. Jr., who lives at home, and
Nona M., who married Frank L. Wentworth, an Owatonna
barber. Mr. Castle was married December 25, 1905, to Mrs.
Ella Freeman, of Shenandoah, Iowa. The family faith is that
of the Universalist church.
Henry Chaffee, an early pioneer, was born in Berkshire
county, Mass., .Ajiril 9, 1827. He was reared on the farm and
when eighteen years old entered a store in his native county
12:6 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COITNTIES
as clerk. In 1856 he came to Faribault and opened a grocery
store. Two years later he pre-empted a claim in Waseca county,
but continued to reside in Rice county. From 1866 to 1872
he operated a saw and stave mill in ^VelIs township, and then
became a member of the Walcott Milling Company. He died
March 8, 1897. His wife is now living at Faribault. Mrs.
Chaffee was born in Ohio, her maiden name being Charlotte
Carter. She was married to Henry Chaffee in 1869, then moving
to Faribault.
Fred M. Chaffee, real estate dealer and loan broker, was born
in Faribault, August 2. 1874, and received his earlier education
in the public schools, later entering Shattuck school. His par-
ents were Henry and Charlotte (Carter) Chaff'ee, whose career
is noted elsewhere. After leaving school Fred M. took up the
real estate and loan business, at the same time looking after
his own farms, located in Walcott township. His holdings in-
clude considerable wild lands in northern ^Minnesota, affording
]\Ir. Chaffee opportunity for pursuing his favorite pastimes of
fishing and hunting. He votes the Republican ticket. He was
married June 15, 1903. at Lincoln, Neb., to Ethel H. Hooper, of
that city, daughter of C. L. Hooper, a loan and stock broker.
To Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee have been born two children : Colin
T., born .August 11. 1905, and Frederick H., born October 14,
1906. The family residence is located on Second avenue, be-
tween Fourth and Fifth streets.
Henry L. Cruttenden is a prominent dentist of Northfield,
where he has practiced his profession for the long period of
thirty years, and has also closely identified himself with the
growth and development of the city, taking a special interest
in the schools, having served as a member of the school board
for a number of years, part of which he acted as secretary. In
his profession he has been connected with the state dental asso-
ciation since its organization, of which he was chosen as the
first secretary, which office he held for seven years, and later
was elected president, which he served for a time. He has been
elected as a life member of the association. He has also been
president of the Southern Minnesota Dental Association. Dr.
Cruttenden is also well known in fraternal circles, having asso-
ciated himself with several organi^-ations. In the Masonic order
he has held the office of master of Social Lodge, No. 48, A. F.
& A. M., and has been high priest of the R. A. M., Corinthian
Chapter, No. 33, and is also a member of high standing and
prominence of the Knights Templar of Faribault. In political
affairs Dr. Cruttenden is a faithful adherent to the Republican
partv. He was born in Morris, Otsego county, New York,
April 20, 1856, son of Hopestill and Casandania (Noble) Crnt-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1377
tenden, natives of Connecticut. He received his education in
the public schools of Morris, and in 1876 left his native state
for the West, where he took up the study of dental surgery,
and spent some time in Chippewa Falls, Wis., and Red Wing,
Minn., after which he came to Northfield, in June, 1879, and
opened an office in the Northfield National Bank Building,
where he has since remained, and has built up a large and profit-
able practice, and on account of his careful and conscientious
work has won the confidence and esteem of the people of the
city and surrounding country. He was married May 5, 1881,
to Nellie A. Orr, daughter of Charles Orr, of Oneida, N. Y.,
where she was born, and they have two children : Charles N.,
born October 31, 1884, is an art student of marked ability, and
has spent two years in New York city in the study of art, and
Louis M., born July 18, 1894, is a student in the high school
at home. The family are members of the Episcopal church, of
which Dr. Cruttenden has been a member of the vestry for
thirty years.
William A. Cruikshank, deputy count)- treasurer, and former
teacher, was born in Richland township, July 13, 1876, son of
John H. and Emilyn (Hortop) Cruikshank, prominent farmers
of Richland township. William A. received his early education
in the district schools of Richland township, and then took a
course in the Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna. Subsequently
he studied three years in the Faribault high school, and in 1896
entered the state normal school, at Mankato, graduating in
1899. In the meantime he taught in Goodhue county. After
graduating from normal school he took up teaching in Rice
county and met with great success. He then learned teleg-
raphy, and subsequently entered the employ of the C. & G. W.
Ry., working for that company one year at Kenyon, Minn., and
one year at Minneapolis. In 1903 he went with the Minnesota
Transfer railroad for a short time and then became timekeeper
and cost clerk for the American Bridge Company. October 1.
1908, he came to Faribault as deputy county treasurer under
Silas Pettitt. Mr. Cruikshank is a Republican in politics and a
member of the Modern Woodmen and Masons. He was mar-
ried July 24, 1902, at Beaver Creek, Rock county, Minnesota,
to Eva M. Price, daughter of A. D. Price, of that place, promi-
nent stock farmer. Mr. Price died in Ai)ril. 1903, and Mrs.
Price still lives on the home farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Cruik-
shank has been born one child. Ramona G., born May 22, 1903.
The family faith is that of the Methodist church.
Thomas J. Conlin, real estate dealer and insurance repre-
sentative, was born in Lake Forest. 111.. October 4, 1841, son
of Patrick and Mary fO'Dowd) Conlin. natives of Ireland, who
15TG HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
as clerk. In 1856 he came to Faribault and opened a grocery
store. Two years later he pre-empted a claim in Waseca county,
but continued to reside in Rice county. From 1866 to 1872
he operated a saw and stave mill in Wells township, and then
became a member of the Walcott Milling Company. He died
March 8. 1897. His wife is now living at Faribault. Mrs.
Chaffee was born in Ohio, her maiden name being Charlotte
Carter. She was married to Henry Chaii'ee in 1869, then moving
to Faribault.
Fred M. Chaffee, real estate dealer and loan broker, was born
in Fariliault, August 2, 1874, and received his earlier education
in the public schools, later entering Shattuck school. His par-
ents were Henry and Charlotte (Carter) ChaiTee, whose career
is noted elsewhere. After leaving school Fred M. took up the
real estate and loan business, at the same time looking after
his own farms, located in Walcott township. His holdings in-
clude considerable wild lands in northern Minnesota, affording
Mr. ChalTee opportunity for pursuing his favorite pastimes of
fishing and hunting. He votes the Republican ticket. He was
married June 15, 1903, at Lincoln, Xeb., to Ethel H. Hooper, of
that city, daughter of C. L. Hooper, a loan and stock broker.
To Mr. and Mrs. Chafifee have been born two children : Colin
T., born August 11, 1903, and Frederick H., born October 14,
1906. The family residence is located on Second avenue, be-
tween Fourth and Fifth streets.
Henry L. Cruttenden is a prominent dentist of Northfield,
where he has practiced his profession for the long period of
thirty years, and has also closely identified himself with the
growth and development of the city, taking a special interest
in the schools, having served as a member of the school board
for a number of years, part of which he acted as secretary. In
his profession he has been connected with the state dental asso-
ciation since its organization, of which he was chosen as the
first secretary, which office he held for seven years, and later
was elected president, which he served for a time. He has been
elected as a life member of the association. He has also been
president of the Southern Minnesota Dental Association. Dr.
Cruttenden is also well known in fraternal circles, having asso-
ciated himself with several organizations. In the Masonic order
he has held the office of master of Social Lodge, No. 48, A. F.
& A. M., and has been high priest of the R. A. M., Corinthian
Chapter, No. 33. and is also a member of high standing and
prominence of the Knights Templar of Faribault. In political
affairs Dr. Cruttenden is a faithful adherent to the Republican
party. He was born in ]\Iorris, Otsego county, New York,
April 20, 1856, son of Hopestill and Casandania (Noble) Crut-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1277
tenden, natives of Connecticut. He received his education in
the public schools of Morris, and in 1876 left his native state
for the West, where he took up the study of dental surgery,
and spent some time in Chippewa Falls, Wis., and Red Wing,
Minn., after which he came to Northfield, in June, 1879, and
opened an office in the Northfield National Bank Building,
where he has since remained, and has built up a large and profit-
able practice, and on account of his careful and conscientious
work has won the confidence and esteem of the people of the
city and surrounding country. He was married May 5, 1881,
to Nellie A. Orr, daughter of Charles Orr, of Oneida, N. Y.,
where she was born, and they have two children : Charles N.,
born October 31, 1884, is an art student of marked ability, and
has spent two years in New York city in the study of art, and
Louis M.. born July 18, 1894, is a student in the high school
at home. The family are member.-^ of the Episcopal church, of
which Dr. Cruttenden has been a member of the vestry for
thirty years.
William A. Cruikshank, deputy county treasurer, and former
teacher, was born in Richland township, July 13, 1876, son of
John H. and Emilyn (Hortop) Cruikshank, prominent farmers
of Richland township. William A. received his early education
in the district schools of Richland township, and then took a
course in the Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna. Subsequently
he studied three years in the Faribault high school, and in 1896
entered the state normal school, at Mankato, graduating in
1899. In the meantime he taught in Goodhue county. After
graduating from normal school he took up teaching in Rice
county and met with great success. He then learned teleg-
raphy, and subsequently entered the employ of the C. & G. W.
Ry., working for that company one year at Kenyon, Minn., and
one year at Minneapolis. In 1903 he went with the Minnesota
Transfer railroad for a short time and then became timekeeper
and cost clerk for the American Bridge Compan}'. October 1,
1908, he came to Faribault as deputy county treasurer under
Silas Pettitt. Mr. Cruikshank is a Republican in politics and a
member of the I\Todern Woodmen and Masons. He was mar-
ried July 24, 1902, at Beaver Creek, Rock county, Minnesota,
to Eva M. Price, daughter of A. D. Price, of that place, promi-
nent stock farmer. Mr. Price died in April, 1905, and Mrs.
Price still lives on the home farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Cruik-
shank has been born one child. Ramona G., born May 22, 1903.
The family faith is that of the Methodist church.
Thomas J. Conlin, real estate dealer and insurance repre-
sentative, was hcirn in Lake Forest, III., October 4, 1841, son
of Patrick and Mary (O'Dowd) Conlin, natives of Ireland, who
1278 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
came to America in 1828, located in Boston, Mass., and there
remained until 1883, when they took up their residence for
a year in Chicago, III. Then they went to Forest Lake town-
ship in the same state, and homesteaded 160 acres of land. In
1849 Patrick Conlin followed the gold rush to California, and
there remained for years. Then he lived on his farm in Illinois
until 1856, when he came to Morton, Steele county, and en-
gaged in farming, continuing all liis life. He died in January,
1886, and his wife in March, 187.^. Thomas J. received his edu-
cation in the district schools, attending a log cabin school in
his neighborhood. He followed agricultural pursuits for his
father and then acquired a farm of his own. In 1877, when
he came to Faribault, he rented his farm, and after eighteen
years sold it. Since 1877 he has been engaged in the insurance
and real estate business in Faribault, having an office at 215J/2
Central avenue and a fine residence at 626 Second street, W. N.
Mr. Conlin has been actively identified with public life for many
years. While in Merton township, Steele county, he served as
assessor and town clerk for several terms, and was on the school
board fifteen years. He also served the city of Faribault as
recorder for three years, and overseer of the poor for six years.
He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is a popular mem-
ber of Michael Cook Post, No. 123, G. A. R. At the outbreak
of the Indian troubles Mr. Conlin enlisted in the government
service, in August, 1862, saw much active service, and re-
enlisted in February, 1864, serving in Company L, First Minne-
sota Heavy Artillery, as high corporal. He returned home in
October, 1865. Mr. Conlin was married May 20, 1864, to Abi-
gail McAndrews, of Steele county. To this union were born
three children: Cora M., who married Alexander Casufel, of
Faribault; Mary F., who is at home, and Emma J., wife of
John Kasper, of Faribault. Mrs. Abigail Conlin died December
24, 1873. Mr. Conlin was married February 28, 1879, to Jane
McMahon, of Rice county. To this union was born one daugh-
ter, Rosanna, wife of James Fitzgerald, of Owatonna.
Stephen Loveband Crocker, another of that noble band of
men who were identified with the Episcopalian movement in
Faribault whose influence has become nation-wide, was born
at Stafford, Geneosee county. New York, December 12, 1845.
He attended the public schools and completed his education
at the Batavia Academy, making the study of chemistry a
specialty. As soon as he attained his majority he left his boy-
hood home for the alluring West, and after a brief stay at
Buffalo, N. Y.. and Hillsdale, Mich., came to Hastings, Minn.,
in 1867, and the following year to Faribault, where he entered
the drug store of Sage & Hunter as a prescription clerk. In
STEPHEN L. (KOCKER
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1279
1872 he purcliascd the drug business of Sage & Hunter and es-
tablished a large, prosperous and successful business. A little
later he formed a copartnership with his brother, George
Crocker, and the firm became known as "The Crocker
Brothers." A few year.s later they opened up a branch store
in the then new and growing town of Crookston. Minn., in
the northern part of the state, George removing there and
looked after that part of the business. Later they dissolved
partnership, Stephen Crocker hehig left sole proprietor of the
store at Faribault. Mr. Crocker found time for much labor
outside of his own inimcdiate business and was prominent in
many other business enterprises. He was public spirited and
generous, and greatly interested in everything pertaining to the
growth and welfare of the city. For two years he was presi-
dent of the Faribault Board of Trade, also president of the
board of directors of the rattan factory, and one of the chief
spirits in introducing that industry into F'aribault. He was
president of the State Board of Pharmacy, and his knowledge
of the business gave him a high standing in medical circles
throughout the state. He was also a prominent member of the
old Excelsior hook and ladder company. Having been brought
up in the Episcopal church, he dearly loved and believed in it
and its influence, and on coming to Faribault he became closely
associated with the Cathedral of the Good .Shepherd, ever giv-
ing freely to its support and working dilligently for its prosper-
ity. F"or nearly twenty years he was a vestryman, junior or
senior warden of the Parish of the Good Shepherd and was
senior warden at the time of his death. He was a prominent
Mason, and held several important official positions in the
order, and was elected, in 1891, eminent commander of the
Faribault Commandery. Mr. Crocker was a sound, straight-
forward JeflFersonian Democrat. He was never an ofifice seeker,
his nominations in every case coming to him unsolicited. He
served the city of Faribault four years as alderman, being
elected and re-elected from the Second ward, one of the
strongest Rcjniblican precincts in the county. In 1882 he was
elected county auditor and held the office two years. In 1886
he was elected mayor of the city by a majority of over 400. He
was also a member of the Democratic state central committee,
and in 1890 was the candidate of his party for state senator.
But in August, 1891, his health failed, and he went to Colorado,
hoping to regain it. There he spent two years and a half, re-
turning for a short time each summer to look after his business
interests in Faribault, which he still retained. He made a brave
struggle for life, but finally entered the "Valley of the Shadow,"
bravely, as he had lived, passing away at Denver, Colo., March
ri8u HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
3, 1904. Stephen Loveband Crocker was married at Faribault,
November 2. 1875. to Carrie E. Mee, formerly of Troy, N. Y..
a lady of varied accomplishments, who proved a loving and
faithful helpmeet and who still resides in Faribault.
K. D. Chase, financier, railroad promoter, developer of
mining and agricultural lands, and president of the Chase State
Bank, of Faribault, has lived a life of busy activity, and has
been closelv identified with the growth, progress and improve-
ment of the Northwest. He was born in Little \'alley, N. Y.,
December 1, 1841, and received his earlier education in the dis-
trict schools of Cataragus county and the select school at
Little Valley. He started his career at the age of nineteen
years, when he came to Minnesota and located on a farm in
Olmstead county. Shortly afterward the Civil War broke out,
and. filled with patriotic impulses, Mr. Chase enlisted in Com-
pany K, Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was mus-
tered in at Fort Snelling, serving three years, until the expira-
tion of his term of enlistment, when he reenlisted in the same
company and regiment and servcl until the close of the war.
He was one of the very fortunate ones who went through the
conflict without being wounded or captured, or having his
health and strength impaired in any way. He participated in
all the important battles of his regiment, and was with Sher-
man on his march to the sea. At the conclusion of hostilities
he participated in the Grand Review in Washington. From
there the regiment was sent to Harrisburg, and thence down
the Ohio river to Louisville, where it was discharged, being
mustered out at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Having thus com-
pleted his service to his country, Mr. Chase went to Rochester.
Minn., and entered the employ of R. H. Doe, shoe merchant.
After he had acquainted himself with the business Mr. Chase
was sent by Mr. Doe to Owatonna, where he opened a branch
shoe store, which he managed two years. Then, in company
with his brothers, Mr. Chase bought out his employer and con-
ducted the Owatonna store until I860. In 1871 the subject
of this sketch went to Duluth, ]\Iinn.. and identified himself
with the Northern Pacific Railroad, remaining until 1876. His
next location was at Crookston, where he was prominently
identified with many of the improvements for which that city
is so highly commended. As a contractor he constructed the
electric light plant and the water works. He associated him-
self with the First National Bank, became its vice-president,
and is still a stockholder in that institution. He also dealt
largely in real estate, and laid out and platted two additions
to the city of Crookston. one of which bears his name. In 1887
Mr. Chase came to Faribault, and here established his home
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1381
permancntl}-. entering at once into the life and progress of this
city. While maintaining his home here, he became interested
in the iron mines on tlie Missaba range, north of Duluth. In
1890 he took up prospecting and exploring in the range through
the counties of Lake, Cook and St. Louis, making several im-
portant discoveries which have since been developed into exten-
sive mines. At one time Mr. Chase and his associates con-
trolled over 18,000 acres on the rongc. In 1891-92 times were
such as to encourage the building of a railroad, which was
accordingly at once begun. It was soon completed to Mount
Iron, to Virginia Mountain, to Biwabik Mountain and Missabe
Mountain. This road was known as the Duluth, Missabe &
Northern and Mr. Chase became its president. In 1893 he re-
signed his position, but continued his mining and exploring,
being connected with mining operations in Arizona, in which
he is still interested. Formerly he was connected with the cop-
per mines in Pine count}', this state, and at Port Arthur and
in Canada. For manj' years Mr. Chase has dealt extensively
in both wild and cultivated lands. In 1905 Mr. Chase organ-
ized the Chase State Bank, of Faribault, first erecting the
sightly building which it has since occupied. Mr. Chase was
the first president of this institution, and his son Kelsey the
first cashier, both these positions being still retained. K. D.
Chase is a Republican in politics. While at Owatonna he
served on the school board. At Crookston he served on the
school board during the entire period of his residence there,
and in Faribault he served efficiently as mayor, in 1900. He
is vice-president of the automobile club of Rice county. His
interest in the business growth of Faribault is shown in his
work for the I'aribault Commercial Club, of which he is a
member.
The subject of this sketch was married in February, 1868,
at Homer, N. V., to Isabelle Gardner, and this union has been
blessed with five children : Mary Alzina is now Mrs. Charles
S. Ratcheldcr, of Faribault; Bertha Gardner lives at home;
Albert Gardner also lives at home; Kelsey .S. has already been
mentioned as cashier of his fathers bank; Ella died when five
years of age. The family faith i> that of the Congregational
church.
John Cowden, a successful farmer, of Bridgewater township,
was born in Ireland August 2.5, 1839, to Alexander and Ellen
Balentine Cowden, natives of Ireland. They emigrated to Can-
ada and located near Prescott, Wis., where the father farmed
until his death, which occurred in 1892. The mother died
in 1889. John attained his education in Canada. Leaving
school, he worked away from home for some time, and in 1863
1382 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
came to Minnesota and located at Dundas, Rice county, Minne-
sota, where he worked ;n a flour mill. Later he bought 160
acres of land in sections IZ and 26. Bridgewater township,
where he has farmed up to the present time. A short time
after purchasing the first farm he bought an additional 160 acres
in sections 21 and 20 which he still owns. He has cleared his
farm of timber and by liard work and ]iersevering efTort has
made improvements, including modern buildings, until it is
now one of the best cared for and most productive farms in the
communil}-. Mr. Cowden was married in 1866 to Anna Work-
man, of Canada. Seven children were born to this family,
named in the respective order uf their birth, James Alexander.
Florence May, Isabelle Jane, Alice Maude, Allen John, Olive
Ella, .Sarah Elizabeth. Mrs. Cowden died in 1882. C)ur subject
married a second time, in 1884, to Miss Minnie Johnson, of
Durand. Wis. Three children were born to this union, named
as follows: Clara Mabel, Lulu Ellen, Samuel Clinton.
Mr. Cowden is not affiliated with any political party, but
casts his vote in favor of those whom in his estimation are best
qualified to fill the office for which they are candidates, regard-
less of part}' principle. In religious faith he is associated with
the Presbyterian church. He is also member of the Degree of
Honor. Mr. Cowden has served on the school board in Dundas,
as treasurer, for a number of years, and has also served on the
town board.
J. F. Closson was born in Cannon City township. Rice county,
Minnesota, January 11, 1839. He is a son of Joseph and Susan
(Koons) Closson. both of whom are natives of the East. His
father was born in New York, and was a farmer by occupation.
He came to Minnesota in 1852 and located in Cannon City town-
ship, Rice county. Minnesota, where he engaged in farming up
to the time of his death, in June, 1''03. He was a soldier in the
Civil War and served as a jirivate in Company C of the Sixth
Regiment for one year and si.\ months, when he was discharged
because of wounds and sickness contracted in the service. His
mother died in the month of February. 1908.
Mr. Closson obtained his education in the district schools
of Cannon Cit}-, and on leaving school returned to the farm.
where he has since remained, carrying on general farming. In
the year 1880 he was married to Maranda Orcutt. a daughter
of Burr and Sylvia Orcutt. Four children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Closson : Dolly, who is now Mrs. John Law-
rence and resides in the state of \\ ashington ; Guy, who is now
deceased ; Elbert Closson was married March 18, 1908, and
resides on a farm in Bridgewater; and Hazel is living at home
with her parents. His political affiliations are with the Repub-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1283
lican party. He has served for several years on ihe town board
of supervisors and also as a director on the school board. He
is one of the stockholders of the Cannon City Creamery.
H. H. Crossett, retired farmer, living on First .street, in Fari-
bault, was born in Enosburg, Franklin connty, X'ermont, Decem-
ber 4, 1836. He received his earlier education in the schools of
his native state, came to Wisconsin as a youth, farmed with his
parents for a time, and in 1867 took up farming for himself near
Owatonna. From 1879 to 1888 he engaged in farming in Wal-
cott township, Rice county, and then went to Mower county,
remaining until 1904, when he purcha.sed a farm in Cannon City
township. One year later he retired. Mr. Crossett is an estimable
citizen in every respect and has done his share in promoting the
agricultural interests of southern Minnesota. .\t one time he
served on the school board. .Mr. Crossett was married in Oc-
tober, 1860, at Juneau, Wis., to Jane Ely, daughter of Calvin
Ely, of that place. Four children crowned this union: Mrs.
Victoria Lukens lives with her father; Charles lives in Cannon
City township; John lives in West Concord, Minn., and Julia
is a stenographer in Spokane. The family religion is that of
the Congregational church. The parents of H. H. Crossett were
Samuel and Eunice (Barber) Crossett, the father a native of
New York state and the mother of Vermont. The father was
a hotel man and farmer in Canada about twenty-five years,
but later followed dairy farming in \'ermont until 1853, when
he brought his family to Juneau, Wis., where he engaged in
farming until 1868, when he moved to Du Page county, Illinois.
Later he came to Faribault and here ended his days. His wife
died in 190.=^.
John Craven, pioneer, was born in JefTcrson county, Penn-
sylvania, and was reared in that state. He came to Minnesota
in 1854 and lived in Black Dog valley, not far from St. Paul,
being employed by a Mr. Griggs. Two years later, in 1856, he
came to Rice county and pre-empted 160 acres of land in Forest
township, which he cleared and improved, being the first man
to raise a crop of wheat in his vicinity. In the spring of 1862
he enlisted as a private in the Second Minnesota Battery, Light
Artillery, and served three years, participating in all the cam-
paigns and battles of his regiment except that of Lookout
Mountain, when he was confined in a hospital, as the result of
injuries which nearly ended his life. He was shot in both ankles,
thus making him helpless, while an entire battery of artillery
swept over the ground where he lay. He was discharged in
1865, returned home and was married to Mrs. Mary Smith
Greener June 21, 1865. To this union were born five children:
Julia is now Mrs. E. J. \'aux. of I'aribault ; Mary is now Mrs.
1384 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
La Mott, of Denni.son, Rice county ; Jennie is a school teacher
in Pembina. N. D. : John W. ; George L. lives in Spokane, Wash.
In 1867 John Craven disposed of his farm in Forest township
and removed to Waseca county, farming one year. Then he dis-
posed of his farm and returned to Forest township. Rice county,
again coming into possession of his original farm. In 1872 he
sold the farm, moved to Faribault, purchased thirty-seven acres
near the city limits and engaged in truck gardening. He twice
added to his land, until he owned sixty acres, the place being
located just off from Hulett avenue. In 1894, on account of
declining years, he gave up his labors and retired in favor of his
son, John W. John Craven was a Prohibitionist in politics and
belonged to the Methodist church. He died October 14. 1900.
John W. Craven, market gardener and dairyman, has been
interested for many }ears in the advancement of agricultural
and dairying conditions in Rice county and southern Alinnesota.
He was born in Faribault Xo\ember 9. 1876, and received his
early education in the public schools of his native city. He
then took up truck gardening with his father until 1894, when
he succeeded his father and carried on the business for himself.
He is now gradually converting his place into a dairy farm,
keeping thoroughbred Holstein cattle. He is still single and his
mother keeps house for him. Mr. Craven is an independent
\-oter and, like his father, attends the ]Methodist church. Mr.
Craven was one of the men instrumental in starting the Farmers"
Co-operati\e Creamery at Faribault, in which he has been a
stockholder and director since its incorporation.
C. L. Clover was born in New York state September 2. 1848.
He is a son of R. B. and Abbegil (Reid) Clover, who were
natives of New York. The father was a farmer by occupation
and came west in 1858, locating in Chisago countw where he
farmed up to 1881. He then moved to Pine county and died
there. The mother is al,--o dead. Mr. Clover attended the public
schools in New York state and also in ^Minnesota. After leav-
ing school he worked on the farm, later in the pineries and in
the stave factory in Pine county. In 1878 he came to Forest
township, where he bought a farm in section 15, where he has
farmed up to the present time. He was married in 1877 to
Hannah Backlund, a daughter of John and Lena Backlund.
They were natives of Sweden, who emigrated to America and
settled in Minnesota, where they both died. Three children have
blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clover: Lena, now Mrs.
Louis E. Larson, living in Minneapolis; Simon, a carpenter,
living at home, and Charles, also at home. Mr. Clover is a
member of the Lutheran church and of the Modern Woodmen
of America. In politics he is an independent voter. At the
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES T?85
present time lie is the treasurer of the school board in district
No. 20.
J. E. Clifford, a prominent and thrifty farmer in Northfield
township, is a native son of Minnesota. He was born in Good-
lu:c county January 3, 1874. to C. F. and Janette (VVhitson)
Clifford, natives of Maine and Canada respectively. The father
came to Minnesota in 1855, located in Goodhue county, where
he carried on general farming until 1895, and then moved to
Northfield, where he still lives. The subject of this sketch
acquired his education in district schools of Goodhue county,
which was supplemented by high school training at Cannon
Falls and a business course at Red Wing. Leaving school, he
returned to his father's farm, where he worked until 1895, and
then took charge of the old homestead, where he carried on
general and diversified farming until 1901. He then came to
Rice county, located in Northfield township, where he bought
160 acres in section 10, on which he has done a general farming
up to the present time. Mr. Clifford married Ada, daughter of
Joseph and Emma Foster, of Northfield. In political sentiment
Mr. Clifford favors the Republican party. He belongs to the
Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America. He has served in various local
offices in his community, viz.. town clerk, supervisor and school
director.
Charles F. Cushman was born in Monticello, la., January
30, 1867. He is the son of Samuel and Lucinda (Gilbert) Cush-
man. The mother was a native of New York and the father a
native of Connecticut: by occupation he was a veterinary sur-
geon. He came to Minnesota in 1855 and located in Greenville
township, Dakota county, where he pre-empted land and farmed
for two years. He then went to Iowa, w^here he engaged in the
butcher business for one \'ear. He then returned to Minnesota,
going first to Waseca, where he remained for five years, and
then came to Millersburg, Forest township, where he farmed
and conducted a hotel until his death, July 4, 1890. The mother
still lives on the old place at Millersburg. Mr. Cushman attended
the district school in Forest, and in 1885 graduated from the
Northfield high school. .After leaving school he learned the car-
jienter's trade, which he still follows, running a threshing machine
during the harvest season. Mr. Cushman slept in the same room
with the Younger brothers at his father's hotel the night before
the Northfield bank robbery. He was married in 1888 to Annie
Taylor, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Taylor, natives f)f
Connecticut, who later located in Forest township. Mr. Tajdor
died in 1909. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cush-
man, Frank and Sadie, both livinsj at home. Mr. Cushman is
128a HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
a member of the Aletliodist Episcopal church and of the follow-
ing fraternal societies: Independent Order Odd Fellows, Mod-
ern Woodmen of America, Modern Brotherhood of America, Re-
becca Lodge. His political affiliations are with the Republican
party. He has served on the town board and on the school board
for fifteen years. He has been assessor for six years, also took
the L'nited States census and was postmaster of Millersburg
for nine years.
A. E. Cleland was born in Canada May 28, 1867. He is a
son of John and Julia (Bowen) Cleland, both natives of Canada.
The father was a farmer. He came to Minnesota in 1871 and
located in Forest township, Rice country, where he farmed up
to the time of his death in 1890. The mother is also dead.
Mr. Cleland attended the public schools in Forest and Dundas
and spent one year at the Northfield high school. After leaving
school he worked with his father on the farm, with the excep-
tion of one year, which was spent in the state of Washington.
In 1890 he took charge of the old homestead, and in 1894 bought
it from his father and has done general farming up to the
present time. He was married in 1891 to Esther Taylor, a
daughter of Gilbert N. and Lucy (Chase) Taylor, of Webster
township. Nine children have been l)orn to Mr. and Mrs. Clel-
and: Elliott, Myrtle, Kenneth, Rachel, Beatrice, Andrew, Jr.,
Hugh, Donald Lincoln, and Carman. They are all li\^ing at
home. In his political views Mr. Cleland is a Democrat, and he
is a member of the Episcopal church and of the Modern Wood-
men of America. Lie ha^ served for seven years on the town
board of supervisors and also on the school board. He is a
director in the Northfield Telephone Company and a stockholder
in the Dakota county co-operative store.
J. T. Cheney, a successful farmer, son of Luke and Elizabeth
(Fritter) Cheney, natives of England, was born in Michigan
September 2, 1854. The father came to America in 1846 and
located at Long Island, N. Y., where he carried on his occupa-
tion as a sailor for two years, thence went to Ohio, where he
was married. He then removed to Michigan, where he remained
two years, when he again returned to Ohio, where he lived nine
years. Going to Michigan once more, he lived there one winter,
and then (1865) came to Minnesota and located on a farm in
Bridgewater township. Rice county, where he farmed until his
death, which occurred July 1, 1908. The mother died in 1878.
Our subject attained his education in the district school of
Bridgewater. Leaving sch.ool, he worked one year for his father
and then rented his father's farm, which contract continued until
the latter's death, when he became possessor of the farm, where
he still resides. In 1877 Mr. Chenev married Miss Eliza A.,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1-387
daughter of Edward and Alice Jones. Of three chiUh-cn born
to Mr. and Mrs. Cheney, Melvin L. farms in Bridgevvater town-
ship ; Phoebe, now Mrs. W. A. Rose, lives in Bridgcwater town-
ship, and Jesse L. lives at home.
Mr. Chenej' takes an active interest in public altairs, now
serving on the board of supervisors in Bridgewater township.
He has served as clerk on the school board for thirty-one years.
In political sentiment Mr. Cheney is a Republican. He, with
his family, adheres to the Episcopal faith. He is also interested
in fraternal orders, belonging to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Workmen.
Frank Degros, one of the well-to-do citizens of Northfield,
Minn., was born December 29, 1839, at Lu.xemburg, Germany,
but is of French lineage. He learned the blacksmith's trade
in France and followed it there, and after coming to this coun-
try, in October, 1868. worked at it some three years at North-
field. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Lewis Tscham
under the firm name of Lewis Tscham & Co., and for twenty-
one years conducted a prosperous meat business. His business
took him throughout Rice and adjoining counties, and he came
to be an expert in judging and buying stock for the market.
In 1902 Mr. Degros retired from active business and lives in
the enjoyment of his well-earned competence. He has a hand-
some brick residence on Union avenue, surrounded by spacious
and beautiful grounds with many fine shade trees and orna-
mented shrubs of his own planting and training, and here he
spends much of his time. In political matters Mr. Degros ties
himself to no party, but in voting casts his ballot for the candi-
date whom he thinks best qualified to fill the ofSce sought,
regardless of party affiliations. In religious belief he is a
Catholic.
Mr. Degros married Josephine Tscham. They have no chil-
dren of their own, but ha\e reared and educated a niece, who
has had her home with them many years.
Charles Degen, a well known and highly honored resident
of Faribault, has taken his part in the business activities of
the city, and the well established firm of Charles Degen & Co..
''Shoe Hustlers." stands as a monument to his untiring energy
and unswerving honesty. Mr. Degen was born in Elsass, Ger-
many, April 4, 1830, being one of the ten children of Adam
and Solomney (Steinhack) Degen. He came to America with
his parents in 18-14. and settled in Naperville. 111., where he
learned the shoemaker's trade. Subsequently, after moving to
Long Grove, 111., he worked at his trade in connection with
conducting farming operations for ten years. During this period
he was married to Elizabeth .Smntz, who died in 1878, leav-
1288 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ing two children. Emma — who is now Airs. P. J. Hummel —
and Josephine — who is now Mrs. J. J. Hummel, — both living
with their families in Los Angeles. Cal. Later Mr. Degen
opened a general store at Arlington Heights, 111., and in 1874
came to Faribault, where he engaged in the general mercan-
tile business at 120 Third street. On account of poor health,
caused by a too close application to business, he sold out, in
1884. and made two trips to California to recuperate. Not con-
tent to be long absent from business, however, Mr. Degen, in
1886, associated himself with Mr. Bredekoft, and purchased
a shoe business at 120 West Third street, in Faribault, from
Daniel O'Brien. After a short time Mr. Degen purchased his
partner's interest. The business is now conducted under the
firm name of Charles Degen & Co., with C. \V. Degen as man-
ager. The store enjoys a large patronage and carries a large
stock of first class goods. Mr. Degen was married in 1880 to
Mrs. Juliana (.Stark) Geckler. a native of Holstein, Germany,
who had settled in Winona, where her husband, D. Geckler,
died. Mr. and Mrs. Degen have one child. Charles \V., who
efficiently looks after his father's interest in the store, and is
one of the rising young business men of the cit}-. The family
faith is that of the German Methodist church.
James Dobbin, D. D. In every generation, since the great
school system of England was first inaugurated, there have
been a few men, seemingly especially prepared b}' birth, and
assuredly prepared by education, training and character, to im-
press the stamp of true and noble manhood upon budding
youth. To occupy a worthy place among such men one must
needs be of engaging, kindly and spotless character, firm and
just when necessary, of ripe scholarship and experience, yet
with the freshness of spirit which enters into the joys of boy-
hood. His must be a life worthy of emulation, and an inspira-
tion to highest and best eft'ort. Such a man was Dr. Arnold,
immortalized in the classic "Tom Brown's School Days." And
such a man also is Dr. James Dobbin, who has been called
the "Arnold of .'\merica." His work is written in the lives of
those who have passed under his fostering care for more than
four decades past, and ihe influence which has emanated from
his life will be felt for generations to come.
The story of his career is the Iiistory of the Shattuck school
of Faribault, at the head of which he has been since 1867. James
Dobbin was horn in Salem. Washington county. New York,
June 29, 1833, and was reared on the farm, receiving his earlier
education in the public schools. At the age of eighteen years
he left home and prepared for college by studying at the Salem
and Argyle academies, working his wa}- up by his own energy
.lAMKS IHII'.I'.IX, 1). I).
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1-289
and industry. In 1855 he took charge of the school at Argyle,
where he remained until 1857; then entered Union College,
graduating in 1859. He came to I'"aribault in 1859 and assisted
Dr. J. L. Brcck in a mission day school for one year. Then he
returned to New York and once more conducted the Argyle
Academy, one year later taking charge of the academy at
Greenwick. In 1864 he came back to Minnesota and took up
the study of theology at the Seabury Divinity School. Just
before taking holy orders, in the spring of 1867, he was pre-
\ailed u])on by Bishop Whipple and the Rev. Breck to attempt
the founding of Shattuck School. He was ordained that year,
was made rector of Shattuck School, and has since remained
in charge.
Dr. Dobbin was married December 12, 1860, to Fannie I.
Leigh, who died December 27, 1865, leaving one daughter,
Jessie L. She married George C Davis, then of Red Wing,
now of Billings, Alont., and to this union were born two
sons: James Leigh, now in the insurance and real estate
business at Billings, and George Y).. who died in Red Wing at
the age of eight years. Dr. Dobbin was married April 7, 1874,
at Faribault, to Elizabeth L. Ames, and to this union were
born two sons : Edward S., now manager of the St. Paul
Envelope Company, of St. Paul, and John E., business manager
of Shattuck School.
Samuel F. Donaldson is an active man of afifairs at Fari-
bault, Minn., a native of Rice county. He was born November
22, 1868, and is a son of Isaac N. and Sarah A. (Decker) Don-
aldson, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1862 the father settled at
Bridgewater, in Rice count}-, where he bought land and car-
ried on farming till 1871. lie then engaged in a general mer-
cantile trade at Dundas, which he sold some six years later.
He was elected registrar of deeds for Rice county in 1877, and
also served as count_v auditor. On .\])ril 1, 1899, he organized
the Morristown State Bank and is still — 1910 — connected with
it as its president. The mother also resides at Morristown.
Samuel F. acquired a good English education in the public
schools of Dundas and Faribault, and supplemented this with
a two years' course of study at Carleton College. From Feb-
ruary 1. 1887, to February 1, 1898, Mr. Donaldson served as
deputy county auditor of Rice county, and from the last named
date to September 1, 1898, he served by appointment, first as
assistant cashier and then as cashier of the Security Bank of
Faribault, in which he was financially interested. Selling this
interest, he, on April 1, 1906, assumed the duties of receiver
of the First National Bank of Faribault, and now — 1910 — holds
that office, and also, since October 28. 1907, has held the office
1290 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
of cashier of the Citizens' National Bank. On November 3,
1891, Mr. Donaldson married Miss Gertrude, a daughter of
Myron A. and Gertrude (Major) Fredenburg, who moved from
New York, their native state, and settled at Owatonna, where
the father carried on general merchandising until his decease,
in 1888. The mother now resides at Faribault. Mr. and Mrs.
Donaldson have one child, Janet, by name.
James J. Dow, who has been superintendent of the Minne-
sota State School for the Blind ever since that school was organ-
ized as a separate institution, was born in India, on the con-
tinent of Asia, in a mission station. February 15, 1848. He was
brought to America as an infant and was reared in Maine, the
home of his ancestors. In 1863, filled with the same patriotism
that had animated his forebears, he enlisted in Company F.
Second Maine Cavalry, serving two 3'ears. In 1866 he came to
Olmstead county, Minnesota, to which place his parents had
previously moved, and three years later entered Carleton Col-
lege, at Northfield. from whicli he graduated in 1874, receiving
the degree of B. A. He and Myra A. Brown, who afterward
became his wife, composed the first graduating class from that
college. After graduation he became superintendent of public
schools in Austin, IMinn., and in August, 1875, he accepted the
situation as principal of the blind department in tlie deaf, dumb
and blind institution at Faribault. In 1881, with the reorgan-
ization of the institution, he was made superintendent of the
school for the blind, a position he still retains to the honor of
his reputation, to the credit of the city, and to the usefulness
of the state. In 1878 Mr. Dow received the degree of M. A.,
and in 1899 he was still further honored by the conferring of
the honorary degree of L. H. D. Mr. Dow has attained particu-
lar distinction throughout the state as an expert in his particu-
lar branch. He has been president of the state conference of
corrections and charities, president of the American Associa-
tion of Instructors to the Blind, a member of the Sons of the
American Revolution, and a past commander of Michael Cook
Post, G. A. R., of Faribault. He is a high degree Mason, has
affiliated himself with the Cominercial Club and has been one
of the earnest workers in the Travelers' Club. He is a Repub-
lican in politics, and a member of the Congregational church.
Mr. Dow was married December 25. 1874. to Myra A.
Brown, daughter of George Brown, of Monticello, ^linn. To
this union were born eight children: Charles. Henry, Mary,
George and Myra are dead ; James C. now lives in Butte, Mont.,
where he is in charge of the Butte substation of the Great
Falls Power Company ; Margaret is a student at Carleton and
^^'illiam G. attends the Faribault high school. Mrs. Dow died
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1291
January 22, 1908. J. C. Dow, fatber of James J., was a Free-
will Baptist clergyman and missionary to India, going from
East Livermore, Me., to Midnapore, India, and returning to
Buckfield, Me., when James J. was an infant. The mother
was Hannah G. Bacon, also a devout missionary. The colonial
ancestor of J. J. Dow was Silas Gould, of Dunstable, Mass.
He served at Bunker Hill, was in the battle of Long Island
and crossed the Delaware with Washington. At the time of
the battle of Bunker Hill he was but fifteen years of age. Later
he was at one time one of Washington's body guard.
P. H. J. M. Donkers is a well known educator, of Faribault.
Minn. He is a native of Huisseling, Holland, and was born May
13, 1878, the son of John and Theodora van den Bogaard
Donker.', also natives of Holland, who came to this country in
March, 1889, and settled first at Faribault, Minn., whence they
moved to Walcott, Rice county, where the father was engaged
in general farming until his decease, June 15, 1904. 'I'hc mother
still survives and lives on the family homestead.
Our subject attended the public schools in Holland six years,
and after coming to Minnesota attended the public schools of
Rice county, after which he pursued Normal work at Brown','^
business college in Faribault. In 1896, at the age of eighteen,
he began teaching in his home county. At twenty he entered
the scientific department of the Valparaiso University. Return-
ing home in 1899, he spent another year teaching, after which he
again pursued his course at the university and was graduated
from that institution with, the degree of bachelor of science in
1901. The two years following Mr. Donkers taught school in
Rice county, and in 1903. in partncrshii) with Mr. A. A. Krblang.
bought what was then called Brown's business college, but which
has since become known as the Faribault Business and Normal
College.
In 1906 Mr. Donkers purchased his partner's interest and
since that lime has been sole proprietor of this institution. Since
his connection with the college its curriculum has been greatly
extended, and now embraces commercial, stenographic, normal
and civil service courses. The attendance has steadily increased
and the college now enrolls from 100 to 125 students. Besides
day sessions during ten months of the year, night sessions are
also held in winter, giving those who are employed during the
day an opi^nrtunitj' to improve themselves along the various lines
of work that arc being oft'ered there. .\.s president of this col-
lege Mr. Donkers has done much in the way of getting young
people to realize the im])ortance of a practical education, and his
influence has been far-reaching. And this, together with the
]292 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
excellent work that is being done, lias brought about the rapid
growth of the Faribault Business and Normal College.
Professor Donkers is also a practical farmer, always spending
his summer \acation there, and one of the great dairymen of
Rice county. He takes a lively interest in aftairs generally, has
been secretary of the Minnesota Milk .Shippers' Association for
the past five years. He is Democrat in politics, a member of
the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Order of Foresters, and
a Roman Catholic. He is one of a family of six children, the
others being John H., the eldest : Nicolas and Henrietta, who live
in A\'arsaw, Rice count} : Lamberdina. who lives in Faribault,
and Dora, the youngest, who resides in Cannon City.
George W. Damp, deceased, a prosperous farmer and a vet-
eran of the Ci\il War. was born in Ohio. May 11, 1837, going to
Dodge count}-, Wisconsin, with his parents at the age of nine
years. There he received a public school education and attended
Applcton University two terms. In 1861 he joined the First
Wisconsin Cawilry and served in Compan_\- B until mustered
out. He then returned to Madison, Wis., and shortl\' afterward
engaged in farming with his father in Clyman. Wis. In 1863
he came to Minnesota and located in Cannon City township,
where he purchased a farm of 160 acres. To this he later added
140 acres. On this tract he conducted general farming and stock
raising until 1899, when he sold 160 acres, moved to Faribault,
purchased a tract of land and built a home, where he lived
for the remainder of his days. Mr. Damp had the honor of rep-
resenting his district in the state le.gislature, he was school treas-
urer twenty years and served his county and state in other ways.
He was interested in starting the Dean Creamer}-, was its presi-
dent for a long period and a stockholder at the time of his death.
He was acti\-e in everything that assisted in the progress of his
community, and his death, November 28. 1908, was widely
mourned. Mr. Damp was married in Wisconsin in 1864 to Jennie
Jones, who died in 1892, leavmg an adopted daughter, Elda.
Mr. Damp was again married, January 5, 1895, at St. Paul, to
Mary Northrop, daughter of Rev. J. .\. and Harriet P. (Parsons)
Northrop, natives respectively of New York and Massachusetts,
the former dying in Iowa and the latter in Duluth. ■Mrs. Mary
Damp was born at Clymer, Wis.. October 14, 1846. Mr. and
Mrs. Damp reared the two children of Mrs. Damp's brother,
James A. Northrop. They are Adele Northrop, a trained nurse,
and Harriet P. Northrop, a stenographer.
John B. Donaldson was born in Holmes county, Ohio, August
30, 1837, and is a son of William and Eliza (Beatty) Donaldson.
Of eleven children born to theni, six sons and three daughters
are now livinsf. Four of the sons served in the Ci\-il ^\'ar. The
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 139»
father was born in Virginia, March 18, 1812, and during the
early forties moved overland, with his family, from Ohio to the
tlien territory of Indiana, settling near Eagle village. Thence,
in March, 1856, he went to Rice county, Minnesota, reaching
Morristown on Easter Sunday, March 23. Here he pre-empted
a quarter section of land and built a log house, which served
as the family's pioneer home. And here he passed the remainder
of his days, dying October 29, 1859. of typhoid fever. His
widow lived there till 1870, when she moved into the village
of Morristown, where she died June 17, 1895.
Our subject acquired his education in the district schools,
and in the early days had all the varied experiences of the pioneer
settlers in a new country. Hastings was the nearest trading
point, and hauling was done largely with ox teams. Times were
strenuous and money was scarce and resort was had to any and
all means of making an honest dollar. In 1858 Mr. Donaldson
gathered as high as 200 pounds of ginseng per day, for which
he received 5 cents per jiound. In later years he has gathered
ten pounds per hour, which he sold for 40 cents per pound. He
was also a successful trapper, and his experiences in this line
with Ezra Crandall, now of Steele county, would fill a volume.
In 1864 Mr. Donaldson enli.sted and served with the Third Iowa
Battery till the close of the Civil War. For many years he has
dealt somewhat extensively in real estate and now owns a
considerable portion of what is known as Donaldson's addition
to Morristown. He is a man of commanding influence in his
community and while be is recognized as a leader in local poli-
tics, he has declined office, except in 1874, when the village was
incorporated, he served as the first street commissioner. He
voted for the first governor of the state, Ramsey, and his third
vote was cast for .Abraham Lincoln. Since then his political
views have undergone various changes and perhaps are best
expressed in the platform which he proposes for a new party:
"First, honest money, the gold, silver and paper coinage of the
constitution, full legal tender for all debts, public and private,
regulating its value by controlling tlie amount in circulation,
which shall not exceed $50 per capita : second, free coinage of
silver and gold at the ratio of si.xteen to one, the product of
American mines: third, a tariff for revenue and protection:
fourth, a graduated income tax; fifth, government savings banks:
sixth, the control of railroads through state and interstate laws:
seventh, the government should never relinquish the right to
pav its creditors in any kind of legal tender money : eiglith.
United States retail liquor tax should be $50 instead of $25, and
a retail tobacco tax of $5 should be levied and tlie states should
adhere strictlv to the high license system : ninth, to ask gold
1294 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
bonds evinces an inurdinate and limitless greed and to grant the
reqnest through legislation is adhering to the enemy, giving
him aid and comfort."
In 1867 Mr. Donaldson married Elizabeth Powers, the cere-
mony being performed by George N. Baxter, of Faribanlt. Of
four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, the eldest, Wary
Louise, born November 22. 1868, is married to Mr. George
Soules, of Oregon, and has two children, Harold and Xaomi :
John B., the second child, died in infancy : Alma, born in 1874,
was married to Joseph Benjamin in 1896 and has four children,
viz.. Homer, born in 1899, Mary born in 1901, Donald, born in
1903, and Jewell, born in 1905. Their youngest child, Clement J.,
born in 1880, is in the railway service. He married Luella Reed
and lives at Randolph. Mrs. Donaldson, who is a sister of the
late Hon. John N. Powers, whose sketch appears elsewhere in
this work, is the only surviving member of the Powers family.
She is a woman of high ideals and fine accomplishments and a life
member of the mother Christian Science church, of Boston, Mass.
Mr. Donaldson has contributed numerous articles to various jour-
nals, treating especially of the silver question, of which he has
made a study and on which he is regarded an expert.
Herbert W. Donaldson was born at Faribault. Minn., in 1879
and is a son oi Isaac N. and Sarah A. (Decker) Donaldson.
His paternal grandparents were Charles M. and Dorcas (Felton)
Donaldson. The family of the former was prominent in the de-
velopment of Westmoreland count}'. Pennsylvania, and tlic
family of the latter lived in Huntingdon county. Our subject's
father was born in Westmoreland county December 10, 1841,
and there attended the district school. When eight years old
he moved south with his parents to Wells county, Indiana, and
lived there till he attained his majority. In March, 1862 his
family settled at Bridgewater, Rice county, Minnesota, where
his father bought a tract of 120 acres of land, which lie helped
to clear and improve. Later he bought a farm of eighty acres
and cultivated it till 1871, when he joined his brothers, Robert
F. and John F., and engaged in mercantile business at Dundas,
under the firm name of Donaldson Brothers, which was con-
tinued till 187?. when he was appointed postmaster at Dundas.
In 1877 he was elected register of deeds for Rice county and
served three terms, and later served one year as deputy register
of deeds under Mr. M. H. Cole. He was elected county auditor
in 1884 and served in thai office fourteen years. During all the
years of his residence here he has been active in the development
of Rice county. He came hither when there was but one
house between his father's farm and Faribault on the St. Paul
& Faribault railroad, and hel])cd to hew the logs and build many
THE NEWyoRpn
PUBLIC uS^
GKORGE DORRAXCE
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1295
of the first houses south and west of that city. In January,
1899, Mr. Donaldson took up his residence at Morristown to
engage in banking and on April 5 of that year opened the Morris-
town State Bank, of which he was cashier, and later on he
became its president. His son, who had been assistant cashier,
becoming cashier.
On November 12, 1861. Mr. Donaldson married Sarah.
daughter of Jonathan Decker, of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania.
Of six children born to them, the oldest, Mary C, is married
to Mr. O. F. Wilson ; Jennie R.. who was married to Mr. Arthur
Nichols, was accidentally killed by being thrown from a buggy
at Warsaw : Samuel F. is cashier of a bank at Faribault ; Annie
D. is married to Mr. F. E. Nichols, and Martha O. married Mr.
1). W. Nichols.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson are loyal members of the Con-
gregational church at Faribault and he is also connected with
the Ancient Order of I'nited \\orkmen. Herbert W.. grew up
in his native place and there acquired his education in the com-
mon and high schools. He entered his father's bank as assistant
cashier when he was twenty years of age and filled that position
till April 4. 1905, when he was made cashier. He was also for
nine years a partner with Mr. George Molm, under the firm
name of Molm & Donaldson, in the live stock business. He
takes a lively interest in whatever pertains to the betterment
of the community and is esteemed as one of the wideawake
and enterprising young men of his town. iMnm .\pril 1, 1902,
till .April 4, 1905, he was village recorder and rendered efficient
service as such. He is active in benevolent and fraternal organi-
zations, being a member of Cannon River Lodge, No. 52, Ancient
Free and Accepted ]\Iasons, of Morristown, also of the chapter
and commandery of Knights Templar at Faribault; and belongs
to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks of the same city, being a charter
member of the latter. Mr. Donaldson is unmarried.
George Dorrance, a pioneer resident of Rice county, now
deceased, was born in Middlebury. Vt.. in 1814. He was a son
of Joseph and Esther (Martin) Dorrance, both natives of Ver-
mont. Mr. Dorrance was a hatter by trade and followed this
occupation up to the time of his death. The subject of this
sketch was educated in the common schools of Middlebury,
Vt. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade, at
which he worked in Middlebury until 1836, when he came
west and located at Green Bay, Wis., where he worked at his
trade until 1842; at that time he moved to Rock county, Wis-
consin, where he bought eighty acres of land, on which he
carried on general farming until September. 1854, when he sold
1296 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
his farm and came to Minnesota, locating in Walcott township,
where he took up a claim of 160 acres and did a general farm-
ing up to the time of his death, November 10, 1882. Mr. Dor-
rance was first married in 1841, to Etha Linda Lee, a native of
St. Johnsbur}-, Vt., who was a Methodist Episcopal mission-
ary to the Indians at Green Bay, Wis., coming there in 1836.
She died in the year 1851. Five children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Dorrance : Esther, who married David Strang, and is
now living at Bridgewater, Iowa; Ralph Lee, who died in 1874,
at Fontanelle; Cyrus, Lucy and Mary, who died in infancy. For
his second wife he married Miss Hanna M. Putnam, on De-
cember 31, 1853. She was a daughter of John and Rebecca
(Wells) Putnam, natives of Montgomery county. New York.
Mr. Putnam was b\- trade a furrier and skin dresser. He came
west in 1838, locating in ^\■ilm!ngton county, 111., where he
bought eight}- acres of land, and carried on general farming
until 1842. when he sold his farm and moved to Rock county,
Wisconsin, where he lived with his children, until he came to
Minnesota with Mr. and Mrs. Dorrance, where he died, in
Walcott, September 19, 1864. Mrs. Putnam died at Wilming-
ton, 111., in 1838. Mrs. Dorrance was born in Gloversville,
N. Y., May 1, 1832. She left there with her parents when
she was four years old, locating in Wisconsin, where she re-
ceived a part of her education, and the balance in the schools
of Illinois. After leaving school she taught up to the time of
her marriage. Four children were born to Mr. Dorrance by
his second wife. Laura E. tauglir school until her marriage,
December 3, 1888; her husband is a farmer and they live in
Medicine county, Minnesota. George A. married Ineze Mc-
Callum, December 24, 1902, and is a farmer living in Cass
county, North Dakota. Ada M. was married in 1883 to James
Kennedy, who is a farmer living near Horseville, N. D. Louis
J., who was born in 1864, and lives on the farm with his mother.
Mr. Dorrance was a Republican in his political views, and was
a member of the Congregational church. Before coming west
he was captain of the militia of Middlebury, Vt. He was a
member of the Patrons of Husbandry and master of the lodge.
He held at different times all the offices on the school board,
and served on the town board in some capacity from the organ-
ization of the town of Wolcott until seven years before his
death.
J. M. Drozda, whose parents were natives of Bohemia, was
born in Wheatland, Minn., September 22, 1882. He is a son of
W. and Mary Drozda. His father was a carpenter, who came
to this country and located first in Chicago, working at his trade
a short time, and then went to Milwaukee, where he remained
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1297
for a number of years, lie moved from there to New Prague,
where he worked at his trade for about twelve years, going from
there to Wheatland village, remaining there for some time and
later moving to Wesley, where he and his wife are now living.
J. M. Drozda was educated in the public schools at Wesley.
After leaving school he entered the foundries at New Prague
and St. Paui as a molder and continued there until 1900. In
that year he came to Lonsdale and entered the general mer-
cantile business, which he continued until 1907. In September
of the same year he sold out to LeSueur County Co-operative
Company, but continued with the company as its manager. In
1903 he was appointed c^<;sistant postmaster, and in 1907 was
made postmaster, and still holds that office. He was married
February 28, 1905, to Mary Nohava, a daughter of Michael and
Katherine (Tenka) Nohava, natives of Bohemia. They emi-
grated to this country and are now living on a farm in Wheat-
land township. Two cliildrcn have been born to M^. and
Mrs. Drozda: Julia and Marion, both living at home with
their parents. In politics Mr. Drozda is a Republican, and in
religion he is a Roman Catholic.
Charles W. Demann is a native of Minnesota, having been
born in Rice county, January 14, 1859. He is a son of Chris-
tian and Johana Demann. He attended the district school in
Forest township, and worked on the farm until he was twenty
years of age, when he went to Red Lake Falls. He farmed
there until 1903, when he sold out and returned to Forest town-
ship, where he again engaged in general farming. He was mar-
ried in 1891 to Mary Rcmick and they have a family of nine
children. In his political views Mr. Demann is a Republican.
J. E. Drake is a native of P.ridgewater township, Rice county,
Minnes(jta. and now owns the family homestead where he
was born, January 22, 1856. He is one of a family of nine
children (eight of whom arc living) horn to E. S. and Martha
(Clark) Drake. They were niariicd in 1853, near Milwaukee,
whither our subject's paternal grandfather had moved with
his family from Lake county, Ohio. After their marriage our
subject's ijarents went to Missouri, but a year later went to
Houston county. Minnesota, then returned to Wisconsin, and
the following year settled in Rice county, Minnesota, on the
tract of land that became the family homestead, where they
endured all the privations and hardships incident to pioneer
life, Mr. Drake and a Mr. Bunday being the first to stake out
claims between Bridgewater and Norllificld, in 1854. Their
first log house was supplanted four years later by a comfort-
able home. Mr. Drake was a man of indomitable courage and
influence, and was appointed postmaster when the postoffice
1-2US HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
was established at Chester, and held it two years. He also, be-
sides carrying on his farming, conducted a hotel at Chester
some four j-ears. He attained the advanced age of eighty years
and is survived by his widow, who now lives at Northfield.
Our subject attended the first school organized in Rice county,
known as the Drake school, and after finishing his schooling
turned his attention to farming, and followed that occupation
till 1904. when he retired from t'ne farm and took up his resi-
dence in a beautiful home he had built on Washington avenue,
in Northfield. Mr. Drake had always shown a commendable
interest in public affairs and been a leader in the community.
For twenty years he had served on the school board, had served
on the board of supervisors two terms, had been road overseer
twelve years, and in 1908 was elected alderman. Mr. Drake
was largely instrumental in the building of the Farmers' Co-
operative Elevator, being one of the first to sign for the incor-
poration; and after the destruction of the elevator by fire it was
he who at once set on foot the movement to raise funds and
rebuild. He is a director and secretary of the organization.
In 1879 Mr. Drake married Salina, daughter of Joseph and
Lucy (Fretter) Spriggs, who came from England and settled
in Rice county, in 1863, and who passed their last days in
Northfield. Of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Drake,
Joseph S., lives at Hinkley, Minn.; Ella lives at home; Forest
H. resides at Minot, N. D.. as docs also Frank E. ; Cora M., a
milliner by occupation, and Ralph E., reside with their par-
ents, and Lyle is dead. In political faith Mr. Drake is a Re-
publican, but in local elections casts his ballot for the candidate
whom he deems most worthy, regardless of party affiliations.
He holds membership in the Ancient Order of L^nited Workmen
and in the Auxiliary Degree of Honor to the Workmen.
Eventus O. Denison was born in Miami county, Indiana,
April 1. 1850. He is a son of James and Mary (McEachran)
Denison ; the father was a farmer and a native of New York
state, while the mother was a native of Scotland. They came
west and located in Indiana and farmed until 1855, when the
farm was sold, and they came overland to Minnesota, locating
on Section 18, town of Walcott. Rice county, where he home-
steaded 160 acres and lived until his death. Mr. Denison was
educated in the district schools of Walcott. and spent one year
in the public schools at Faribault. After leaving school he
came back and worked with his father on the farm, which had
been enlarged by the purchase of an additional eighty acres,
until the year 1875, when his father turned over eighty acres
to him, on which he has lived and has done general farming
up to the present time. Fie was married in 1874 to Miss Bar-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1299
bara McEachran, who was a daughter of John McEachran.
Her parents were both natives of Scotland and her mother died
when she was but a child. Miss Barbara came to America
and located in Walcott township, Minnesota, where she lived
with the Denison family until her marriage to Mr. Denison.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Denison : Mary
A., married to Ralph Worthley, who is a farmer, living in Mar-
tin county, Minnesota ; Martha U., the first girl to register
and graduate from the agricultural school at St. Anthony Park,
St. Paul, now deceased; Mabel I., now deceased; James E., liv-
ing in Portland, Ore.; B. Ethel, a teacher in Martin county,
Minnesota; Ena L., also a teacher, and Donald O., who lives
at home. In his political views Mr. Denison is a Republican.
He attends the Methodist church and is a member of the Min-
nesota State Pioneer Association. He has been a member of
the town board of supervisors, treasurer of the town, and also
treasurer of the school board; each of these offices he held for
several years, w-hile Mr. Denison s father was the first town
treasurer in Walcott.
Christian Deike, a retired farmer of Wheeling township, is
a native son of Germany, and was born December 13, 1834, to
Henry and Sophia (Kahle) Deike. The father was engaged
in the occupation of a farmer until the time of his decease.
in 1866. The mother passed away in 1837. Christian acquired
his education in the common schools of Germany. After leav-
ing school he worked on a farm until he was twenty years of
age, and then served three years in the German army. In
1858 he emigrated to America and located in Illinois, where he
worked on a farm until the fall of 1859. At this time he moved
to Minnesota, and became one of the pioneers of Rice county,
working on a farm in Wheeling township until 1861. At this
time he bought a farm of 160 acres in Section 2>2, Wheeling
tow'nship, which he improved and continued to 'farm until
1889, at w'hich time he retired from active life, renting his farm
to his nephew, William C. Deike. with whom he has made his
home up to the present time. Mr. Deike was married in 1864
to Fridcrike, daughter of William and Maria (Ilclberg) Grote,
natives of Germany, who emigrated to America in 1847, lo-
cating in Illinois. They remained in Illinois until 1856 and
then came to Minnesota, locating in Rice county. Wheeling
township, where Mr. Grote engaged in farming up to the time
of his decease, 1871. Mrs. Grote died in 1900. Mrs. Deike, the
wife of our subject, died in 1895. Mr. Deike is highly esteemed
in his community, and has been identified with the public life
of the vicinity for a number of years. He was a member of
the town board for twenty-seven years; also served as county
1300 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
commissioner for ten years. He served as secretary and treas-
urer of the German Evangelical church and school at Wheeling
for tvvent3'-five years. He also served as president and director
of the Wheeling Mutual Farmers' Fire Insurance Company
for thirty-two years. He was elected as the people's repre-
sentative to the legislature one term, 188.T to 1887. Mr. Deike
has also taken an active interest in the Mercantile Co-
operative institutions, and is a stockholder in the Citizens'
Bank at Faribault, antl also in the Farmers' Elevator at Fari-
bault. Mr. Deike is a Republican in politics, and in religious
faith belongs to the German Evangelical church.
Theodore J. Detert is the eighth child in order of birth of
a family of eleven children born t') H. T. and Caroline (Speck)
Detert and was born at Faribau'r. Minn., in 1879, August 16.
His parents came from Germany, their native land, and set-
tled at St. Louis, Mo., where they were married. He was a
harness and collar maker by trade. He also served in the
Thirteenth New York Cavalry, Company H. Of this family
of eleven children, the eldest, Edvv-ard T., is married and lives
at I'"aribault ; John H. and Martin H. are both deceased; the
former died at the age of thirty-five years and the latter at
the age of thirty-one years. George W., the fourth child, is
married and lives in Duluth, Minn. The others are, in the or-
der of their birth, Charles W., of Faribault; Martha, of Du-
luth; Charlotte, deceased; our subject, Theodore J. Detert;
Laura and Samuel L., of Faribault, and Caroline, of Duluth.
Theodore J. acquired his education in the public schools of
Faribault and after leaving school was, for a time, engaged
in farming. In the year 1900 he entered the employ of Messrs.
Devery & Donohue, hardware dealers, and continued that re-
lation till March 1, 1906, when he and Mr. B. Lockerl}- pur-
chased their tin shop, and since that time has been engaged in
the same. Mr. Detert gives special attention to all kinds of
job and contract work in the line of sheet metal, furnaces, etc.,
and is well prepared with his thoroughly equipped, up-to-date
establishment to meet all the demands of his constantly grow-
ing business.
Mr. Detert is identified with various fraternal and other organ-
izations and is independent in his political and religious beliefs.
On September 3, 1909, Mr. Detert married Miss Christy Louise
Naseth, whose parents were natives of Norway. They set-
tled in Kenyon, Minn., where they lived till death.
C. H. Davison was born in St. Louis, Mo., October 12, 1859,
son of Daniel and Maria C. (Knapke) Davison. The father
was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Germany. He
was a Mississippi river pilot for fifty years, and died at Rochester
HISTORY OF RICE A.XETSTEELE COUNTIES 1301
in 1900. The mother died in 1893. Mr. Davison went to the
public school at Reeds Landing in his younger days and later
attended Jones Commercial College at St. Louis, and at the
University of Minnesota for one year. After leaving school he
worked on the river for two years and then engaged in the drug
business at Reeds Landing for three years, and at Groton, N. D.,
for four years. He then went back to the river and was a pilot
until 1905. In 1896 he bought a farm in Forest township, on
which he moved in 1905, and since that time has been engaged
in breeding Holstein cattle and in general farming. He was
married in 1886 to Bertha L. Gregg, a daughter of Lyman and
W'ilhelmina (Holzer) Gregg. Four children have blessed the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Davison : Lyman, living at home ; Ethel
Bertha, now of Minneapolis, Pauline Rose, who died in 1902,
and Margaret M., also living at home. Mr. Davison attends the
Methodist Episcopal church and is a member of the Blue Lodge
Chapter of Masons. In his political views he is a Democrat.
He has held the office of school clerk of district No. 29 for five
years, and he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company
of Faribault and in the Forest Creamery.
John F. Donaldson, who has lived in Rice county, Minnesota,
more than half a century, was born June 17, 1833, in Pennsyl-
vania, and is a son of Charles and Dorcas (Felton) Donaldson,
both natives of that state. The father was a tailor by trade. He
also owned a farm, with rich coal mines, which yielded him con-
siderable profit. He moved with his family to Wells county,
Indiana, in 1849, and thence to Rice county, Minnesota, in 1861,
and was engaged in farming till his death in 1881. The mother
died in 1882. John F. was reared on his father's farm in Penn-
sylvania and there attended the public schools. After the family
moved to Indiana and after attaining his majority he was em-
ployed as clerk in a general store of Mr. John Studebaker, at
Bluffton, for two years. At the earnest solicitation of a friend,
he moved to Minnesota, making the trip (March, 1856) over-
land in twenty-six days, and took up a claim four miles from
Dundas and proceeded to make a home. He first built a house
of rough logs, which was supplanted by a house of hewn logs
two years later. Besides improving his farm, he operated a saw
mill for a time, and engaged in teaming, hauling logs. At the
opening of the Civil War in 1861 Mr. Donaldson responded to
President Lincoln's call for men and enlisted and served with
the Eleventh Regiment Minnesota Volunteers in the Army of
the Cumberland. He served through the war, and after his dis-
charge returned home and resumed his work of clearing land,
hewing logs for the houses of pioneers, taking contracts for sup-
plying wood and furnishing railroad ties, among these being a
1302 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
contract for clearing the right of way for the Milwaukee rail-
road and a contract for supplying wood to Carleton College and
St. Olaf's College, which he has continued for thirty-six winters,
having in his employ all that time Captain Tonkey, who assisted
in the capture of Booth. In carrying on this work Mr. Don-
aldson has had in his employ as many as a thousand men,
chopping, clearing, hauling, etc. Mr. Donaldson has always
taken an interest in public matters, and soon after the close
of the war served as tax collector. He served as tax collector,
town of Forest, in territorial days, when the collector was ap-
pointed by county commissioners. He was for eight years
chairman of the board of supervisors of Bridgewater town-
ship and helped to lay out the public roads of the county.
He owns 300 acres of fine land, which he leases, and lives in
Dundas, where he is esteemed and respected by all. He is a
charter member of the local lodge of the Ancient Order United
\\'orkmen, established in 1876, and also belongs to the Grand
Army of the Republic at Northfield.
In 1865 Mr. Donaldson married Maria Jane Fulton, a native
of Penn.sylvania. Of four children born to them, James, the
eldest, was killed by a railway train near Dundas : Mary E. is
a teacher in the public schools; Charles E. died in 1881, and
Harry is chief clerk of a large threshing machine company at
Racine, Wis. All of the children were given the advantages of
thorough schooling, Mr. Donaldson being a firm believer in the
efficacy of education.
George Durland was born in Wheeling township. Rice county,
Minnesota, December 27, 1856. He is a son of Hugh M. and
Emma Durland, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to
Minnesota in the year 1855 and located in Wheeling township.
His father was a farmer by occupation and he continued to reside
on his farm until his death on January 4, 1897. His mother died
in 1861. Mr. Durland attended the district school in Cannon
City and after leaving school he worked with his father on the
farm until the year 1882. when he purchased eighty acres in sec-
tion twenty-six in Cannon City, to which he added by purchase
140 acres, where he carries on a general farming. Mr. Durland
is the oldest thresher in the county, having started that business
in 1874, when he was eighteen years old, and has continued in
the same ever since. In 1882 he was married to Elizabeth Mil-
ler, a daughter of John and Dorothy Miller, both natives of
Germany. John Miller, the father of Mrs. Durland, came to
America and settled in Rice county, Minnesota, where he lived
until his death in 1880. The mother is still living and resides
with her daughter. They have three children, Emma, Charles
and Esther, all residing at home with their parents. In his po-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1303-
lilical views Mr. Duiland is a Republican and has been road
overseer in his district for a number of years. He is also a stock-
holder and director in the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Fari-
bault.
David Erb, a prominent and successful farmer of Cannon
Cit)- township, was born in Wheeling township. Rice county,
January 5, 1858, and spent his boyhood in Wheeling township,
Faribault city and Cannon City township. After leaving school
he took up lumbering and river driving in northern Minnesota
two years, and then worked in Washington, Idaho and Montana,
gaining much experience and seeing much of the world. In the
fall of 1886 he returned to Cannon City township, and remained
a year. He then rented the Swartoudt farm, section twenty-six,
where he lived for eight years, and subsequently purchased 100
acres of land in section twenty-three. Cannon City township. He
soon added another 100, and now has about 175 acres under culti-
vation. He has brought his farm to a high degree of develop-
ment, raises general crops, makes a specialty of dairying, and
breeds Holstein cattle. Mr. Erb is an independent Republican,
believing generally in the platform of the Republican party, but
nevertheless deciding all cpiestions for himself rather than blindly
following the party leaders. He is now chairman of the board
for school district No. 10, and he has been town supervisor and
chairman of the township for several terms. He belongs to the
Modern \\'oodmen. Mr. Erb was married November 29, 1888,
to Emma L. Kiekennapp, daughter of William and Catharine
(Lindeman) Kiekennapp, both of whom arc dead. Mr. and Mrs.
Erb are the parents of four children: Alice J., Leroy D., Flor-
ence E. and Minnie M., all at home. The family faith is that of
the Methodist church. Mrs. Erb was born at Fort Snelling. Oc-
tober 4, 1863. The parents of David Erb were Christian and
Genevieve (Kneedler) Erb. The father came to America at the
age of thirteen years, and located in Illinois. He came to Minne-
sota in 1855 and to Wheeling township. Rice county, in 1856.
Here he preempted 160 acres of land, and conducted the usual
improvements until 1868, when he moved to Faribault. After
two years he located in Cannon City township until 1874, when
he purchased a farm lying in Cannon City township. He farmed
until 1897, when he retired. He died in March. 1908, and his
wife followed him to the grave just one year later.
Nelson S. Erb is secretary and manager of the Faribault En-
gine Manufacturing Company, makers of a fine grade of gasoline
engines. He was born in Canada, March 9, 1861, son of William
and Lydia (Bowman) Frh, the father being engaged in the saw
mill and manufacturing business. W^illiam Erb died in October,
1906, and his wife in November, 1902. The subject of this sketch
1304 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
received his education in Canada, and being much interested in
dumb animals, decided to devote his life to alleviating their suf-
ferings. Accordingly he entered the Ontario Veterinary College
and graduated with honors in 1888. In August of that year he
came to Faribault and began his practice here, continuing for six
years with much success. He then took up railroad work, which
he followed until 1909, when he purchased an interest in the
Faribault Engine Manufacturing Company and assumed his pres-
ent position. Mr. Erb is a high degree Mason, belongs to the
Elks, the United Workmen, the Royal Arcanum and the Fari-
bault Commercial Club. He is also an enthusiastic member of
the Automobile Club. I\Ir. Erb was married November 13,
1894, to Ellen Grant, born February 14, 1864, daughter of Donald
Grant, of Faribault. To this union one daughter, Mary A., was
born January 25, 1896. Mr. Erb has a pleasant residence on the
corner of Third avenue and Seventh street. He and his family
attend the Congregational church. Mr. Erb was elected mayor
of the city of Faribault. April 5, 1910.
George H. Eigenbrodt, who has always lived in Faribault,
Minn., where he was born April 20, 1869, is one of the enterpris-
ing and prosperous business men of the city. His parents, John
and Louise Eigenbrodt, came from Germany, their native land,
to New York and thence went to Dakota county, ^linnesota,
where the father worked at his trade as a carpenter. From there
he moved to Prairieville and engaged in farming till 1884. when
he moved his family to Faribault, where he died in 1889 and
where his widow is now living — 1910.
After completing his studies in the public schools at Fari-
bault, George H. clerked for a time in a grocery store. In 1887
he formed with Mr. Lanfenberger a partnership which continued
till 1900, when he sold his interest in the concern to his partner,
and on September 6, 1''01, opened the up-to-date store, which he
has since continued with great success, building up an extensive
and constantly growing trade. Mr. Eigenbrodt has devoted him-
self closely to his business, and has found little leisure for out-
side matters. He takes no specially active part in political mat-
ters, but adheres to the principles of the Republican party. In
religious faith he is Evangelical. He is a member of Faribault
Commercial Club. In May, 1891, iMr. Eigenbrodt married Miss
Louise, a daughter of Henry and Louisa Trout, who settled on a
farm at Castlerock, Dakota county, Minnesota, where his father
died.
Mr. and Mrs. Eigenbrodt have three children, named in order
of their births, Helen Mabel, Mabel Louise, and Erma.
Louis J. Eisert is a native of Steele county, Minnesota, and
was born in 1876 to Charles G. and Marv Eisert. The father
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1305
settled in Steele county prior to 1860. He was a veteran of the
Civil War and died April 27, 1907. His widow now — 1910 — re-
sides in Morristovvn. They had five sons and one daughter.
Louis J., the fourth in order of birth, acquired his education in
the common schools of Deerfield and grew to manhood on his
father's farm. After attaining his majority, he served an ap-
prenticeship of two years at the tinner's trade, and in 1902 clerked
in a hardware store on the east side of Division street in Mor-
ristovvn. A year later he turned his attention to the furniture
and undertaking business, which he carries on in his substantial
two-story building, twentj'-four by seventy feet in dimensions,
built by him for that purpose. On the first floor he carries a line
of furniture, together with a large and complete assortment of
wallpaper, while the second floor is usetl for the undertaking de-
partment. Mr. Eisert is a licensed embalmer. Aside from his
regular business he takes an active interest in the aiifairs of the
community and has served in the village council and as treasurer
in 1909, and 1910 was elected president of the village. He has
also held an official position in the Morristown Telephone Com-
pany. Mr. Eisert is a member of the State Lodge of Knights of
Pythias, No. 3, at Minneapolis, and also belongs to the Cannon
River Lodge, No. 52, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. In
all his affairs he is prompt and reliable and is esteemed through-
out the community as a man of genuine worth. Mr. Eisert is
married to Leona, daughter of George and Caroline (Buck)
Breed, the former of whom is deceased, and the latter making
her home with her five daughters, Mrs. Eisert, Mrs. George
Semen, Mrs. William Schneider, Mrs. Clyde Dorn and Mrs. Roy
Durrin.
George Empey is a native of Canada, and was born January
29, 1831, son of Phillip and Lavina (Dillabaugh) Empey, both of
whom were natives of Canada, where they spent their lives.
George came to the United States in June, 1865, and settled in
Northfield, where he was employed in the lumber mills in Minne-
apolis for a couple of years, and in 1867 he purchased a farm of
200 acres in Greenvale township, Dakota county, and remained
here until 1890, when he came to Northfield and made a perma-
nent residence. January 10, 1859, he married Mary Irving, who
was born in Scotland, March 14, 1838, daughter of James and
Gracie Irving, who came to Canada in the early days and re-
mained there all the rest of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Empey
have four children: James I., who was born May 21, 1860, and
married Lillian Cowell. They reside in Olivia, Minn. Alex-
ander, born July 31, 1862, was married October 3, 1894, to May
Gilmore. They reside at Farmington, and have four children, of
whom three are living: Clifford, Merrill (deceased), Ruth and
1306 HISTORY Ol' RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
George. Agnes Isabella, born May 31, 1865, married Dana
Hoyt, December 27, 1888, and they reside at Glenwood, Minn.
They have one daughter, Elsie L., who is a school teacher.
Gracie G., born January 15, 1870, married Clarence Bunday, of
Westport, Minn., June 7, 1893, and they have two children.
James Empey and wife ha\c three children, Olive, Irving, and
Richard. January 10, 1909, Mr. and Mrs. Empey celebrated
their golden wedding by a reunion of all their children and
grandchildren and many friends. Mr. Empey was one of the
organizers of the Farmers' Elevator at Northfield, and served
as president for one year and is at present vice-president, and is
one of the directors, which office he has held since the beginning.
Mr. Empey is a highly respected and influential citizen, and has
served as a member of the city council for a number of years.
He is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.
William L. Eddy has had a varied experience and is counted
among the enterprising citizens of Morristown, Minn. He was
born in Mason county, Illinois, in 1861. He comes of sturdy
New England stock and is a son of Reuben Eddy, a native of
Coloraine, Mass., where also his grandparents, Ebenezer and
Phoebe Eddy, were born and lived. William L. was a precocious
child and began attending school in Alorristown when four years
of age, his teacher being a Miss Philbrick. His father then
moved onto a farm and he attended the district schools and
when thirteen years old passed an examination antl received a
second grade teacher's certificate. He again took up his home
in Morristown in 1879. attended the public school one year, then
from 1880 to 1886 learned and worked at the cooper's trade. He
next spent two years farming at Redwood Falls, after which he
worked at his trade in Faribault and Sheffield Mills. Return-
ing to Morristown, he was in the hardware business as a member
of the firm of Jackson and Eddy for a year and a half, but sold
out to Messrs. Soule Brothers and returned to his farm in Mor-
ristown township. In 1891 he again moved into the village, but
continued farming till 1893, when he went back to Faribault and
clerked a year in a hardware store. He again resumed farming
in 1894 and still later conducted a hardware store under the firm
name of Richter and Edd)'. When this business was burned out
in 1900, Mr. Eddy turned his attention to the live stock trade
and was thus engaged in 1903, when he assumed the duties of his
present office as postmaster at Morristown under appointinent of
President Roosevelt. Mr. Eddy is active in benevolent and
fraternal organizations, being a past master of the Cannon River
Lodge, No. 52, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; clerk of the
Modern Brotherhood of America, member of the Modern Wood-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES .1307
men of America and a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. Mr. Eddy is also village treasurer. In 1887 he
married Miss Orpha, daughter of Mr. A. E. Railey, of Morris-
town. They have two charming and accomplished daughters,
Zoe and Esther.
Charles F. Ebel, clerk of the district court of Rice county, is
a native of Northricld, Minn., born March 28, 1873. He received
his early education in the public schools, attended the Nortlifield
high school, and then took a business course at West Superior.
Wis. Returning to Minnesota, he engaged in the mercantile
business. In 1895 he came to Faribault, and in 1899 moved to
Morristown, Minn., and opened a general store in partnership
with Fred Laufenburger. in 1902 he came to Faribault and
opened a general store in partnership with Fred Laufenburger.
In the fall of 1905 he assumed his present duties for the county.
Mr. Ebel is one of the popular young men of Faribault, and his
friends predict for him a bright future. In 1908 he was president
of the Taft-Sherman Club, of Faribault, which did such efificient
work for the Republican party, and his work in the Faribault
Commercial Club has also won commendation, he being a charter
member of the club and a member of the membership committee..
Being of a sociable nature, he has allied himself with the Knights
of Pythias, the Elks, the United Workmen, the Modern Brother-
hood and the Yeomen. Mr. Ebel was married in September,
1899, to Emma Laufenburger, daughter of Fred Laufenburger,
now assistant postmaster of Faribault. Mr. and Mrs. Ebel have a
pleasant liome on Sixth street.
August and Mary (Kester) Ebel, natives of Germany, were
the parents of Charles F. Ebel. They came to America, located
in Ilolden township, Goodhue county, and then went to North-
field, where the father was a manufacturer. They later came to
Paribault to live. Both parents are still living.
F. A. Emery, a substantial farmer of Bridgewater townshi]).
was born there September 3, 1868, son of A. L. and Mary A.
(Galigerj Emery, natives of New York and Canada respectively.
His father, who was a farmer, came to Minnesota in 1855 and
located in Bridgewater township, where he farmed until about
1884 ; he then moved to Faribault, where he has followed the car-
penter trade up to the present time, being employed in Leache's
factory. He is a veteran of the Civil War. The mother is still
living. Our subject recei\cd his education in the district schools
of Bridgewater. which was supi^lemented by an additional school-
ing at Faribault. Leaving school he worked in Leache's factory
in Faribault a number of years, and later he worked on a farm
until 1899, at which time he bought the old homestead in Bridge-
water township, on which he has carried a general farming up to
1308 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
the present time. He has bred Holstein cattle on a quite exten-
sive scale. On October 10, 1894, Mr. Emery married Cina,
daughter of Chauncey and Mary Squier, father a native of Penn-
sylvania and the mother a native of Ireland. They spent the
greater part of their lives in this country. Mr. Squier enlisted
in the army and served in the Civil War. He died in 1886; the
mother still lives at Faribault. Mr. and Mrs. Emer}- have one
adopted daughter, Myrtle. Mr. Emery affiliates with the Re-
publican party. Fie is a member of the Methodist church, and
has served on the school board.
W. W. Eldred, a well-to-do farmer of Bridgewater township,
was born in Illinois, August 16, 1850, son of Wilson and Harriet
(Brown) Eldred. The father, a native of Xew York state, came
to Minnesota in 1859 and located in ]\Iorristown, where he bought
land, and the next spring — 1860 — he died. The mother died in
1861. The subject of this sketch acquired his c<lucation in the
district schools of Morristown, and he also attended school in
Faribault. Leaving school he worked on a farm for some time,
and in 1880 he bought twenty-three acres, to which he later
added an additional purchase of ninet\'-three acres in section
twelve, Bridgewater township, where he remained until 1902.
He then sold this farm and bought 107 acres in sections twenty-
seven and twenty-eight, Bridgewater township. He lived in
Dundas for two years previous to moving on to the last named
farm, where he still remains, carrying on general and diversified
farming. Mr. Eldred was married in 1876 to Jennie, daughter
of Peter and Jane Greenville. The fruit of this union is one child.
Harriet, now Mrs. Arthur Taylor, of Bridgewater. Air. Eldred
believes in the principles of the Republican party in politics, and
in religious matters he adheres to the Episcopal church. He be-
longs to the order of United Workmen, and has ser\ed on the
town board about seven years.
George Sidney Edwards, one of the prosperous farmers of
Morristown township. Rice county, Minnesota, was born De-
cember 6, 1858, in Livingston county, New York. He is the sec-
ond of a family of nine children (eight of whom are now living —
1910) born to Andrew and Elmira (White) Edwards. The father,
also a native of Livingston county, New York, was a farmer by
occupation. He moved with his family to Green county, Wis-
consin, in 1861, and settled on a farm of eighty acres, which he
improved and cultivated. In 1874 he sold out and removed to
Rice county, Minnesota, where he worked leased land in Morris-
town township two years, then bought the northwest quarter of
section twenty for $10 per acre, fourteen acres of which was under
cultivation. He and his son George, our subject, cleared the re-
mainder of this tract, and here he made his home and carried on
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1309
general farming and reared his family, and here he died in Jnne,
1887, at the age of fifty-eight years. His widow, our subject's
mother, who was a native of Ohio, still survives at the age of
seventy-three years and makes her home with her children. Our
subject's grandfather, Harvey Edwards, was a farmer; he mar-
ried a Miss Shaw and they had a family of thirteen children, of
which Andrew, our subject's father, was the fourth in order of
birth. George S. was reared on his father's farm, and acquired
his education in the district schools of Green county, Wisconsin,
and also attended school two terms after the family moved to
Rice county, Minnesota. On attaining his majority he began
working leased farms in tlie neighborhood of his home, and con-
tinued this till 1895, when he bought the interests of the other
heirs of his father and moved onto the old homestead. He has
built a fine addition to the old farmhouse, and besides other
improvements has built a substantial basement barn, thirty-six
by sixty feet in dimensions, with fourteen feet posts, and is now
converting the place into a modern dairy farm. It is a beautiful
place, with fine groves and with its equipment and facilities and
fine herd of Durham and Holstein cows and other stock is rightly
regarded as one of the model farms of Rice county. Mr. Ed-
wards is now serving his third year as member of the local board
of supervisors, has also been school director of district No. 7,
and for nine years has held the office of school treasurer. Mr.
Edwards is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America
and is also a member of Cannon River Lodge, No. 52, Ancient
Free and .\ccepted Masons, of Morristown. In 1887 Mr. Ed-
wards married Emma Rohl, a native of Michigan, and they have
five children, named respectively, Lucy, who is married to Taylor
Soules. a farmer; George, Arthur, Charles and Ralph.
John Evert was born in Forest township, Rice county, Minne-
sota, January 1, 1876. He is a son of John and Louise Evert,
both natives of Germany, who came to America in the later six-
ties and located first at Dundas ; they worked there for about
five years and then bought a farm in Forest township, where the
father did general farming until aljout the year 1904, when he
retired from active work, renting the farm to his son, who has
since carried it on. The mother died in the year 1880. John
Evert attended the district school in Forest, and after leaving
school he worked on the farm with his father, until he rented it
from his father and commenced work for himself in 1904. He
has five brothers and sisters: Henrietta Shultz, I.ouise Siemers,
Gotlieb, now deceased, Charles, who lives at Fariljault. In poli-
tics he is an independent voter, and in his religious belief he is a
Lutheran.
1310 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
D. T. Eylward was born in Webster township, Rice county,
May 8, 1863. He is a son of John and Bridget (Martin) Eyl-
ward. They were both natives of Ireland, who came to Minne-
sota in the fifties and located in Webster township. Rice county,
where he farmed up to the time of his death in February, 1898.
The mother died in the spring of 1906. Mr. Eylward was a sol-
dier in the Civil War and served in Company H, Fourth Minne-
sota Volunteer Infantry. Mr. D. T. Eylward attended the dis-
trict schools of Webster, and after leaving school worked on the
farm with his father, and at the time of his death became the
owner of the old homestead, where he still remains. He was mar-
ried September 10, 1907, to Mary McFadden, a daughter of
Hugh and Rose (AIcGee) McFadden. Two children have blessed
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Eylward : Daniel and Rose, both living
at home with their parents. In his religious views he is a Roman
Catholic, and in politics he is a Democrat. He has served as
supervisor on the town board for three terms, and has also
served on the school board. Fle is a stockholder in the Webster
Creamerv, and also in the Farmers" Elevator at Northfield.
John Erb was born in Cook county, Illinois, September 26,
1855, son of Christian Erb. John was educated in district schools
of Wheeling and Bridgewater townships and in the public school
of Faribault. Leaving school he worked on a farm, and in 1879
he bought 100 acres in section twenty-seven. Cannon City town-
ship. Later he bought forty acres additional in the same town-
ship, and in 1894 sold that farm, buying 230 acres in sections 22,
23, 26 and 17 . where he still carries on general farming.
In 1880 Mr. Erb married Rose Leudeka, daughter of Charles
Leudeka, of Farmington, Minn. They had eleven children.
Mr. Erb has long been a leading man in the community,
highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. He has served on the
town board several terms and fifteen years on the school board.
At present he is financially interested in the Prairieville Creamery
and the Dean Creamery, and was a stockholder in the Farmers'
Elevator, of Faribault. In political sentiment, Mr. Erb is a Re-
publican, and his religious affiliations are with the Evangelical
church.
Joseph Errickson, one of the enterprising citizens of Rice
county, Minnesota, was born in Morristown township forty-four
vears ago. He is the youngest of a family of four children born
to Ziram and Zilpha (Cole) Errick.'^on, the other children being
Henry, Sarah, who is married to Horace Oblinger, and Permilla,
the wife of James Traver. Tlic father was born in New Jersey,
June 12, 1821, and spent his early life there. About 1848 he
moved to Indiana and carried on farming till 1860, when he set-
tled in Rice countv. Here he bought land, first a small tract, add-
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1311
ing to it from time to time till he had a fine farm. He was an
invalid nearly twenty years, and on I'^ebruary 15, 1898. passed
away. His wife's death occurred in September, 1897. Our sub-
ject purchased the homestead and since his father's death has
remodeled and erected new buildings, barn, granary, machine
sheds, etc., and carries on general farming, giving special atten-
tion to breeding fine Durham cattle. Mr. Errickson has grown
and prospered with the development of the county and is recog-
nized as a leader in the community. He married Elizabeth
Powers, who was an accomplished teacher in Morristown, and a
daughter of Hon. John N. Powers. Mr. and Mrs. Errickson
have a fondness for unique and rare things and in their home is
to be found a splendid and valuable collection of relics and
antiques, books and coins, some of them dating from remote
antiquity, and which must be seen to be appreciated. Mrs.
Errickson's father was born in Providence, R. I., September 22.
1836. He moved to McHenry county. Illinois, in 1856; thence to
Wausau county in 1861, and there enlisted and entered the Civil
war in Company I, Fourth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer In-
fantry and served three years. After his return from the war he
studied law, and in 1867 was admitted to the bar and practiced
his profession at Waseca. He settled in Morristown in 1875 and
there edited "The Enterprise," the first newspaper there. He
also published the W'aterville "Review." He was elected to the
state legislature in 1886 and also filled other minor offices of
trust. In 1899 he moved to North Waterville and there died on
March 1, 1901. On October 1, 1868, he married Annie Connor,
and they have a family of eight children. He was a Catholic in
religious faith and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic,
and a man of wide influence, greath- beloved by all who knew
him.
John A. Foster, of Faribault, educator, real estate and fire in-
surance broker, was born in Kendallville, Ind., January 7, 1879.
He attended the public schools, graduated from the Kendallville
high school, received his B. A. degree from the State University
of Indiana in 1901 and the following year took post-graduate
work in his alma mater. During his undergraduate days he was
a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity; secretary and
treasurer of the Co-operative Society, and was for four years a
member of the football and track teams of the university, being
captain of the former in 1900. After taking his post-graduate
course in Indiana, he did graduate work at the University of
Chicago. Thus equipped he came to Faribault as an instructor
at Shattuck school in the mathematics department and as director
of physical training. In the fall of 1909 he opened a real estate
office in Faribault, and in addition to this is also director of
1313 HISTORY OF RICE AXU STEELE COUNTIES
physical training at Shattuck school. He is a member of the
Elks and of the Faribault Commercial Club. ?^Ir. Foster pre-
pared himself for business by a special study of various commer-
cial branches and working for several months in a Minneapolis
real estate ofSce. Mr. Foster is a Republican in politics.
The parents of John A. Foster were Andrew J. and Tena
(Stahl) Foster, natives of Ohio. The father served in the 159th
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was imprisoned in Libby and
Andersonville prisons. After being exchanged and later mus-
tered out he went to Kendallville, Ind., where for many years he
was active in the religious, political and business life of the com-
munity. His health failed, however, as a result of an illness
brought on by the exposures of army life, making necessary his
retirement about twenty years ago.
Edward R. Fitzsimmons was born in Morristown township,
Rice county, Minnesota, in 1861, and is the oldest of four chil-
dren born to James and Catherine (Ryan) Fitzsimmons, both
natives of Ireland. The father is the only survivor of nine chil-
dren born to Patrick and Elizabeth (Cunningham) Fitzsimmons.
He came to this country when he was eighteen years old with
his parents, making the nine weeks' voyage in a sailing vessel,
"Alice Eraser." Traveling by railway from New York to Chi-
cago, thence to Rock Island, and from there up the river to the
site of the present city of St. Paul, Mr. Fitzsimmons found em-
ployment and worked two years on the farm of Governor Ram-
sey, the lirst governor of Minnesota. Then, at the suggestion of
and in company with his employer, with Mr. Coates, he started
out in the winter of 1854-55 and drove via Faribault to Rice
county and pre-empted 160 acres in section twelve, Morristown
township, which he improved and which became the family home-
stead, where he has lived continuously up to the present time.
He first cleared the timber from an acre of land and built a rude
log cabin, sixteen by twenty-two feet in dimensions, and it was
in that our subject was born. Clearing more land, he was able to
plant a garden, potatoes, etc., ;.nd from the beginning patiently
worked and endured the privations of these strenuous pioneer
days. There were few settlers and in Faribault only three or
four log cabins. Mr. Fitzsimmons raised his first crop of wheat
on the old McKinzie farm, in section twelve. His tract of timber
land was cleared by use of ox teams and crude tools, while the
hay and grain were cut with the scythe and cradle and raked
and bound by hand. The nearest trading point in the early days
was Hastings, whither the produce was hauled with oxen over
rough and primitive roads and exchanged for merchandise, the
trip occupying three days. Wheat then sold for 45 cents per
bushel and other products in like proportion, while flour and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1313
other necessities sold at a high price. Uut willi liie passing of
the years wonderful changes have been wrought ! The log cabin
long ago was supplanted by the comfortable farmhouse ; im-
proved roads have taken the place of the perilous byways of the
early days; fertile fields are where dense forests then grew; the
rude hamlet has given way to flourishing villages or populous
cities, and everywhere are the evidences of prosperity and ma-
terial growth. -Ml this Mr. Fitzsimmons has lived to see and
well deserves the rich reward that has come as the fruits of his
labors. He has always taken an interest in the afifairs of the
comnumity and was for many years school director. Both he and
his wife are members of the Catholic church. Besides Edward
R., our subject, their other children were: Mary, who died in
early womanhood ; Margaret, who is married to John Hanley,
and has two children, Catherine and Rose; and Rose, who has
charge of the home in their declining year.s of eighty-one and
eighty-three of age. Edward R. settled in section seven in
Warsaw township. Rice county, on a tract of twenty acres, find-
ing it hard to get a start. He has added to his holdings from
time to time and now — 1910 — owns 120 acres in section seven
and forty acres in section twelve. He is engaged in general
farming and stock raising and is counted among the prosperous
citizens of his section; is a director of the Warsaw Creamery
Company and member of the village school board. In 1887 he
married Miss Mary Mulcahy, of Waseca county. They have two
children, viz.: Carrie, an alumnte of the Sisters' Academy at
Faribault, and Pearl, now a student at tlie same school. Mr.
I'itzsimmons and his family are identified with the Immaculate
Conception Catholic church, of Faribault.
A. F. Fox, one of the well-to-do farmers of Cannon City town-
ship, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on November 3, 1847.
Ilis father, a native of Maryland, carpenter bj' trade, and mother,
a native of Ohio, came to Minnesota in 1870 and located in
Bridgewater township, Rice county, where they farmed up to the
time of his father's death in 1898. The mother died in 1904. Our
subject was educated in CMiio. Leaving school, he went to work
on a farm for a year, and then came to Iowa in 1869. In the
spring of 1870 Mr. Fox removed to Bridgewater township. Rice
county, Minnesota, where he bought a farm on which he did
general farming until 1884. He sold the farm and bought an-
other in section twenty-three. Cannon City township, which he
later sold, buying again in section fourteen, where he remained
for some time and then sold and moved to the village of Cannon
City, where he bought two blocks. Our subject lived here until
1899, at which time he sold his village property and bought
eighty acres in section nine, where he still remains, carrying on
1314 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
general farming. Air. Fox was married in 1876 to Clara A.
Walrod. They have seven children : Ethel, Claude, Clarence,
AVilliam, Arthur, Ralph, Forest. Mrs. Fox died in 1897. Our
subject was married a second time to Airs. Hally B. Cowles,
widow of Fred Cowles. Mr. Fox is a member of the Congrega-
tional church. In politics he is a Democrat. He has always
shown a commendable interest in all that relates to the better-
ment of his conmuuiity, is highly esteemed by all who know him,
and is at the present time chairman of the town board of super-
\isors. He has served on the school board for several years past,
and is at present a stockht)lder in the creamery at Cannon City.
William J. Grant, a retired farmer and railroad man of Fari-
bault, was born in Canada. February 10. 1847. After his educa-
tion in the district schools was completed, he took up farming
with his father on the old homestead, removing to Faribault with
his parents in 1874, and acquiring a tract of 335 acres in Warsaw
township, where he followed general di\ersified farming till
1902. Mr. Grant has always been a believer in scientific and
intelligent agriculture, and by adherence to these principles and
hard work built up one of the best farms in the county. His
next line of business was railroad construction work, acting as
superintendent. He is now retired from active work and spends
his time looking after his property interests. In politics, the
Republican party numbers him among its loyal followers. He
served as road overseer of Warsaw township many years. No-
vember 25, 1873, he was married to Eliza Hedges, daughter of
Robert and Menia (Sample) Hedges, of Warsaw township.
Nine children blessed this marriage, all of whom are living.
Named in order of their ages they are : Nora B.. now Mrs. H. C.
Summe; Anna M., married to Walter Hunt, of Hibbing, Minn.;
Emma M., teaching in the Hibbing schools ; Eliza A., a teacher
in the schools of South St. Paul; Mary P., engaged in teaching
in Wilmar, Minn.; Florence, teaching at Dexter, Minn.; and
Gordon E., Lee W., and Howard H., all living at home. The
family residence is on Third avenue, South. John B. and Anna
(Morris) Grant, parents of William J., were natives of Canada,
the father being a finished timber contractor, dealing especially
with ship building firms. In 1874 he moved to Faribault with
his wife and family and engaged in railroad contraing and farm-
ing till his death in December, 1901. His wife passed away in
June, 1903. Robert and Menia (Sample) Hedges, parents of
Mrs. William J. Grant, were born in England, emigrating to
Canada in their younger days, and then to Stillwater, Minn.,
where their daughter Eliza was born, February 13, 1855. Twelve
years later they came to Warsaw township and pre-empted a
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1315
quarter section, on which tlie father followed farmiiijj till his
death, ;Maroh 4, 1903. His wife is still living.
Eugene H. Gipson, a well-known attorney of Faribault, has
taken a prominent interest in civic righteousness, and has done
excellent work as president of the Good Citizenship League of
Faribault. Mr. Gipson was born in W'atertown, N. Y., August
9, 1877, and was brought to Faribault by his parents at the age
of two years. He received his earlier education in the public
schools and attended Shattuck school from 1893 to 1896. Then
he entered the State LTniversity of Minnesota, took a two years'
course in the academic department and graduated from the law-
department in June, 1901, being admitted to the bar the same
month, since which date he has successfully practiced. Mr.
Gipson is an active Republican, and in 1905-06 served as county
attorne}'. He is a stockholder in the Citizens' National Bank
and a member of the F'aribault Commercial Club. Attorney Gip-
son was married June 4, 1902, at \\'arsaw, N. Y., to Emily Bene-
dict, born September 22, 1878. The Gipson home has been blessed
with two daughters, Gertrude, born in June, 1904, died in Au-
gust of the same 3'ear. Helen was born November 10, 1906. Mr.
and Mrs. Gipson arc members of the Episcopal church. The
family residence is at 610 West Sixth street. The parents of
Eugene H. Gipson were Henry S. and Gertrude (Middleton)
Gipson, natives of New York. They came to Faribault in 1879
and here the father practiced law. He died in 1900 and his wife
in 1880.
Rev. Edmund Gale, for many years a Congregational pastor
in I'"aril)ault. was born November 12, 1821, at Siddlesham, a vil-
lage near Chichester. England, his parents being Edmund Gale
and Hannah Noel, both members of families long resident in that
part of Sussex. Mr. Gale was cast upon his own resources at an
early age, supporting iiimself from the time he was thirteen
years old. Under these circumstances his education was neces-
sarily self-acquired, but he became successively a school teacher.
a medical student, and finall}- a Congregational minister, having
been ordained in 1848. After pastorates in Chereton, Devon, and
Over, Cheshire, he came to the United States in 1855, settling
first at Geneva, Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he became pastor
of the Congregational church, and where he met his future wife.
Miss Ruby Clara Covvles, whose grandfather, Noah Cowlcs, a
revolutionary soldier, had been one of the earliest settlers of the
town. ]\fr. Gale and Miss Cowles were married August 28, 1856,
at Oberlin, Ohio.
Mr. Gale was successively pastor of Congregational churches
at Geneva, Lenox and Unionville, Ohio; Galesburg, Mich.; of
the First Congregational church at Faribault (1866-1873); at
1316 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Jefferson, Madison and Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and then for eleven
years of the United Congregational church of Faribault (1881-
1892). Reaching the age of seventy years, he retired from the
cares of this large parish, but afterwards ministered to one or two
smaller churches in Minnesota. He died at St. Paul, March 19,
1899, his wife having pre-deceased him at Medford, Steele county,
Minnesota, on June 27, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Gale are buried in
Maple Lawn cemetery, near Faribault, and a stained window has
been placed in the Congregational church in their memory. They
are survived by three children : Noel, a lawyer in New York city :
Edmund, a farmer in Chico, Cal., and Mrs. Georgina Henke, of
St. Paul.
Among many published estimates of Mr. Gale, the following,
in the writer's opinion, best illustrate his well-known and striking
characteristics of thought and action :
"The death of Mr. Gale brings a feeling of personal bereave-
ment not only to the members of the church and congregation to
whom he so long and faithfully ministered but to many in the
city at large who have admired his strong traits and many vir-
tues. As a preacher he was endowed with more than ordinary
ability, and had he possessed stronger ambition and less strength
of local attachment it is probable that his talents would have
secured for him a wider sphere of usefulness than that in which
his professional life was passed. He was a profound and original
thinker, a man of wide and varied reading, and gifted with a most
retenti\e memory. His sermons were always carefully elaliorated
and delivered extemporaneously with power often rising to elo-
quence. His thoughts came glowing from the intellectual forge,
enriched with many gems from the wealth of his mental stores
and cultivated imagination. He was thoroughly alive to the ma-
terial as well as the spiritual interests of the people at large, and
kept in touch with the progressive movements of the age, and
especially everything that tended to the improvement and eleva-
tion of the race. Although strict in his ideas of religious duty.
he was very tolerant in his relations with those who differed
from him in matters of faith and church government. As a
scholar he kept well informed upon all subjects that claimed
popular attention along the lines of intellectual progress. A
conspicuous feature of his character was his strong conscientious
and rigid adherence to the ethical standard of right and duty
which he had laid down for himself. In such matters he always
"hewed strictly to the line." While his mental constitution nat-
urally inclined him to give more attention to the intellectual
than the social side in his pastoral relation, he was warm in his
friendships, and took a sincere interest in the welfare of his peo-
]ile and of societ}- at large. He has gone to a well deserved re-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1317
■ward, but the record of his well spent life will remain as a benison
to those who knew him." — l-'aribault "Reimblican." March 22,
1899.
The following is a rcsnme of the remarks made by Judge
Buckham, of the district court, at the services attending the
unveiling of the memorial window' :
"Judge Buckham spoke of the early life of Mr. Gale, of his
English origin, of his education, which was good but not received
in the higher institutions of learning, and of his coming to Ohio
and entering upon the ministry at Geneva when about thirtj'-
one years of age. The judge spoke of the rather adverse circum-
stances under which he entered upon his pastorate in Faribault
in 1866, and of the steady growth in the favor and afTection of
his congregation thenceforward. He sketched briefly his charac-
teristics, his erudition, his disciplined mind, his sermons being
all delivered without notes, his social traits in which genuine
gcnialit)' of disposition and a vein of humor were developed. He
grew upon one with acquaintance. He would have occupied a
more prominent field but for his innate modesty and contentment
with a small parish. The speaker had heard most of the great
preachers of the da\'. and he could think of scarcely anj' one
whose sermons rivalled those of Mr. Gale. He had heard others
express the same opinion. He did not, it is true, possess those
brilliant traits that characterized Henry Ward Beecher and Dr.
Storrs, but he could have filled perfectlv the pulpit of Dr. John
Hall."
And at the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Con-
gregational church in Faribault, a letter was read from the Rev.
E. M. Williams, formerly pastor of the Plymouth Congregational
church in Faribault, in part as follows:
"Well do I recall the form and manners and speech of Rev.
Edmund Gale. Though considerably my senior, and with some
of the peculiar reserve of an Englishman, he treated me with
great kindness and fraternal courtesy, and I recognized in him a
man of wide reading and intellectual strength. Beneath a some-
what severe exterior there was a keen perception of the humor-
ous and great tenderness of heart. Many a serious talk and
hearty laugh did we enjoy together, sometimes in his study, or
at his table, or on some ecclesiastical errand. Mrs. Gale, too,
as I remember her. was a most earnest, devoted and faithful
pastor's wife."
Donald W. Grant, retired contractor, capitalist and land
owner, now residing in I'aribault, was born in Canada, Septem-
ber 9, 1845, of Scottish ancestry. He removed to Ohio with his
parents as a lad of fifteen, and in 1865 came to Faribault, engag-
ing shortly afterward in railroad contracting. In this work he
1318 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
continued on an extensive scale until 1904, doing grading, track-
ing and bridging. During this period he also engaged in farm-
ing and stock raising, owning at one time over 1,000 acres of
land in the vicinity of Faribault. At the present time he retains
considerable Rice county property, and owns 10,000 acres of wild
land in the United States and Canada. In times past he has
owned over 50,000 acres of land, and has assisted in the develop-
ment of a considerable portion of it. Mr. Grant is interested in
the Security State Bank, of Faribault, and holds stock in many
other banks. He was married at Faribault, November 20, 1890,
to Margaret Parker, and to this union have been born four chil-
dren : Rosamond is a student at Smith College, Northampton,
Mass : Donald is a student in the Faribault high school, as is also
Margaret ; Helen, the youngest, is a pupil in the Faribault Central
school. The family residence is at the corner of Third avenue
and Sixth street. Mr. Grant is an estimable citizen in every
respect, and has done much to develop the natural resources of
the country. The parents of Donald W. Grant were William and
Catherine (McDonald) Grant, natives of Canada, of Scottish
descent. They moved to Ohio in 1860. The father died in 1864,
and the mother came to Minnesota and died in Walcott town-
ship, this county, in 1887.
Frank L. Glotzbach, a leading druggist of Faribault, state
senator, and former city mayor, has for many years been promi-
nent in the Democratic councils of the state. His influence is
wide felt and his reputation is well deserved. He was born in
Natrona, Pa., September 11, 1872, and there received his early
education. Upon coming to Minnesota in 1887 he entered the
employ of J. C. Thro, Mankato druggist, until 1893, when he
came to Faribault and worked for M. L. Payant, druggist, until
1898. .Since that date he has been in business for himself. After
ten years his place on Third street proved too small for his in-
creased business, and he took up his present commodious quar-
ters on the corner of Central avenue and Third street, where he
handles a large line of goods and makes a specialty of carefully
compounding prescriptions. The store is modern and up to date
in every particular and commands a wide trade from the city and
surrounding country. The stock carried in the store is valued
at $8,000. Mr. Glotzbach has filled many positions of public and
political trust and honor. He was alderman from the First ward
two terms and was elected mayor in 1904. So successfully did he
administer the affairs of the city that he was re-elected without
opposition in 1905. In 1900 he was delegate for the Democratic
national convention at Kansas City. For eight j-ears he was a
member of the Democratic state central committee, and from
1904 to 1908 he was chairman of the Democratic congressional
FRANK I,. (ir,OTZBACH
Lie LIBR.^HY
AST Of'
TiLDEN
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUxNTIES 1310
committee from this district. In 1906 he was elected to the state
senate for four years, and his advocacy of progressive measures
has won wide approval. He is also chairman of the Democratic
county committee at the present time. Mr. Glotzbach was mar-
ried September 6, 1897, at Faribault, to Augusta Piepho, daugh-
ter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Piepho, of Faribault. Mrs. Glotz-
bach was l)orn June 6, 1873. This union has been blessed with
three brigiit children: Gladys Evelyn, born October 1, 1898;
Cornelia, born May 19, 1901, and Frank L., Jr., born July 13,
1903. Fraternally, Senator Glotzbach affiliates with the Elks,
Eagles, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees, the
Modern Brotherhood, the United Workmen and the Woodmen.
He is also a prominent member of the Faribault Commercial
Club.
John and Mary (Kissler) Glotzbach, parents of Senator Glotz-
bach, were natives of Saxony, Germany. They came to America
in 1854 and located in Natrona, Pa., where the father was super-1
intendent for the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company. He
retired in 1890 and died at Springfield, Minn., January 17, 1892.
The mother is still living, making her home in Sleepy Eye, Minn.
John Glotzbach enlisted in 1861 in Company I, Seventh Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in at Pittsburg,
serving during the war.
C. E. Graham was born in Orange county. New York. March
11, 1873. He is a son of Christopher C. Graham and Sarah
Dusenbury Graham, both natives of New York. In 1838 his
father moved to Stark county, Ohio, where he lived for five years,
then removed to Bluffton, Wells county, Indiana, where he lived
until 1865, when he came to Rice county, Minnesota, and settled
on a farm in Wells township. Twelve years later he moved to
Dundas, Minn., where he lived until 1889, when he died, his wife
following two years later. C. E. Graham was only a year old
when his parents moved to Ohio. He attended school in Indiana.
In 1865 he moved to Rice county, Minnesota, and settled on a
farm in Forest township, where he has since resided. He mar-
ried Sarah Van Emon, daughter of Cyrus and Massah Van
Emon. Seven children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gra-
ham. Eugene C, the eldest, is now a teacher of manual training
in Davenport, Iowa : Nellie A. is living at home with her parents ;
Grace, a teacher in California; Florence and Walter, living near
Hettinger, N. D. ; Lulu, a nurse in Davenport, Iowa, and Ralph,
the youngest son, died in infancy. In religious belief Mr. Graham
is a Presbyterian. He is a Republican and a member of the
Grand Army. For several years he served as member on the
school board.
1320 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
John E. Greenville, a progressive farmer of Rice county, was
born in Cannon City, Minn., September 3, 1865. His boyhood
was passed on his father's farm, meanwhile receiving his educa-
tion in the district schools. Afterwards he engaged in farming
in Cannon City township, purchasing the home farm in 1891,
which he has added to from time to time, now owning 125 acres
of higlily productive land, on which he still follows general di-
versified farming. He is an ardent believer in the principles of
scientific agriculture, and by adherence to these and hard work
has built up one of the model farms of the county. Mr. Green-
ville has other interests outside of those of his farm, being a
stockholder in the Faribault Canning Company and in the Dean
Creamery. In politics the Republican party claims his allegiance,
and he is now serving as justice of the peace and as a member of
his district's school Ijoard. All that pertains to the welfare of the
community has his support. He is affiliated with the Modern
Woodmen of America, and is also a loyal adherent of the Epis-
copal church. April 3, 1889, he was married to Abbie Turner,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Turner, of Cannon City. The
father's decease occurred in 1892. The mother died in 1908.
Mrs. Greenville passed away January 6, 1908, leaving four chil-
dren: Hazel A., Roy E., Helen J., and Charles C, all living at
home. Peter and Jane (Mitciiell), Greenville, parents of our sub-
ject, were natives of Germany and Ireland respectively. They
emigrated to this country in 1854, and immediately settled on a
fifty-acre farm in Cannon City township. Rice county, Minne-
sota, having their full share of the perils and hardships incidental
to those pioneer days. The father died in 1900, the motlier fol-
lowing him to the Great Beyond in 1902.
Joseph N. Gardner was born in Piatt county, Nebraska, Janu-
ary 25, 1869. He is a son of Babel and Mary (Harthorn) Gard-
ner, his father a native of Indiana and his mother of Ohio. He
was a farmer by occupation and moved to Iowa sometime in the
fifties, and in about 1863 moved to Nebraska, where he home-
steaded 160 acres and farmed until about 1878, when he moved
back to Iowa and located in Fredericksburg, Chickasaw count}-,
where he farmed until 1893 and then moved to Volga City. From
Volga City he moved to Alban}-, Iowa, then to Oelwein, Iowa.
where he lives in retirement. The mother died in 1884. Mr.
Gardner was educated in the public schools of Iowa and Ne-
braska; after leaving school he worked on the farm until 1896.
He took up liutter making in the creameries and has continued
in that line of work up to the present time. Fle is now employed
as head butter maker of the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery at
Nerstrand. He was married in 1899 to Hattie Jollifife, daughter
of Francis and Eliza Jollifife. The mother was born in New
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1321
York state and the father in En<,'laml. Me came to America and
located finally near Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he farmed for
a good many years and then moved to Iowa, where he still lives.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gardner: Harold,
living at home; Reuben, now deceased; Francis Lowell, died in
infancy, and Robert, born December 30, 1908. In his political
belief Mr. Gardner is a Republican. He is a member of the Bap-
tist church, and has been a member of the Modern Woodnicii
of America.
G. C. Gilbertson, a successful farmer of Webster township,
was born there December 10, 1869; is son of Gilbert Christofifer-
son and Louisa Mohn, natives of Norway. His father was a
blacksmith by trade and came to America in 1866 and located
in Webster township, where he farmed and also worked at his
trade. In latter years of his life he discontinued blacksmithing
and gave all his attention to farming. He died in 1900. The
mother still lives with our subject. Mr. Gilbertson received his
education in the district schools of Webster township, which was
supplemented by one year's schooling at St. Olaf's College, of
Northfield, Minn., and two years at St. Ansgar, Iowa. Leaving
school he followed the profession of teaching for four years, and
then came on the old homestead, where he has carried on farming
successfully up to the present time. In 1898 Mr. Gilbertson mar-
ried Sophia, daughter of Ole and Ragnild (Heggnese) Jacobson.
natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson have six children,
named in the respective order of their birth : Louisa, Ruby, Vic-
tor, Bertha. Paul, Luther, who are all at home.
Mr. (lilbertson affiliates with the Prohibition party. In re-
ligious faith he adheres to the Norwegian Lutheran cliurcli. He
is a public spirited citizen, and takes an active part in the local
affairs of his community. He has ser\'ed on the town board and
is at the present time clerk of the school board and town as-
sessor. He also took the United States census of 1910, and is a
stockholder and treasurci of the Webster Co-operative Dairy
Association.
Oliver Maxfield Henderson, a well-known druggist of Fari-
bault, Minn., was born in Montgomery county, Illinois, May 12,
1871. He received the beginnings of his education in the district
schools, completing this with a course in Eureka College, Eureka,
111., after which he taught school for two terms in Illinois. He
tlien took u]) the art of telegraphy, receiving employment from
the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway and the Chicago
and Northwestern at different ]K>ints along the line in Iowa and
South Dakota, until 189,\ when he enrolled in the Northwestern.
University School of Pharmacy, being graduated in 1894. Mr.
Henderson then came to Minneapolis, where he clerked in a
1323 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
drug store until his removal to Faribault in October, 1896, im-
mediately entering upon his duties as prescription clerk for J. B.
Wheeler. He remained in this capacity three years and then
bought out his employer, conducting the business as sole pro-
prietor and owner ever since. His drug store is known as one'
of the best equipped and modern in this section of the state,
carrying a full line of the usual accessories. In politics, the Re-
publican party claims him as a member, and though he has
never aspired to public office, he has always taken an active in-
terest in the welfare of the community. Numerous fraternal or-
ganizations count him a valued member, the Masonic order, be-
ing past master of Faribault Lodge, No. 9; the Royal Arch Chap-
ter: Knights Templar; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows;
Modern Samaritans : E. F. U. ; and the K. O. T. M., in which he
has sensed more than ten years as record keeper. He is also
identified with the Commercial Club. June 7, 1904, at Faribault,
he was married to Minnie M. Thompson, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Lee Thompson, of Faribault. They have two children :
Lee Oliver, born May 19, 190.^, and Clyde Elmer, born June 30,
1908. The family residence is located at 302 Fourth avenue.
.South. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson attend the services of the Con-
gregational church. David Benson and Ellen Petefish (Maxfield)
Henderson, ])arents of our subject, were natives of Illinois, and
his grandparents were Ijorn in N'irginia. 'I'he niother deceased
January 2.S. 1909.
Ralph R. Hutchinson is a leading dentist at r'aribault, Minn.
He is a native of Rice county, and was born in ISridgewater
township, March 15, 1874, and is the fourth of a family of five
children born to Robert R. and Susan ( I-'atterson ) Hutchinson,
who were married January 24, 1866, at .St. Paul, Minn. Of their
other children Arthur E., the eldest, is a civil engineer at Fari-
bault; Ijiirt M. is a bookkeeper at the Chase State Bank at
Faribault ; Olive I. is married to Dr. M. O. Nelson, a dentist at
St. Paul, Minn., and Ella B., the youngest, is deceased. The
father was born at Montreal, January 27. 1839, to John and
Isabella Hutchinson. He acquired his education in Montreal and
in the i)tiblic schools at Buffalo, N. Y. In the spring of 1858 he
settled in Bridgewater township. Rice county, Minnesota, where
he bought a partlv improved rjuarter section of land, erected a
house and other buildings and carried on general farming until
1862. He then enlisted as a jjrivate in Company C, .Si.xth Regi-
ment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and entered the Union
Army as first sergeant and rose to the rank of second lieutenant,
then first lieutenant, and on .August 19, 1865, was mustered out at
Fort Snelling as captain of his company. Returning to Bridge-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 13:i3
water, he resumed farming on an eighty-acre farm which he
bought, but soon afterwards moved to Dundas and engaged in
general merchandising. He settled at Faribault in 1889, and
for a time was engaged in the real estate business. He also
served as deputy county treasurer, and was bookkeeper for the
Cereal Milling Company some four years, and in 1902 was elected
register of deeds for Rice county and filled that office till January
1, 1909. He also served as treasurer of the school board and as
city assessor. He is a member of Michael Cook Post, No. 123,
G. A. R., at Faribault, and with his wife is affiliated with the
Congregational church. They have a pleasant home at No. 520
West Second street, F'aribault. Ralph R. acquired his prelimi-
nary education in the public school at Faribault. He supple-
mented this with a course of study at the Northwestern College
of Dental Surgery, of Chicago, where he was graduated in April,
1898, and since that time has been engaged in active practice at
F'aribault, where he has attained a leading place in his profession
and established a large and lucrative practice.
Dr. Hutchinson is a Republican in political sentiment and in
religious belief is a Congregationalist. He is active in fraternal
organizations, being identified with the Masonic order. Knights
of Pythias, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Unity
Lodge, Xo. 45, A. O. U. W. He is also a member of the F'ari-
bault Commercial Club. Elected alderman from the Third ward
(Republican) April, 1909, for two years. Married to Ella M.
Hawk, June 11, 1910.
Dan Hagan, a successful business man of Northfield, is a
native of Columbia county, Wisconsin, born May 22, 1869. Hi.^
parents, J(jhn and Susanna Hagan, both natives of Ireland, on
coming to America, settled at Portage, Wis., where the father
worked at his trade as a millwright, and whence he later moved
with his family to near Paynette, in Columbia county, where he
and the mother passed the remainder of their lives. The son ac-
quired his education in the public schools in Columbia county,
and after leaving school engaged in farming there. Removing
thence to Austin, Minn., he there spent .some three years as
proprietor of a stud of imported French Perchcron breeding stal-
lions, after which he was variously employed at different places.
He finally settled on a farm near Dundas, where he spent three
years, and whence he moved to Northfield and established a
livery business, to which he has since devoted his attention.
Bringing to his business the benefit of his varied experience, Mr.
Hagan has made it eminently successful. He keeps in his stables
from fifteen to twenty-five good horses and has a full supply of
fine carriages and all the necessary equipment of a first-class,
up-to-date livery establishment, reported to be one of the best
1324 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in the country. Mr. Hagan has never held or sought public
office, but is identified with the Republican party. In religious
belief he is a Catholic. He is a member of Northfield Lodge,
No. 1796, of the F. O. E., and in all that relates to the welfare
and betterment of social and community conditions shows a com-
mendable interest. In 1895 Mr. Hagan married Ella Britzes, of
Fairmont, Minn., where the father was a clergyman of the Meth-
dist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Hagan have two children,
Clififord and Lillian, pupils of the Northfield public schools.
Willis W. Hassan is a native of Renville county, Minnesota,
and was born ,\pril 30, 1872, to Alden and Sarah (Piatt) Hassan.
His father, a native of Canada, came to Goodhue county, Minne-
sota, when a boy, and for a time worked for different farmers,
and later followed the same occupation in Rice county. Thence
he went to Renville county in 1871 and settled on a tract of
land; but the loss of his crops through the grasshopper plague
led him to abandon it in 1874, returning to Rice county. In
1876 he established himself in the jewelry business at Rosemont,
and in 1877 took up his residence at Dundas and opened a gen-
eral merchandise store. Willis W. acquired his preliminary edu-
cation in the public schools, then spent four years in the livery
business at Dundas, after which he supplanted his early training
by a course of study at a Minneapolis business college prepara-
tory to engaging in general mercantile business. Since October
1, 1907, Mr. Hassan has been postmaster at Dundas under ap-
pointment of President Roosevelt.
He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and is a member of the Modern ^Voodmen of America. In 1900
Mr. Hassan married Rosa, daughter of James and Louise
(Strange) Ritchey, who were early settlers of Rice county. The
father was a farmer and a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. and
Mrs. Hassan have two bright children, named respectively, S.
Louise and Bernard Willis.
Henry B. Hamre, for many years identified with the drug
business of Northfield, was born in Goodhue county, Minnesota,
October 15, 1857, son of John and Emily (Norland) Hamre, na-
tives of Norway, who emigrated to America in the early days,
and were married in Minnesota. The father pre-empted a farm
in Goodhue county, where they settled and engaged in farming
for the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of ten
eliildren: Mrs. Cohner. of Chicago; Mrs. C. E. Bjorge, of Lake
Park, Minn.; Henry B., of Northfield, the subject of this sketch;
A. M. and John, of Granite Falls, Minn.; Ole Hamre, who re-
sides on the old homestead in Goodhue county ; Mrs. Margaret
Thoreson, of Goodhue county; Mrs. Emma Severson, of Velva,
N. D. ; and two children who are dead. The parents are also
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1325
dead. Henry B. received his education in tiie public scliools, and
in 1881 he came to Northfield and became a clerk in the drug
store of Blackman and Kelly, remaining with them in the capac-
ity of clerk until in 1902, when he purchased an interest, and in
May, 1909, he bought the remaining interest, thus becoming sole
owner of the store in which he had been a faithful employe for
so many years. His store is up to date in every respect, and a
full and complete stock of everything in the line of drugs and
sundries connected with a store of that kind is kept, and make a
specialty of compounding prescriptions. Mr. Hamre was mar-
ried October 25, 1893, to Bertha M. Gilbertson, a native of
Norway, from which country she was brought to America by her
parents at the age of three years. They settled on a farm in Rice
county, where the father died, but the mother is still living. Mr.
and Mrs. Hamre are prominent members of the Norwegian
Lutheran church of Northfield.
John Hutchinson, an enterprising business man of Faribault,
Minn., is a native of Montreal, Canada. He was born February
1, 1840, to John and Isabella (Patterson) Hutchinson, natives of
Ireland and Scotland, respectively. On coming to this country
they settled in Canada. The father was a contractor and builder,
and removing with his family to Buffalo, N. Y., in the fall of
1851, lived there till 1859. He then settled on a farm in Bridge-
water township. Rice county, Minnesota. Both the father and
mother died there, the former in 1887 and the latter in 1881.
John acquired his education in private schools in Montreal
and public schools of Buffalo, N. Y., and grew up in his father's
home, helping on the farm after settling in Minnesota. In 1862
he enlisted and entered the service as a private in Company C,
Sixth regiment, Minnesota volunteer infantry, and rose to the
rank of second lieutenant. He served in two campaigns against
the Indians at the time of the uprising and massacre, first in the
fall of 1862 and again in the summer of 1863, taking part in the
battles of Birch Cooley, Wood Lake and others. The Indians
captured, numbering nearly a thou.sand, were under charge of
Corporals Mclntire, Miller and Hutchinson. Three hundred and
eighty-five were sentenced to be hung and the sentence was car-
ried out in the cases of thirty-nine, but as to the others it was
commuted to a term of imprisonment. Ilis regiment was ordered
to the South in July of 1864 and he served there, participating in
the capture of Forts Blakely and Spanish Fort, the defenses of
Mobile, Ala., and other engagements until the close of the war,
and was honorably discharged and mustered out of the service
August 18, 1865. After his return home he engaged in farming
for a time, but later turned his attention to mercantile i)usiness
and savv-niilling. and since March, 1883, has been engaged in the
1326 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
furniture business. For nearly twenty years he was associated
with Mr. A. W. Stockton. Mr. Stockton died May 3, 1902.
March 8, 1904, our subject purchased the interest of the heirs in
the business, and in 1904 incorporated the present Faribault
Furniture Company ; he is also president of the Faribault Roller
Mill Compan}-, and vice-president of the Faribault Loan and
Insurance Company.
Mr. Hutchinson has filled numerous official positions, and
always with credit and to the satisfaction of the community. He
is a Republican in politics, and as long ago as 1872 was sent to
the state legislature. He has served on the local school board,
and for three years was president of the board of trade. In re-
ligious faith he is affiliated with the Congregational church. In
1866 Mr. Hutchinson married Lucy Drought, who died in 1875,
leaving two children, viz. : Lu Ella, who is married to Charles L.
Bishop, and May Bell, who makes her home with her father. In
1879 Air. Hutchinson married Eunice E. Spiccr, who died in 1898,
leaving one son. Thomas C, who makes his home with his
father. In 1902 !Mr. Hutchinson married Anna (j. Brown, and
they have one child, Henry R.
Oscar M. Harstad was born in Eskog, Norway, May 28,
1877, and is the ne.xt to the youngest child of a family of ten chil-
dren born to Ole and i\Iary Harstad, who came from Norway,
their native land, in 1880 and settled at Sioux City, Iowa, where
the father worked as a mechanic till his decease, November 17,
1888. The mother, who still survives, lives with her children.
The other children of this family are Ole O., Henry O., Edwin
O., Mary M., Charles O., Mathilda AL, Oliver. Alma and Sophia.
Oscar M. attended the public schools in Sioux City, and
beginning as a cash boy when he was eleven years old, worked
up to the position of shipping clerk in the mercantile house of
Messrs. IMartin & Co. \\'hen he was twenty-one years old, keep-
ing up the work of his position, he also pursued a course of study
in the commercial department of the Siou.x City high school,
graduating in 1900, after which he was made a clerk and later
promoted to the position of buyer of linens and domestic fabrics.
.A.fter eighteen years of faithful service in this house he, on May
16, 1908, resigned his position, and on Jtme 20 following opened
at Faribault the up-to-date dry goods Iiouse of which he has since
been the popular proprietor. Mr. Harstad is a thorough business
man and adheres to a fixed policy of carrying onl}' first-class
goods that will sell on their merit, a policy the wisdom of which
is shown by the success that has attended him since settling in
Faribault. Mr. Harstad has never sought or desired any office.
He is a Republican in political belief, and in his religious convic-
tions adhered to the faith of the Lutheran church. He is an
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1327
active nienibcr of the Cuiiimercial Club of Faribault. Mr. and
Mrs. llarstad have three children, named respectively Mildred
Fldora. Helen Margarite and Frances Dorothy.
William H. Holden, the well-known musician of Faribault,
Minn., is a native of the village of Youngstown, Niagara county,
N. Y., his date of birth being May 8, 1844. Here he acquired
his education in the public schools and passed his boyhood, en-
listing at the age of eighteen, August, 1862; he enlisted in Com-
pany E, 129 New York Infantry, as chief musician. The name
of the company was later changed to the Eighth New York
Artillery. He served till May, 1865, when they were dismissed
from the service of the United States at Bailey Cross Roads, Va.,
and later from the state service at Rochester, N. Y. He then re-
moved to Youngstown and clerked in a general store one year,
going west in 1867 and following the cooperage trade at Apple-
ton, Wis., remaining here one \ear. Then practiced his trade in
various western towns till 1870, when he moved to Owatonna,
Steele county, Minn., going to Rochester, Minn., one year after-
wards, and then back to Owatonna, in 1874. where the cooper-
age business continued to engage his attention for the next fifteen
3'ears. He had given much time to music ever since his army
days, becoming recognized as an artist of very decided ability,
and in 1889 he was oi?ered the position of instructor of music in
the school for the blind at Faribault, which he has filled with
much credit to himself and the institution ever since. He has
entire charge of the orchestra department. Mr. Holden is a
staunch adherent of the Rc])ublican party, and is at present serv-
ing his second term as alderman of the Fourth ward of Faribault.
He is also affiliated with post No. 123 of the G. A. R., in which
he has served as commander, and the .American Order of Union
Workmen. December 28, 1869, he united in marriage with
Rachel Turner of Youngstown, N. Y., who died in 1882, leaving
three children, viz: John, who died in 1898; Mabel, now of Sid-
ney, Mont., and Grace, of Waterville, Minn. He was married a
second time, in June 1899, to Margaret Turner, a half-sister of
his first wife. Her decease occurred December 2, 1908. Joseph
and Susan (Miller) Holden, parents of our subject, were natives
of New Hampshire, where the father followed farming till his
removal to Youngstown, N. Y.. then taking up the cooperage
industry till his death in 1868, his wife preceding him bv two
years.
Joseph D. Hatfield, a native of Indiana, was born, February
2, 1849, removing with his parents, at the age of eleven years,
to Forest township. Rice county, Minnesota, where he passed
the remainder of his boyhood on his father's farm, and com-
pleted his education in the district schools, after which he
1328 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
assisted his father in running the farm till twenty-two years
of age, when he bought sixty acres of land and engaged in
farming on his own account. Later he sold out and bought
a 200-acre tract, the cultivation of wdiich claimed his attention
for some time. Then disposed of forty acres, and retained
160 acres of fine land on which he followed general diversified
farming, stock raising, and dairying with marked success till
1904, when he rented his quarter section, which he had devel-
oped into one of the finest farms in the count}', to his son, and
moved to Faribault, where he has lived retired ever since. Mr.
Hatfield is a believer in the principles of the Republican party,
and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the
community, having served on the school board of his district,
as clerk and treasurer, for many years. In 1890, he helped
take the LTnited States census. The Congregational Church
claims him as a member. He was united in marriage, October
9, 1873, with Margaret Campbell, a school teacher, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. John Campbell. They have four children,
George G., Joseph E., who runs the old farm, Grace L, who is
married to Loren Johnson, of Forbes, N. D., and Olive R., a
scholar in the Faribault high school, who lives at home with
her parents in their handsome residence at 810 West First
street North. Mr. Hatfield is a .son of Robert and Nancy
(Stewart) Hatfield, natives of Ohio, who migrated to Minnesota
in 1860, where they purchased 240 acres of wild land, which
they broke and cleared with the crude instruments of those
pioneer times, and here followed general diversified farming till
their removal to Northfield, where the father died, September,
1902, the mother having preceded him b)' over twenty-nine
years. John Campbell, father of Mrs. Hatfield, died in Missouri,
in 1852. Three years later, the mother with true pioneer spirit,
came to Minnesota and pre-empted a quarter section in the
township of Wells, near Faribault, soon afterward coming to
Faribault, where she lived till her decease in August, 1881.
Albert M. Hatch, is a native of Faribault, Rice county, Min-
nesota, and was born July 12, 1868, to A. H. and Mary Jane
(Ray) Hatch, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts, respec-
tively, who settled at Faribault in the early sixties and where
the father followed his occupation as a contractor till his death,
which occurred December 12, 1908. He served as alderman and
city treasurer. The mother died in 1874. Albert M. supple-
mented his preliminary education in the public schools with a
course of study at Shattuck school, where he was graduated
in 1888. He then worked some eight or nine years clerking and
bookkeeping, and in June, 1897. as a partner with A. L. Carufel,
bought the business to which he has since devoted himself.
JllSTOKV Ol' KICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1329
In 1899 Mr. Hatch purchased his partner's interest in the busi-
ness and has since that time conducted it in his own name. Mr.
Hatch carries on an extensive business in everything relating
to phimbing, hcatins;, sheet metal work, etc., and maintains an
up-to-date establishment, thorough!}'- equipped to meet the
demands of his growing trade. Mr. Hatch is somewhat active
in fraternal and benevolent organizations, being identified with
the Knights of Pythias, Modern Samaritans, Knights of Macca-
bees, and B. P. O. E., and also belongs to ihe Commercial Club
of Faribault. In politics he is a Republican and in religious
faith an Episcopalian. On October 13, 1897, A. M. Hatch mar-
ried Angle E., a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Ersfeld,
natives of Germany, who now live at Walcott, Rice county,
Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Hatch have two children named,
respectively, Nellie M. and Dorothy E.
William A. Hunt, M. D., was Ijorn in Xorthfield, January 2,
1858, where ho has since resided. He received his early educa-
tion in the public schools, and later entered Carleton college,
from which he graduated in 1878. He then took up the study
of medicine at the University of Michigan, and graduated with
honors in 1882, after which he returned to Northfield, and
began the practice of his profession. He has won the confidence
and respect of the entire community and has alwa}-s been ready
to respond to the call for the relief of suffering. He has taken
post-graduate courses at New York and Chicago from time to
time, thus adding to his large knowledge and understanding of
his profession for the benefit of his patients. He holds member-
ship in the American Medical Association, the Minnesota Medi-
cal Society, and the Rice County Medical Society, and is also
well known in fraternal circles. He is a Mason of high degree,
a member of Osmtm Temple of St. Paul, and of the various
bodies of that order. He is state treasurer of the Minnesota
Homestead Brotherhood of American Yeomen, and also belongs
to Northfield Lodge, No. .=^0, I. O. O. F. In politics he is a
Republican and in religion a Congregationalist. He has also
found time in his busy life to serve as ma3'or of the city and as
a member of the board of education for the period of ten years,
of which he was president eight years of that time. By his wife,
Florence M. Bishop, of Hillsdale, Mich., whom he married June
27, 1893, he has three sons: William B., born April 16, 1894;
Harold J., born December IG, 1897; and Arthur B., born March
7, 1903. Joseph A. Hunt, father of William, was born in Haw-
ley, Franklin county, Mass., .September 22, 1823, and the mother,
Mandana L. (Hix) Hunt, at Readsboro, Vt., Dec. 9, 1825.
They were married at Readsboro, October 10, 1850, and six
years later migrated to the West. They came to Northfield,
1330 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Minn.. April 1856, and made a preemption of 160 acres of land
in Nortlificld township, where they lived and worked for one
year, after which they moved to Northfield, and the father en-
gaged in the grocery and meat business, in which he was very
successful, and continued to conduct this business for the period
of twenty }'ears, when he retired. ]\Ir. Hunt, Sr.. was a very
public-spirited and inilucntial citizen, and took a great interest
in all public improvements, and especially in the progress of
education. He was a member of the first board of supervisors
of the township, and held many minor offices in the city. There
were three children in the Hunt home: Hiram A., of Seattle;
AVilliam, the subject of this sketch, and Olive, who died in in-
fancy. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and belonged
to the Congregational Church. 1-Ie died March 20, 1909, and the
mother passed away eight years before, December 8. 1901.
Henry B. Hill, state bank examiner, and scion of an old New
York family, is one of the well-known residents of Faribault.
He was born in Rome, N. Y., February 28, 1857, and was reared
in that city, receiving his early education in the public schools.
His preparatory course was taken in the Willison seminary, at
East Hampton, Mass., and in 1876 he entered Cornell university
with the class of 1880, remaining there until 1879. In 1885 he
received his degree of LL. B. from the University of jNIichigan.
and was at once admitted to the bar, and for five years prac-
ticed his profession at Faribault. In June, 1900, he became chief
clerk of the state school for the deaf at Faribault, and retained
this position until 1902, when he accepted a situation as sec-
retary of the Faribault Furniture Company. In 1906 he was
appointed deijuty state bank examined in the department of the
public examiner, and in 1909 he was promoted to his present
position. His work in this capacity has been greatly facilitated
by the fact that he received considerable banking experience
under the tuition of his father in his native state. Mr. Hill is de-
scended from patriotic American ancestry, being a charter mem-
ber of the Minnesota Society of the Colonial Wars. He belongs
to the Minnesota Chapter, Sons of the Revolution, and is also
a member of the Elks. A Democrat in politics, he has served
two terms as a member of the Democratic state central commit-
tee. Mr. Hill was married, October 31, 1895, at Faribault by
the Rt. Rev. Henry B. Whipple, to Hortense Virginia Daniels,
horn at Eden Prairie, Minn.. September 25. 1863, daughter of
Dr. J. W. and Hortense (Beardsley) Daniels, natives of New
Hampshire and New Jersey, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill
have been born two children: Susan H., born October 12. 1899.
and died April 21. 1905; Jared D.. born July 31. 1902. The
familv home is a comfortable residence at the corner of First
HISTORY ()]■ RICF. AND STEELE COUX'l!i;s 1331
avenue and Sixth street. The parents of Henry C. Hill were
Zaccheus and Susan L. (Whipple; Hill, the former born April
20, 1818, and the latter, a sister of the late Rt. Rev. Henry B.
\V hippie, at .Vdanis, N. Y., June 3, 1826. Zaccheus Hill was for
many years a banker in Rome, N. Y., and al.so conducted a bank
at Clinton. X. Y. He died there December 11, 1877. His wife
came to Faribault in 1879, and died November 28, 1894. Dr.
J. W. Daniels, father of Mrs. Hill, served as surgeon in the Sec-
ond Minnesota cavalry, with the rank of major. .\t the close
of the war, in 1865, he was appointed Indian agent. In 1873 until
1887 he was Indian inspector under the United States Govern-
ment. In 1882 he came to F"aribault, living here until 1900, when
he moved to Los .-\ngeles, for health, and there died. May 3,
1904. His first wife died November 5, 1870, at St. Peter, Minn.
Dr. Daniels was for many j-ears a trustee of St. Mary's Hall.
Ansel Loray Hill. It is necessary to the growth of a pioneer
community that with the farmers who come to break the land
and raise foodstufTs should also come the men who, with visions
of future prosperity, are willing to give their capital, their time
and their energies to the upbuilding of the commercial and indus-
trial activity of the point that has been selected as a future busi-
ness center. Each of these men must have admirable fore-
thought and sound judgment, with a faith in his community that
no discouragements can daunt. Coupled with this he must have
a command of his trade and vocation, as well as the ability to
dispose of his product. Above all, he must be a man of such
undoubted honor and honesty, that no one can doubt the merit
of his output. In .Ansel Loray Hill, now deceased, Faribault,
both as a hamlet, as a village, and as a city, possessed just such
a man. In Williamsburg, Hampshire county, Massachusetts,
where the descendants of the Puritans still walk in the stern faith
and practice of their forefathers, A. L. Hill first saw the light
of day, April 2. 1830. His education was such as the district
schools of his neighborhood afforded. Being of a mechanical
trend of mind, he early decided to learn the machinist's trade.
Accordingly, while still in his middle teens he left the parental
roof, and in the neighboring village of Haydenville, Mass., served
his apprenticeship. In 1848. at eighteen years of age, he came
West to Fond du Lac, Wis., and in spite of his youth started
what was known as the Pioneer Machine Shop. This he con-
ducted until 18.'^2. The California gold craze, started in 1849.
was then at its height, and Mr. Hill followed the rush to the
Golden Gate state, remaining until 1854, when he returned to
F'ond du Lac and engaged in the lumbering business for one
year. From 1855 dates his residence in Faribault. In that
year he came to this city and started the A. ]. Hill l''urniture
1332 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Factory, at that time located on the flat near the river, on Willow
street, between Second and Third. Conditions at first were
rather primitive in this factory. It utilized a l)lind horse for
power, and a circular saw and a turning lathe was all the machin-
ery in use. One man only was at first employed. There was
serious trouble in procuring lumber to build the mill, as lumber
was so scarce that men stood by the saw and snatched each
board as it was cut. The first building was 20x30 feet, one and
one-half stories high. From this humble beginning, the busi-
ness continued to grow. A few years later the business was
removed to a new building at the corner of Willow and Third
streets. In this building he installed a twenty-horsepower engine
and employed from twenty to twenty-five men. The fame of the
Hill furniture spread abroad and soon the retail and wholesale
business of the establishment covered the central and northwest-
ern state. In 1872 the enterprise received a slight setback, the
entire plant being destroyed by fire. It was at once rebuilt and
the business continued to grow. On December 30. 1889, this
building was also destroyed, entailing a loss of about $39,000.00.
Undaunted by this disaster, Mr. Hill built the brick factory which
is still standing. He also was the owner of the Hill Block and
Union Block on Central avenue, which also remain to com-
memorate his interest in the business activities of the city. Dur-
ing Mr. HilTs long business career, he combined the undertaking
profession with his furniture enterprise. He attended the Epis-
copal Church and contributed to its support, and was a Repub-
lican in politics. His death, February 21, 1897, was deeply
mourned throughout the city and Rice county, who remember
him as a leader in the progress of Faribault, and a man whose
character, commercial and private was beyond reproach. Mr.
Hill was first married in 1860, to Betsey Miller, of Springfield,
Mass., who died in Faribault, in 1868. He was married, Novem-
ber 28, 1872. to Cornelia Jane Gififord, born in Essex county.
New York, on the shores of Lake Champlain, May 7, 1848,
daughter of Ezra D. and Lydia A. I'Haskin ) Gifford, both natives
of New York state. Ezra D. Gifford, who originally ran a line
of boats on Lake Champlain, came to Faribault in 1836 and
opened the National Hotel. Later he engaged in farming in
this state, dying March 28, 1877. In the family were a son and
a daughter, besides Mrs. Hill. Henry C. Gifford lives in Fari-
bault, with Mrs. Hill, and Mrs. William Mee is also a resident of
this city. Mrs. Lydia A. (Haskin) Gifford died June 4, 1900.
Lewis M. Hollister, of Morristown, Minn., was born in Cat-
taraugus county, New York, January 22, 1849, to Edwin and
Lovina (Slade) Hollister. The father, born February 5, 1822,
was the first male child born in Mansfield, N. Y. He was a tan-
I,. }.L iiiii,i,isTi;i;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1333
iier by trade. He died March 7. 1832. His widow survived him
and passed away in 1870 in New York state. They had three
children. Our subject's grandparents, Samuel L. and Sibyl
(Norton) Hollistcr, were natives of Seneca county, New York,
and Goshen, Conn., respectively, the former born in 1787. He
was a farmer by occupation ; they had a family of ten children,
and his death occurred June 29, 1849, at Mansfield, N. Y. His
widow, born in 1790, passed away December 31, 1884. They
were both lionorcd members of the Presbyterian church and act-
ive in religious and benevolent work. Josiah Hollister, our sub-
ject's great-grandfather, served in the Revolutionary War, and,
being captured by the British, was held a prisoner in Canada
two and a half years. After the death of our subject's father,
he being then three years old, he lived with an uncle on a farm,
and attended the district schools, and when twelve years old
began life for himself. Young Hollister came West, reaching
Faribault, Minn., December 31, 1867. He attended school a part
of the time f(3r two years, and then moved to the village of War-
saw and bought a small improved farm, which he tilled a few
years. Thence he moved onto a farm in Morristown township,
which he, a little later, traded for his present quarter section.
Under his management this has been finely improved, and sup-
plied with modern conveniences and appliances, and converted
into a model place, stocked with high grade cattle and Poland-
China swine, and which is widely known as the Walrath Stock
and Dairy Farm. Mr. Hollister lived on this farm, which ad-
joins the village of Morristown, till 1907, when he moved into
the village. While on the farm he served as a member and
part of the time as chairman of the town board, also as town
and school treasurer and also treasurer of the Morristown Co-
operative Creamery. He is a Republican in politics and has
served as delegate to the state and congressional conventions,
and in 1896 was elected to the state legislature. Mr. Hollister
is now (1910) vice-president of the Morristown State Bank, vice-
president of the Walcott Fire and Lightning Insurance Company,
agent for cyclone insurance and treasurer of the creamery. He
became a Free Mason in 1878, and is now Master of Cannon
River Lodge, No. 52, Morristown, and a member of the Minne-
sota Masonic Veterans' Association. Both he and his wife are
loyal members of the Congregational Church of Morristown,
which he has served as trustee more than twenty years, and for
two years past as clerk. Mr. Hollister has been twice married,
his first wife being Martha, nee Wood. They had two children.
viz. : William L., who was accidentally killed while skating, and
Frances now married to Mr. Fred Osterhaut, and living in Aiken,
Minn. His present wife was formerly Mrs. Emma Bryan. She
1334 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
has a son by her former marriage, named Ralph Bryan, now liv-
ing at Bellfield, N. D. Mr. and Mrs. Holiister have one child.
Kenneth L., a bright and promising boy of six years.
Frederick R. Huxley, M. D., was born in Winona, Minn., and
there obtained his bo}hood education, afterward entering the
University of ]\Iinnesota, receiving first his degree of B. A. and in
1900 his degree of M. D. Since graduation he has engaged in the
practice of his profession at Faribault. While at college Dr.
Huxley w^as a member of the Phi Delta Theta, the Sigma Xi, the
Theta Nn Epsilon, and the Nu Sigma Nu, and at the present time
he affiliates with the national, state and county medical societies
as well as with the Masonic order. He is an independent voter,
is now serving his seventh year as health officer of the city, and
has served two years as assistant physician at the State School
for the Feeble-Minded. In 1907 he took a trip to Europe and
made a special study of the nose and throat diseases, pursuing his
investigations in London and Berlin.
William Hildebrandt is a retired farmer of Xorthfield town-
ship, and was born in Germany, July 28, 1845, and came to this
country with his parents, Charles, born September 8, 1810, died
January 1, 1892, and Frederika (Kickanap) Hildebrandt, born
May 26, 1820, died August 6, 1888, in 1853. and for two years
made their home twelve miles west of Chicago, after which they
came to Minnesota and pre-empted eighty acres of land in Holden
township, near the Rice county line. Here they spent their lives,
carrying on farming. In the family were eight children: William,
of Northfield, is the subject of this sketch: Mrs. Jacob Kaiser, of
Faribault: Henry, of Xerstrand, Rice county: Mrs. H. Roth, of
Faril.)ault (deceased); Charles, of Goodhue county; Mrs. John
Von Wald, Ferdinand, and John, also of Goodhue county.
William received his education in the common schools of his
neighborhood, and worked with his father on the farm, remaining
at home until his marriage, when he bought a farm in Holden
township, where he remained a few years, and subsequently sold
and purchased a farm in Xorthfield township. Rice county, where
he carried on general farming until March, 1909, when he decided
to retire, and consequently sold his farm to his sons and moved to
Northfield, purchasing a comfortable home, and now resides,
enjoying the peace and prosperit)- he has attained through hard
work and thrift. By his wife, I^ouisa Koester, whom he married
June 18, 1868, he has had four children: Sarah, born May 16,
1869. and died June 27, 1876; Benjamin C, born May 26, 1872,
lives on a farm in section 21, Northfield township, and was mar-
ried May 12, 1896, to Sarah Yearkant, of Nerstrand, and they
have four children: Edna born May 6, 1897; Grant, born Febru-
ary 18, 1899; Yiolet, born April 24, 1905, and Maylan, born Feb-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1335
ruary 28, 1908. Frederick A. was born December 20, 1876, and
died August 1, 1899. Herljcri Walter was born December 27,
1884, married Sarah Fillers in I'ebruary, 1909, and lives on the
old homestead in section 20, Northfield township, which he pur-
chased. Mrs. Hildebrandt's parents were Fred and Maria (Enda-
brock) Koester. natives of Germany. The father was born Octo-
ber 16, 1814, and the mother October 26, 1818. They were mar-
ried in Germany and emigrated to this country in the early days,
arriving in Indiana in 1848, where they remained until 1868, after
which they came to ^ilinnesota, and settled in Northfield town-
ship. The father died October 13, 1893, but the mother is still
living. They had a family of eight children : Mrs. William Hilde-
brandt, who is the wife of the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. August
Ebel, of F"aribault; Fred (deceased) ; Henry, of Faribault; John,
William and Frank, of Northfield township, and Mrs. William
Ebel, also of Northfield. Mr. Ilildebrandt is a Republican, and.
served as chairman of the board of supervisors three years, and
for the period of four years as supervisor. He was one of the
directors of the school district of his immediate neighborhood for
one year. The family belongs to the German Methodist Episco-
pal church of Prairie Creek, Northfield townshi]).
Murrey Headline, who has always lived in Warsaw township,
Rice county, Minn., was born at the family home, September 5,
1885, to C. A. and Carrie (Gilman) Headline, the former a native
of Rice county, and the latter of Steele county, Minnesota. The
father is a farmer and surveyor, but retired from farming in the
spring of 1909. Murrej' acquired a common school education in
the district schools and grew up as a farmer boy. In April, 1909,
he began on his own account, on a leased farm of 160 acres in
Warsaw township, where he gives his attention to general farm-
ing and dairying with success. He is a man well thought of in
the community, who looks carefully after his affairs and seeks to
do his duty as a good citizen. lie is independent in his political
views, and casts his ballot for the candidate whom he deems best
fitted for the office sought, regardless of party affiliations. In
religious faith he is a Congrcgationalist. Mr. Headline is mar-
ried and has one child, Hazel A.
W. H. Harkins was born in Walcotl township, Rice county,
Minn., January 14, 1862, son of Samuel and Orlcy (Thurston)
Harkins, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Harkins' occu-
pation was that of a farmer. In 1856 he came West and located
in Walcott township, where he pre-empted 160 acres, and carried
on general farming. He later acquired 240 acres in Rice county,
and 320 acres in Lyon count}', making a total of 720 acres. He
made his home on his farm in Walcott, remaining there until his
death, in 1890. i\Irs. Harkins is still living and makes her home
1336 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUXTIES
in Faribault. Mr. W. H. Harkins received his education in dis-
trict school No. 38, and also attended Pillsbury academy three
months in the year 1882. After leaving school he worked on his
father's farm, and in 1901 bought 160 acres in Walcott. where he
does general farming, and also makes a specialty of raising short
horn cattle. He was married February 22, 1894, to Sarah Morris,
a daughter of John and Elizabeth Morris. They were natives of
Canada, but came to Minnesota in 1885. Mr. Morris worked on a
farm in Walcott and also did construction work for Grant Bros.,
and followed in this line of work up to the time of his death, in
1889. Mrs. Morris died some six months after the death of her
husband. There were seven girls and three boys in the family.
five girls now living and three boys. Mr. Harkins is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and also of the Knights of
Pythias. In his political views he is a Republican. He was
elected town clerk in 1892 and served until 1894; was elected
treasurer in 1894 and served until 1896: was elected assessor in
1896 and served until 1898. He was elected on the board of
supervisors in 1900, serving in that capacity until 1902, when he
was chosen as the town chairman, in which capacity he still
serves. In 1900 he took the United States census in tlie town of
Walcott. He is a member and also clerk of the school board, a
position which he has held for the past fifteen years.
M. H. Hoover, a thrifty and enterprising farmer of Bridge-
water township, was born in Pennsylvania, May 7. 1850, son of
Jounas and Hetty (Zimmerman) Hoover, farmers and natives of
Pennsylvania. The parents came to Minnesota in 1855, locating
in Cannon City township. Rice county, where they bought 160
acres of land, on which they carried on general and diversified
farming until the father's death, which occurred in 1868. The
mother died in 1898. The subject of this sketch attained his edu-
cation in the district schools of Cannon City township. Leaving
school, he worked on a farm for some time. In 1871 he bought a
farm in Bridgewater township, where he remained until 1889.
He then sold this farm and bought 120 acres in section 29, Bridge-
water, which he has improved, carrying on general farming and
dairy business up to the present time. Mr. Hoover was married
in 1872 to Katherine, daughter of Richard and Katherine Gal-
lagher, father native of Dublin. Ireland; mother native of Glas-
gow, Scotland. They came to America in the early days and
located in Canada: thence came to Minnesota in 1865, locating in
the vicinity of Dundas, where the father carried on farming until
his death, in 1874; the mother died in 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover
have two children, Everett, who farms in Bridgewater township,
and Ella J., who is a teacher. Mr. Hoover is a Republican, and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1337
in religious faith he adheres to the Methodist Episcopal church.
He has served a number of years on the school board.
Edward Hoover, son of Christian Hoover, native of Pennsyl-
vania, was born in Pennsylvania, February 24, 1848. In 1865 our
subject came to Minnesota with his parents, who bought a farm
in section 8, Cannon City township, Rice county, where they
farmed for three years. The mother died in 1868, and the father
sold the farm and returned to Pennsylvania, where he died May
20, 1908. Edward attended school in Pennsylvania and in Can-
non City, Minn. Leaving school, he worked on a farm, and then
in 1867 bought 120 acres in section 10, Cannon City township,
where he still lives as a retired farmer, having rented the farm.
In 1866 Mr. Hoover married Nancy L., daughter of John and
Jane Caldwell, of Pennsylvania, who in the early days came to
Minnesota and located in Faribault. They have two children :
C. L., and Lydia, now Mrs. Henry Pipes, who is renting his
father's farm. Mr. Hoover is a public spirited citizen well appre-
ciated in his communitj', has served on the school board for
twenty-five years, and has served on the town board for five
years, which office he still holds. He is intere.sted financially in
the Dean Creamery. He is Democratic in his political belief, and
in religion he is affiliated with the Congregational church.
O. N. Hegnes was born in Norway January 8, 1862, a son of
Nels and Margaret (Heiidrikson) Hegnes. Both parents were
natives of Norway, and the father was a common laborer up to
the time of his death in 1872; the mother came to America in
1887 and lived with her son up to the time of her death in 1907.
Mr. Hegnes was educated in the district schools of Norway.
After leaving school he worked out until 1881, when he came to
this country and located in Nerstrand, where he worked out. Tn
1886 he entered the grain business for himself and followed it
until 1891, when he took the management of the Big Diamond
Milling Company, the successor of the Sheffield Milling Com-
pany, which business he still follows. He was married in 1898 to
Amanda Christofherson, a daughter of John and Anna (Olson)
Christofherson, natives of Norway. The father was a laborer
who came to America in 1871 and located in Chicago. He re-
mained there until 1874 and then moved to Eau Claire, Wis.,
where he still lives. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hegnes,
Rosa Viola, who lives at Nerstrand. Mrs. Hegnes died Septem-
ber 28, 1909. Mr. Hegnes is a member of the Lutheran church.
Tn politics he is a Republican. He has been clerk of the village
since 1898. Pie is a stockholder in the Farmers' State Rank.
C. B. Hirdler, one of the old residents of Forest township,
Rice county, was born in Germany, and there married Maria
Mime. Thcv came to America in 1862 and located first in New
1338 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
York, where they remained for nine months, then came to Mil-
waukee, bnt remained there but a short time, subsequently going
to Michigan, where they lived for twelve years. Mr. Hirdler was
a shoemaker by trade, but also preached the Gospel, .\fter leav-
ing Michigan they came to Minnesota and settled in Jackson
county for one winter, then moved to Rice county, and located
in Forest township, where he has farmed and practiced medicine
up to the present time. His wife died in 1909.
Aug. Hirdler was born in Schlazing. Germany. February 22,
1852, to C. B. and Maria (Mime) Hirdler. and came to America
when ten years of age. He attended the public schools in Michi-
gan, and after leaving school worked in a saw mill for nine sea-
sons; then came to Minnesota. Subsequentl)' he farmed in Jack-
son county for a while and is still in that business in Forest
township, in Rice count}-. In 1881 Mr. Hirdler was married to
Katherinc .A-lterman. and four children were born to them: Ida,
Clara J., Melvin and Alma. He was again married in 1892 to
Rosa Butler. They had one child. Rosa, who died in infancy. In
1893 his second wife died. He was married a third time in 1893
to Anna Bier and had two children b}' this union. Walter, now
deceased, and Emil, li\ing at home. In political views Mr. Hird-
ler is an independent \oler. and in his religious belief he is an
Adventist.
Charles H. Johnson is proprietor of one of the leading cloth-
ing stores of Faribault, Minn. A nati\e of Minnesota, he was
born in Sherburne, in Martin county, May 13. 1878. to Perry G.
and Annie Johnson, natives of Sweden. The father came to this
country in 1860 and went first to Rock Island, 111., where he was
variously employed till his removal to Martin county, Minnesota,
in 1865. Here he located a homestead of 160 acres and built a
rude log house. He began in a primitive wa}' and worked hard
and economized, experiencing the trials anrl privations of pioneer
life, but persevered and prospered withal. He improved the place
with a commodious farm house and other buildings, and brought
it to a high state of cultivation and productiveness, and carried
on general farming, adding to his holdings from time to time
until he now owns 800 acres of valualsle land. He has served in
various local offices and is an influential man in the community.
being a director in the banks of Sherburne and Dunnell. and
financially interested in other local industries, .\fter the decease
of his wife, which occurred in 1885, he married a second time.
Our subject acquired his education in the public schools of
his native place and grew up a farmer boy on the family home-
stead. He began his business career in 1897 as a clerk in a cloth-
ing house, where he remained some eight years. Coming to Fari-
bault, October 1, 1905. he spent four months clerking, and then
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1339
purchased a one-half interest in the business of Mr. A. B. Cooling.
This relationship continued about two years, and in 1907 Mr.
Johnson purchased his partner's interest and since that date the
business has been conducted under the name of C. H. Johnson &
Co. It is in every respect an up-to-date establishment carrying
besides men's clothing of every description, hats and caps and a
full and complete line of gentlemen's furnishings, and is a leader
of its kind in Faribault. Mr. Johnson has de\oted himself closel}-
to his business and has had little leisure for outside affairs. He
is identified with the B. P. O. E.. also belongs to the Eagles, and
is a member of the Faribault Commercial Club. He is a Reinib-
lican in political belief, and in religious faith is connected with
the Lutheran church. On .\ugust 28, 1907, Mr. Johnson married
Miss Alice B., a daughter of Lewis and Mary Carlson, who came
from Denmark, their native land, in an early day and settled at
Albert Lea, Minn., where the father followed his trade as a car-
penter. The family later moved to Sherburne, where the father
and mother now live — 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two
children, Charles Gerald and Arthur Harold.
Edward W. Johnson, a progressive business man of Faribault,
Minn., is a nali\e of Chicago. 111., his date of birth being April
15, 1873. He acquired his education in the public schools of his
birthplace, after which he became a clerk in a retail grocery store
for a short period, leaving this employment to take a similar
position with a wholesale and retail cigar and tobacco company.
Later he entered the wholesale grocery house of John A. Tolman
Company, of Chicago, filling his place with credit for ten years,
when, in 1900, he accepted the ofificc of assistant manager of the
Western Grocer Company, located at .Albert Lea, Minn., remain-
ing here two years. He then removed to Faribault, and earl\
in 1903, together with W. .A. Kussell, started a wholesale and
retail cigar and tobacco establishment, adding a billiard room
in 1904. In 1906, he purchased .Mr. Russell's interest, and moved
into his present commodious quarters on Central avenue, now
having one of the most up-to-date cigar stores in this section of
the state, carrying a full and finely selected line of smoker's sup-
plies. He has recently put in several new billiard and pool tables,
and has three first-class bowling alleys. In connection with his
main business, he conducts a well furnished cigar, periodical and
candy stand in the postofSce building. As to politics, Mr. John-
son is a prominent member of the Democratic party, and has
always taken an active interest in all that is good for Faribault
and Rice county. In 1907 he was appointed a director on the
board of trustees of the Institution for Defectives, by the late
Gov. John A. Johnson, to fill out the unexpired term of the late
Mr. McKellip. the following year being appointed for a term of
1340 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
five 3'cars. He is identified with numerous fraternal organiza-
tions, being a Chapter Mason, a member of the F. O. E., hav-
ing served as secretary of the last named association for two
3^ears. The Commercial Club also claims him as a member.
December 4, 1907, he married Adilia Kaul, of Faribault. They
have two children: Edward W., Jr., and Alelia Kaul. Their
residence is located on Central avenue. Charles and Olivia
(Hawkinson) Johnson, parents of our subject, were born in
Sweden, coming from the Fatherland to this country in 1855,
and locating at Chicago, where the father followed tailoring till
his death in 1877. The mother later married W. P. Breen, of
Chicago, and they now reside at Lake Bluflf, a suburb of that city.
Frederick E. Jenkins, head master of St. James school, is a
man well qualified by nature and training to fill the important
position to which he has been called. With a sympathetic under-
standing of boy nature, he combines the qualities of exactness
and justness, and his own life and character are an inspiration
to the boys, who in the undeveloped years of their teens are
placed in his charge. The subject of this sketch was born in
Butler, 111., January 20, 1866, son of Charles W. and Camilla
(Burnap) Jenkins, natives respectively of South Carolina and
Illinois, the father dying August 22, 1882, and the latter being
still a resident of Hillsboro, 111. F"rederick E. received his edu-
cation in the public schools of Illinois, and then attended the
state normal school at Xornial, in the same state, graduating in
1886. His first experience as a teacher was in Cedar Rapids,
Neb., where he was principal for two years. In 1888 he was
chosen superintendent of the public schools of Allnon, Xeb., and
served there with much credit until 1893. While filling this
position he studied law. and was admitted to the bar. In 1903
he went to Kansas City, Kan., and there took up the practice of
law. In 1894 he came to Faribault as an instructor in the pre-
paratory department of the Shattuck school. In 1901 he became
principal of the Lower school, founded in that year. In 1909
this school was incorporated as St. James school, and Mr. Jenkins
became its head master. ]\[r. Jenkins is a Mason, belonging to
the local Blue Lodge, Commandery and Chapter. He has been
master and high priest and commander of the Commandery. He
also belongs to the Royal Arcanum, and has associated himself
with the Faribault Commercial Club. He is an independent
voter. Mr. Jenkins was married. July 25, 1888, at Lyons. Neb.,
to Ella Gregoire, of that place. This union has been blessed with
one daughter, Jessie Winifred, a student in St. Mary's school.
J. M. Jones was born in Faribault. Minn., June 5, 1856. He
is a son of J. John Jones and Plooma (Sargent) Jones, the father
a native of Canada, and the mother of the state of Maine. Mr.
HISTORY OI' RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1341
Jones was a farmer by occupation, and came to Minnesota in
1855 ; he located at Faribault, where he remained a short time,
and then he pre-empted 160 acres in sections 27 and 28 in Forest
township, where he has carried on general farming up to the
present time. His wife died in 1893. Mr. Jones attended the
district schools of Forest, and after leaving school worked on
the farm until, in 1878, he bought a farm in section 27, Forest
township, where he has done general farming and run a thresh-
ing outfit up to the present time. In 1877 he was married to
Helen A. Smith, a daughter of Hugh and Hulda Smith, both
natives of Maine. They came to Minnesota in about 1856, and
pre-empted land in Rice county, and engaged in farming. The
father died in 1885 and the mother in 1886. Eight children were
born to Mr. and I\Irs. Jones: Lillian, now Mrs. F. G. St. Mars,
of Forest; Edith, now Mrs. Paul Thielbar, of Dundas; Grace,
now Mrs. Cod}% of Forest ; Loren, now living at home, and Clif-
ford, Joseph, Clarence and John, who are also living at home
with their parents. In politics Mr. Jones is a Republican, and
his religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He has served on the town board of supervisors, and also on the
school board at diiiferent times, is a stockholder in the Farmers'
Elevator Company of Faribault and in the Farmers Creamery of
Forest.
R. C. Krasemann, a self-made and progressive business man
of Faribault, Alinn.. was born in Germany, June 24, 1877. While
still an infant, he left the Fatherland with his mother and came
to America, locating at Faribault, Minn., where he received his
education in the public schools. Afterwards, he worked four
years in the A. L. Hill Furniture Factory, and then engaged in
farming for five years, after which he embarked in the flour and
feed and undertaking business on his own account, continuing
in this line two years. Mr. Krasemann next entered into the ele-
vator business, being connected with the Central Minnesota
Elevator Company and rapidly rising to the position of manager.
The companj' does an extensive and increasing business through-
out this section of the state, owning the Sheffield Milling Com-
pany, the Sheffield King Milling Company, the Sheffield Elevator
Company, and the Big Diamond Milling Company. Mr. Krase-
mann is now acting as manager of the last named company, in
which capacity he has been very successful. As to political con-
victions, he holds to the principles of the Republican party, but
has never aspired to office, being exclusively devoted to his busi-
ness affairs. The Modern Brotherhood of America counts him
a loyal supporter. June 26, 1901, he was united in marriage witii
Sybilla Kitzmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Kitzmann,
to whom have been born two children : Walter, born in 1902.
1342 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
and Carl, born August, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Krasemann attend
worship at the German Lutheran Churcli. Their home is on the
corner of Second street and Eighth avenue. Carl and Caroline
(Lindenburg), parents of our subject, were natives of Germany,
where the father died ni 1881. The mother came to America in
the same year, settling at Faribault, where she died January 22,
1894. The father of Mrs. Krasemann is also deceased, but her
mother is still living.
William Kaut has been a resident of Faribault, Minn., since
the fall of 1905. He is a native of St. Louis. Mo., and was born
September 3, 1882. and is a son of William and Lavina (Gerd-
man) Kaut. The father was born in Europe in 1848 and came
to St. Louis in 18.^0. He was one of the leading commission mer-
chants in St. Louis and was held in very high esteem. He served
on the school board, was an active member of the Merchants'
Exchange; also a member of the Odd Fellows, and stood high
in the Masonic order. Both he and his wife were loyal members
of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1898. in St. Louis, at
the early age of forty-two. The mother still resides in St. Louis.
Our subject received a good grammar-school education in his
native city and began his business life as office boy in a shoe
factory, and has worked his waj- up. acquiring a thorough and
practical knowledge of the shoe manufacturing business. He set-
tled at Faribault in November. 1905, and accepted a position as
foreman over a large force of men in the cutting department of
the Shaft-Pierce Shoe Company. On March 2. 1908, Mr. Kaut
was appointed superintendent of the factory, which position he
still holds. In September, 1907, he married Myrtle Dean, whose
parents were living in Pennsylvania, where the father still con-
ducts a large department store, the mother having died in Fargo,
N. D., in August, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. William Kaut ha\-e one
child, named Virginia Fern.
Frank M. Kaisersatt, a native iif Montgomery, Minn., was
born January 27 . 1880. Here he passed his boyhood, and acquired
much of his education, completing this with a course in the
Omaha Commercial College, of Omaha, Neb., in 1899. He then
taught school in district No. 18, in Le Sueur county, for three
years, during which time he also attended the Sherman high
school at Montgomery, graduating from that institution with the
class of 1904. In the year 1*^02 he accepted a position in a Rice
county district, and was principal of the Willow Grove school
in Wheatland township for two years. Acquitting himself with
much credit, he was then offered the principalship of the Veseli
school, which he filled with marked success for five years, and
tmtil his appointment as deputy county auditor, January. 1909,
which position he now holds. In politics he is a follower of the
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1343
Republican part}' and his influence in public affairs has always
been for the good ; especially in educational lines has he been
very active. Mr. Kaisersatt has served as town clerk of the
town of Wheatland, and as justice of the peace of the village of
V'eseli. He is prominent in fraternal organizations, being a
member of the Modern Brotherhood of America, the C. S. D.
P. J. (Bohemian Workmen), the Z. C. K. J. (Bohemian Catholic
Union). He was married, July 6, 1905, at St. Paul, to Anna E.
Nestaval, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nestaval, of Mont-
gomery. They have one child, Harriet Mae Kaisersatt, born
October 31, 1906. The family residence is on Second street.
West. They are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Thomas J. and Catherine ( Havel i Kaisersatt. parents of our
subject, were natives of Bohemia, emigrating to America in
1865, and settling near Montgomery, Minn., where they engaged
in general diversified farming till the father's death, July 6,
1901. The mother passed away in 1884.
F. L. Klemer, president of the Faribault Woolen Mills Com-
pany, was born in Watertown, Wis.. September 4. 1856, and is
a son of C. H. and Anna (Frederca) Klemer. The parents came
from the fatherland to Watertown, Wis., in 1848, and lived on
a farm there till 1857; thence went to Goodhue county, Minne-
sota, and farmed till 1865, when they moved to Rice county.
Here the father established the business known as the Faribault
Woolen Mills Company, and carried it on alone till 1892, when
his two sons, our subject and H. F. Klemer, now vice-president
and treasurer, were admitted to the business. The father of the
concern died March 31, 1904; the mother died in January, 1893.
Our subject attended the district schools and after leaving school
he clerked three years in a shoe store, and later, with his brother,
entered the woolen business, with which he has been connected
ever since. In December, 1879, he married Lydia M., daughter
of John and Elizabeth (Nippert) Schaefer. They had five chil-
dren, viz.: Carl A., who was a practicing physician, and died in
Germany in 1907 ; Edgar L., on fruit farm in Oregon ; Walter
F., who works in the woolen mills, and Albert A. and Helen E.,
who are attending school. Mr. Klemer belongs to the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, is a Republican in politics, and in
religious faith is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
F. H. Klemer, who is a son of H. F. and Catherine (Roth) Kle-
mer, natives of Wisconsin and Ohio, respectively, was born at
Faribault, October 21, 1878. He acquired his education in the
schools of his native place and at the .State University, where he
was graduated in 1901. He then spent three years in the engi-
neering department of the Northern Pacific Railroad and in 1904
became bookkeeper for the Woolen Mills Company. On Octo-
1344 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
her 16, 1907, he married Eleanor Jennings, and they have one
child, named Mary Catherine.
Aris B. Kelly, a retired druggist of Northfield, where he was
engaged for man}- years in the drug business, was born in Perrys-
burg, Ohio, August 21, 1852, and came to Minnesota in 1865,
locating on a farm near Lakeville, Dakota county. Tiring of
farm life and anxious to make something of himself, he came to
Northfield in 1869, and became a clerk in a general store of
Hiram Scriver, where he remained ten years. In 1879 he engaged
in the drug business, in partnership with J. L. Blackman, con-
tinuing in this capacity until 1882, when Mr. Blackman sold his
interest to Mr. Kelly and J. S. Tripp was taken into the firm as
a partner. They conducted the business for a period of seven-
teen years, after which Mr. Tripp sold to Henry B. Hamre, who
had been a clerk in the store for many years. In the spring of
1909, Mr. Kelly sold his interest to Mr. Hamre, and retired from
business. The building in which tlie store is located was built
in 1886 by Mr. Kell}- and is of brick and modern in every respect.
Mr. Kelly is a very public-spirited citizen and has done much
toward the growth and development of the city. He has served
as a member of the council as alderman for six years, and is at
present Federal supervisor of the Third congressional district in
taking the thirteenth census in 1910. He iias served five suc-
cessive terms in the state legislature, where lie has done faithful
and efficient service. He is a member of high standing in the
Masonic order, holding the office of treasurer, and belongs to the
I. O. O. F., of Northfield, in which he has held all the offices.
He is also a member of the Commercial Club, and has served as
president for the past three years. In his politics he is Repub-
lican. Robert and Amanda (Donaldson) Kelly, parents of Aris
B. Kelly, were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Tiie former
was born August 12, 1813, and the mother May 18, 1825, daugh-
ter of Thomas Donaldson, who was born July 25, 1786, in Vir-
ginia, and married Nancy SafTer, also born in Virginia, October
8, 1790. He died in Muskingum cotmty. Ohio, July 27, 1835,
and his wife passed away November 30, 1879. They were the
parents of five children : Frank, George H., and John B. are
dead ; Henry K. lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and Aris B. is the
subject of this sketch. Their great-grandfather, William Don-
aldson, came from Scotland in colonial times, and settled in Vir-
ginia. Mr. Kelly was married December 12, 1878, to Arvilla M.
Eckles, who was born near Fort Wayne, Allen county Ind.,
March 15, 1855, daughter of William and Mary A. (Fetterer)
Eckles. Mrs. Kelly comes of a sturdy Revolutionary stock, her
great-grandfather, Arthur Eckles, iiaving served seven years in
the Revolutionary War, taking part in the battle of the Brandy-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1343
wine and other engagements. His son, John Ecklcs, served in
the War of 1812, and his son, William Eckles, father of Mrs.
Kelly, at the second call in 1861 for volunteers, formed Company
G, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being at that time a
resident of Antwerp, Ohio, and served three years and five
months. He was chosen captain of his company and they joined
the forces of General Sherman, and were constantly in action.
He was the youngest of seven children, and was horn November
30, 1821, and was married September 29, 1843. to Mary A. Fet-
terer, who was born June 28, 1830. He died in Glendora, Cal.,
October 26, 1906, but the mother still lives at Pasadena, Cal.
Mr. Ecklcs' father, John Eckles, was born in Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, F'ebruary 18, 1788, and was married October 24,
1811, to Martha llannon, who died in 1825. Her husband died
at Northfield, September 13, 1872, at the advanced age of eighty-
four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have been born two sons:
Aris Verne, born January 3, 1881, is a graduate of the high school
of Northfield, and afterwards took a course at the State Univer-
sity, and is now holding the responsible position of credit man
with Haley & Lang Company, of Sioux Falls, S. D. He married
Fannie L. Babcock, October 12, 1905. and they have one child,
Lawrence B., born May 5, 1907. The second son, Ralph E., was
born February 1, 1883, is also a graduate of the Northfield high
school and completed his studies with a business course and
afterward entered the employ of Mr. Hamre, of Northfield.
Anthony W. Karp, an enterprising young business man of
Faribault, Minn., was born there August 12, 1884. He is the
fifth child of a family of thirteen children i)orn to John P. and
Mary (Degross) Karp, the former being a native of Germany
and the latter of New Market, Scott county, Minn. The father,
who is a shoe dealer, came to this country in 1869. He first
settled in Hastings, in Dakota county, Minnesota, but in 1872
opened a shoe store at Faribault and conducted it in his own
name till 1907, when the firm of A. W. Karp & Company was
organized. The father and mother are both living. Of their
other children, Elizabeth, the eldest, is a Sister of Mercy at
Ditluth : Theo J. is clerking at Faribaidt : Henry J. also lives
at Faribault; Peter resides at Portland, Ohio; Mary lives at
home; I\fargaret lives at Duluth, Minn., and Lena, Michael,
Joscphus, Mathilda, George and Cecelia live with their parents.
Anthony W. acquired a good English education in the public
schools at Faribault, and after finishing his studies entered his
father's store and familiarized himself with all the details of the
shoe business, remaining with his father till 1907, when the
present firm of A. W. Karp & Company was formed. This firm
has a fine up-to-date store supplied with all the necessary appli-
134G HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ances and conveniences of a first-class establishment, and car-
ries on a large and constantly growing trade. Air. Karp is a
man of progressive ideas, prompt and reliable in his dealings,
and thoroughly businesslike in his methods, and has the confi-
dence of all. He is a Democrat in his political beliefs and predi-
lections, and in religious faith adheres to the German Catholic
Church of his father and mother. He is also identified with the
German Benevolent Society, and C. O. F.
William Kueker, a self-made and energetic business man of
Faribault, Minn., was born March 22, 1866, in Elk Grove, 111.
He received his early education in the parochial schools of the
German Lutheran Church, supplementing this with a course in
the Elgin Academ\-, of Elgin, 111. Leaving school, he was em-
ployed as a bookkeeper for a short period, and then, in 1888,
entered into the milling business at Milwaukee. Wis., in which
he remained three years. Removing to Chicago, he started a
retail catalogue seed house, incorporating under the laws of Illi-
nois as the Farmers' Seed Company, with himself as president,
and Louis Lange and Otto Kozlowski as secretary and treasurer,
respectively. In 18'M the}- removed their plant to Faribault,
reincorporating in accordance with the laws of Minnesota, and
also retaining their former corporation rights in Illinois. The
afifairs of the company have grown and prospered under the
judicious management of its officers, there being a steadil}- in-
creasing demand for its product.^ throughout the Northwest.
.Since Mr. Kozlowski's death, in 1899, Mr. Kueker has borne
the brunt of the control of the company. His duties as a director
of the Citizens" National Bank of Faribault and of the Faribault
Loan and Insurance Company also help to make him a very
busy man. In politics he votes as his conscience dictates, irre-
spective of party, and has never aspired to office, his other inter-
ests claiming all his time and attention. The Commercial Club
knows him as a loyal member. June 4, 1891, he was married to
Wanda T. Kozlowski, of Milwaukee. Three children have blessed
this marriage : Clara C, Elsie, and Irma. The family are regu-
lar attendants of the German Lutheran Church. They reside at
722 Second street, West. Henry and Louise (Deike) Kueker,
parents of AVilliam, are natives of Germany. The father emi-
grated to this country at the age of seven years, with his parents.
After attaining manhood, he settled on a farm near Elk Grove,
111., with his wife, continuing farming till his retirement from
active work. He now lives at Itasca. 111.
William S. Kingsley, Faribault contractor and builder, to
whose skill many of the buildings of the state institutions here
will long stand as a monument, is a native of this state, born
January 2,'i, 1869. He came to Faribault with his parents, and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1347
after leaving scliool took up the contracting business with his
father. Since tlie death of the father he has successfully con-
ducted the business on a large scale for himself. Mr. Kingsley
is a Republican in politics. He belongs to the Masons, the Elks,
the Eagles, the United Workmen, the Modern Brotherhood, and
the Faribault Commercial Club. At one time he served in the
state militia. Mr. Kingsley was married June 2, 1897, to Julia
E. Kenney, of Richland township, daughter of J. D. Kenney, a
well-known farmer. Two children have gladdened the Kingsley
home: Raymond W., born May 20, 1898, and Mary E., born
August 5, 1900. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic
Church.
The parents of William S. Kingsley were S. J. and Mary
(Greenville) Kingsley, the former of whom came to Minnesota
in 1865, and the latter in 1856. S. J. Kingsley was a contractor
of the early days. He followed the gold rush to California in
1849, and remained there six years. He located in St. Paul in
1865, was there married, then came to Faribault, and became
one of the leading contractors, his first contract being for the
building of the first wing of the state school for the deaf. He
died November 9, 1895. His wife is still living. The Kingsleys,
father and son, have both assisted in the growth and develop-
ment of Faribault, and the son occupies the position of esteem
and confidence so long held by his father.
Rev. Wilbur R. Keesey, pastor of the First Methodist Church
of Northficld, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., April 3, 1869. His
parents were William H. Keesey and Josephine M. Ruth Keesey.
Wilbur R. was educated in the public schools of his native
city. After graduating from these schools he learned the trade
of marble and stone cutter, being apprenticed to his father,
who was engaged in that business. In 1888 he entered Penning-
ton Seminary. New Jersey, and there took up his studies for the
ministry, graduating in 1891. His first jutlpit was in Lima,
Delaware county, Pa., where he remained about seven months.
In September. 1891, he became pastor of the Methodist Church
at Eyota, Olmsted county, Minn., where he served one year.
In November. 1891, he was united in marriage with Anna A.
Quail, of Philadelphia, and to this union have been born five
sons, the oldest being seventeen years of age. Rev. Keesey was
admitted to the Minnesota .Annua! Conference in September,
1892, and has served the following churches: Eyota, Olmsted
county, 1891-92; Fillmore, Fillmore county, 1892-95; Marion,
Olmsted county. 1895-98; Elmore, Faribault cumty. 1898-1903;
Owatonna, Steele county. 1903-07; Northfield, Rice county,
1907 to the present time.
1348 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Edward F. Kelly, register of deeds of Rice county since 1908,
was born in Kilkenny, Le Sueur county, this state, Januar\- 12,
1864. He received a parochial-school education and clerked in
a store at Faribault for six 3'ears. In March, 1888, he engaged
in the grocery business, an enterprise which he has since con-
tinued. In 1889 he was elected chief of the fire department and
served two years. At the reorganization in 1896 he was again
elected chief, and has since continued to serve in that capacity.
In addition to his efficient work as head of the local department,
Chief Kelly is also statistician of the State Fire Department
Association. For many years Mr. Kelly has been a member of
the Knights of Columbus, and at the present time is serving as
State Secretary of that order. He also belongs to the Ancient
Order of Hibernians, the Modern Woodmen of America, the
Royal Neighbors, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Fari-
bault Commercial Club, of which latter he is a director.
John F. Kalina was born in Wheatland township, October 4,
1877, a son of John and Katherine Kalina, both natives of Bo-
hemia, who came to this country about 1867 and located in
Wheatland township, where he farmed until 1908; he then
retired and now lives in Lonsdale. Mr. Kalina attended the dis-
trict school in Wheatland, and also in Olivia and Minneapolis,
and after leaving school worked on the farm with his father until
1903, when he took the management of the farm, and has carried
on general farming up to tb.c present time. He was married in
1902 to Mary Peterka, a daughter of James and Annie Peterka.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kalina: William
and Frank, both living at home with their parents. Mr. Kalina
is a member of the Catholic Church, and his political affiliations
are with the Republican party. He is a member of the lodge
of the Modern Woodmen of America at Lonsdale, and is one of
the board of town supervisors.
Hugh Kane, a prosperous farmer of Richland township, was
born in Shields township, Marquette county. Wis., November
1. 1851. He is a son of John and Bridget fFinnegan") Kane,
natives of Ireland. The father, a farmer by occupation, immi-
grated to America in 1849. locating in Marquette county, Wis-
consin, where he bought a farm, wliich he improved and on which
he engaged in general farming up to the time of his decease, in
1890. The mother passed away in 1903.
Hugh received his early education in the district schools of
Wisconsin. He also attended the high school for two years at
Montello, Wis. Leaving school, he went to work on a farm for
some time. In 1883 he moved to Minnesota, locating in Rich-
land township, Rice county, where he settled on 160 acres of
land in section 28 and bought another 160 acres in section 27.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1349
He makes his home in section 28. Mr. Kane has been tilling the
soil here with success ever since. lie makes a specialty of rais-
ing Holstein cattle and Percherou horses, and has met with a
marked degree of success. Mr. Kane was married in 1878 to
Jane, daughter of James and Margaret (Moore) Calnin. The
parents were natives of Ireland. The father came to America in
1848, locating in New York state, where he was engaged in
farming until 1850; from tliere he removed to Wisconsin and
bouglit a farm on which he remained up to the time of his
decease, in 1899. Mrs. Calnin still lives on the farm in Wiscon-
sin. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Kane has been blessed with
nine children, viz.: Mary, now Mrs. Jos. E. Undcrdahl, farmer
of Richland township ; Margaret, who died in 1883 ; Joanna and
Raymond, both living at home; I.eo, teaches school in South
Dakota; Jane, Blanch, Isabella, are all living at home; Esther,
deceased. Mr. Kane is Democratic in his political views. He
is a member of the Catholic Church. He takes a live interest
in public affairs, having served as town assessor for seventeen
years, as treasurer of the school board since 1907, and as clerk
of the school board for three years. He is also interested in a
number of co-operative institutions, being a stockholder in the
Richland Creamery, Farmers' Elevator of Faribault, and the
Kenyon Percheron Horse Company.
George W. Kirk, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, was born
March 12, 1850, the eldest of eight children born to Thomas and
Mary (Thompson) Kirk, natives of England. The father came
to this country in 1831, settling first in Indiana and later going
to Cincinnati, where he was engaged in dairying till 1854. In
the fall of that year he went to Burlington, Iowa, and in the
spring of 1855 settled on a tract of 160 acres, which he pre-
empted, in Wells township, Rice county, Minn. Here he built
a rude log house, and settled his family and established the
family home. The log house was later supplanted by a commo-
dious modern farm house, a good barn and other buildings were
built, and the place brought to a high state of cultivation and
productiveness under his good management. The father car-
ried on general farming here until his decease, which occurred
October 3. 1868. His widow survived him many years and
passed away in May, 1909.
George W. received his schooling in the district school, and
when he was eighteen years old, on the death of his father, took
charge of the home farm. He afterwards purchased the interests
of the other heirs in the homestead, and gave his attention espe-
cially to dairy farming. Mr. Kirk has always been an influential
man in the community and has served in various local offices.
He served thirtv-three vears as clerk of the school district, a
1350 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
number of years as town treasurer and five years as chairman of
the town board. In politics he is a Democrat with independent
tendencies, and in religious faith is an Episcopalian. For six
years last past he has served as justice of the peace.
Charles Kiel, w-ho owns a fertile farm of 160 acres in Wheel-
ing township, was born in Cook count}-, Illinois, January 11,
1865, son of William and Sophia (Senne) Kiel, natives of Ger-
many. The father, a farmer and carpenter by trade, emigrated
to America in 1852 and located in Illinois, where he engaged in
farming until 1868. He then moved to Minnesota and located
in the township of Wheeling, Rice county, where he bought 160
acres in section 27; also ten acres of timber land in section 16.
This land he improved and engaged in farming, which he con-
tinued up to the time of his decease. May 6, 1907. The mother
passed away March 23, 1908. The subject of this sketch was
educated in the district schools of Wheeling township and the
public schools of Faribault. Leaving school, he was engaged as
a clerk in the dry goods store of J. W. KoUman at Faribault,
and in 1886 he returned to the old homestead, where he worked
with his father until 1902 ; at this time he became possessor of
the old homestead, where he has been engaged in general and
diversified farming up to the present time.
September 29, 1904, Mr. Kiel married Minnie (born March
21, 1870), daughter of W. L. T. and Louisa (Kiekenapp) Meyer,
who came to America in 1855 and located in Illinois, where Mr.
Meyer worked on a farm imtil early in the sixties, whence he
removed to Minnesota and located in the township of Wheeling,
where he farmed until the outbreak of the Civil W'ar. He
then enlisted in the Eighth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers, and
saw actual service all during the war, and also fought in the
Indian outbreak. After the end ^f the war, he was discharged
with honor, and he returned to his farm, where he has carried
on general farming up to the present time. The mother passed
away September 12, 1897. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Kiel is
blessed with one child, Elsie, who was born August 30, 1906.
Mr. Kiel is identified with the public afifairs in his vicinity, and
has served as town clerk since 1905, which position he still holds.
He is also road overseer. Mr. Kiel takes an active interest in
and is a stockholder of the Nerstrand Co-operative Creamery.
William J. Kalow is one of the enterprising and progressive
business men of Morristown, Minn., who has made his way by
dint of hard work, industrious habits and clear foresight. He is a
native of Good Thunder, Blue Earth county, Minn., and was
born September 30. 1884, the second child of a family of nine
children born to Adolph and Fredricka (Krueger) Kalow. The
father, who was born in lulv, 1852, in the Province of Branden-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1351
burg, Germany, came to the United States in 1881, landing at
Baltimore, Md. Thence he went to Minnesota and settled on a
small farm in Blue Earth county, with his family and lived there
till 1903. He went thence with his family to Prince Edward
county, Virginia, and there lived two and a half years, and then
returned to Minnesota and settled at Faribault, where he now
lives. William J. educated in the German Lutheran schools of
his native place and after his confirmation, at the age of fifteen
years, left school and served an apprenticeship under Adolph
Billet at Good Thunder, learning the harnessmaker's trade. After
serving his apprenticeship he worked at his trade as a journey-
man at Lcwistown eight month.>. and then accompanied his
father and family to Virginia and opened a small harness shop
at Farmville, in Prince Edward county. Returning to Minne-
sota in July. 1906. he worked for two years for Mr. H. F. Kester
at Faribault, and in 1908 settled at Morristown. Beginning in
a modest way, Mr. Kalow opened a small harness shop, one door
south of his present location and laid the foundations of his
present prosperous and growing biisiness. With the growth of
his trade, the business outgrew his narrow quarters and in Octo-
ber, 1908, he purchased the building which he now occupies,
being twenty-two by sixty feet in dimensions, and on the 11th
of the following January had it fitted up ready for occupancy,
and moved in. The establishment is thoroughly equipi)ed with
all the necessary machinery and appliances required in a first-
class, up-to-date harness shop and store, and with the stock rep-
resents a valuation of $3,000, while the well established trade
extends throughout Rice and adjoining counties and is steadily
growing. Mr. Kalow won his success by faithful work, and well
deserves the confidence and respect in which he is universally
held as a reliable and progressive business man. Mr. Kalow is
identified with the German Lutheran Church. He married,
June 2, 1910, Anna Borchert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aug.
Borchcrt.
Seth H. Kenney, known as the "Sorghum King," was born
at Williamstown, Mass., February 22, 1836, and has lived in
Minnesota since 1857. He spent two years working under Gen.
Levi Nutting at Faribault, and in the spring of 1859 bought, for
$350, 120 acres of land in Morristown township. Rice county,
which he proceeded to improve, and where he has since made his
home and reared his family. In I860 Mr. Kenney began in a
small way the manufacture of sorghum. His first mill for crush-
ing the cane consisted of two wooden rollers made by hand, pro-
pelled by a yoke of oxen attached to a sweep, and with a capacity
of thirty-two gallons per day. The increase in the business war-
ranting, he, in 1872, erected an iron mill propelled bv horse
13;V> HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUx\TIES
power, with a capacity of sixty-four gallons per day, and his
product at this time sold for $1 and $1.25 per gallon. Iij 1866,
he enlarged his plant and installed a twelve-horsepower engine.
This was the first steam sorghum mill in the state and had a
capacity of twelve barrels per day. It was destroyed by fire in
the fall of 1868, and the following summer he built two modern
horsepower mills which served his purposes ten years, and in
1879 he installed a fifteen-horsepower engine, five-ton mill, and
remodeled his entire plant, comprising a mill house thirty by
sixty-two feet, engine house twenty-two by twenty-six feet,
storage and granulating house thirty by forty feet, three stories
high, boiling house sixteen by thirty feet, refining mill twenty
feet deep, and centrifugal machine for draining the sugar. The
capacity of the plant was 700 gallons of syrup and 600 pounds of
sugar per day, and the output was shipped to all parts of the
United States. Mr. Keimey holds medals from the \Vorld's
Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, the first cash prize for
Amber cane syrup from the New Orleans exposition, also the
second, a diploma and a gold medal from the Paris Exposition.
In 1905 the sorghum plant was sold to a company in Faribault,
and was later removed to that place. Air. Kenney then started a
small factory in Waterville, in partnership with a young man,
Leslie Fowler, to whom he sold his interest in January. 1910.
For a number of years Mr. Kenney has de\otcd much time to
the culture of fruit trees, especially apple, and is widely known
as a practical, experienced and expert horticulturist. He has
written numerous articles on various phases of the subject,
which have been widely circulated. Mr. Kenney has always
been recognized as a leader in his community, and has been
called to fill numerous offices. He has served two terms as
justice of the peace ; has been road supervisor and school clerk,
and in 1879 was elected to the state legislature. He has always
been an earnest church supporter and Sunday school worker
He was one of the charter members of the First Baptist Church
of Waterville, Minn., and organized the first Sunday school in
his community, held in a log school house. He constructed a
commodious hall, in the upper part of his sugar house, where
for many years religious services were held, attended by all
classes, before the Lutheran Church was organized in Morris-
town township. In 1859 Mr. Kenney married Miss Olive Purin-
ton, who was born in March, 1836, in Massachusetts. Four chil-
dren were born to them. The eldest, Elias, is a prosperous
farmer, having settled near the old home: the second, ]\Iary,
who was married to .Mr. Edwin McAdams, of Brooklyn, N. Y..
is deceased: the third. Fred, and the fourth, Myron, are skilled
mechanics, residing near the Pacific coast. Mr. and Mrs. Kenney
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1353
have nine grandchildren, viz. : Morcnce and Seth H., daughter
and son of Elias, an older son being deceased; Olive, daughter
of Mary, who was reared by, and now lives with, her grand-
parents; Jesse, Mary, Sophronia and Ruth, son and daughters
of Fred ; Clarence and Mabel, son and daughter of Myron.
There are three great-grandchildren, sons of Clarence.
Ferdinand Kelm has lived in Warsaw township. Rice county,
Minn., more than a quarter of a century, and is counted among
the prosperous and substantial farmers of the community. Tie
was born in Germany, February 11, 1859, and is a son of Carl
and Caroline (Wilkel) Kelm, who came from Germany in 1883,
and settled on a farm of 100 acres, which the father purchased
in Warsaw township. Rice county, where he died, and where
the mother is now living.
Ferdinand attended school in his native place and there
learned and worked at the mason's trade. He came to the
United States with his father and mother when he was twenty-
four years old, in 1883, and for a time followed his trade, and
then turned his attention to farming. In 1906 he purchased
sixty acres and then thirty acres, which, with the home farm of
100 acres, he has since managed, carrying on general farming
and stock raising, with eminent success. Mr. Kelm has given
particular care to breeding and laising fine stock, especially
Percheron horses and Durham cattle. He has been somewhat
active in public matters, serving in local offices, such as school
treasurer, supervisor, etc., and is interested in the Faribault
Creamery and also the Faribault Elevator. Before leaving the
Fatherland, he served three jears in the German ami)'. He is
a Republican in political sentiment, and with his family is con-
nected with the German Lutheran Church. On December 24,
1892, Mr. Kelm married Emma Dahke, whose parents passed
their lives in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kelm have two children,
Ida and Ernest, both of whom are living with their parents.
John Knauss, a thrifty farmer of \\'heeling township, is a
native scm of IMinnesota. being born in Wheeling township
August 13, 1862, to Fred and Magdalina (Barbaras) Knauss,
natives of Germany. The father, who was a farmer, came to
America in the forties. He was one of the pioneers of Illinois,
where he engaged in farming until 1856, when he moved to Min-
nesota and located in Wheeling township. Rice county. Here
he bought 160 acres of prairie land, which he improved and did
general farming until the time of his decease, in 1885. The
mother survived her husband and died in 1903. The subject of
this sketch received his education in the district schools of
Wheeling. Leaving school, he started life on his father's farm,
where he worked until 1885. He then rented the homestead.
13o4 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
which he continued to do until 1898, when lie bought the farm
where he still carries on general farming. Mr. Knauss was mar-
ried in 1886 to Sarah, daughter of Christ and Elizabeth (Bauern-
fiend). They, natives of Germany, emigrated to America in
the early days and located in Wheeling township, Rice county,
in the later fifties, where they were engaged in farming until
1906. Retiring from the farm, they moved to Nerstrand, where
they still live. There were seven children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Knauss : Jesse C, who is fireman on the Chicago Great \\'estern
Railroad ; Harvey attends a business school in Faribault ; Roy
F. attends school at Xcrstrand ; W'illard, Emma, Earl and Mabel
are all living at home. Mr. Knauss is a Republican voter. He
is a member of the United Evangelical Church. He has always
aided in the public welfare of his community, having served as
supervisor of the town board and also on the school board. He
is a stockholder in the creamery at Nerstrand.
John King, a farmer of Webster township, was born in Pater-
son, N. J.. May 26, 1853, son of Mitcheal and Bridget (Carsoll)
King. Their father emigrated from Ireland, his native country,
in 1851, and located at Paterson. N. J. He was married at
Philadelphia, and mo\-ed from Paterson to Illinois in 1854. In
the spring of 1855 the parents came to Minnesota and located at
St. Paul : in 1856 they came to Rice county and located in Web-
ster township, where they bought 160 acres of land in sections
17 and 20, on which they did a general farming until the father's
death, Alarch, 1862. The mother later married James Keegan,
of Webster township, and continued to live on the Keegan
homestead, with her son, Andrew Keegan. Our subject was
educated in the common school of Webster township. Leaving
school, he farmed for some time. He devoted thirteen years to
the carpenter's trade, running a threshing machine in season.
Two years of this time was spent in St. Paul, Alinn. In 1895
he returned to the old homestead and remained there until
1907, at which time he sold out and bought another farm of
120 acres, located partly in section 13, Webster township, and
partly in Dakota county, where he successfully continues farm-
ing up to the present time (1910). Besides our subject, there
are two step-brothers in this family and three sisters from the
first marriage. Mr. King was married in 1888 to Katherine,
daughter of James and Lucy Kiley, of Webster township. Mrs.
King died in 1899. Mr. King married a second time in 1895,
Mary E., daughter of Timothy and Margaret Gleason, of Web-
ster township. There were four boys born to this union ; the
names, in respective order of their birth, are : John V., Timothy
W., James M., Frances L., all livmg at home. Mr. King does
not affiliate with any political parly, but is an independent voter.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1355
He, uitli liis family, belong to the Catholic church. He has
served in his community as town supervisor and clerk for a
number of years, and at present as justice of the peace. He has
aided in public enterprises in his community, and is a stock-
holder in the Webster creamery, which he managed for five
years ; also stockholder of the Farmers' Elevator Company of
Northfield, and the Webster Co-operative Telephone Company,
and is also associated with the Le Sueur County Co-operative
Store Company.
John Kratt, a prosperous farmer of Rice county, Alinnesota,
was born at Wiirttemberg, Germany, September 5, 1866, to John
and Anna Haug Kratt. The father died on January 1, 1907,
at the age of sixty-six years, in the fatherland, where the mother
still lives. They reared a family of six sons and one daughter,
all of whom live in Germany, except our subject, John, the eldest
of the family, and his brother Mike. The former attended
school in his native land and when sixteen years old came to
this country and began his life here as a day laborer at Duluth,
Minn., and also attended school. In the winter of 1885 he set-
tled in Morristown, earning his living for a time by chopping
wood, after which he was engaged in teaming, and finally
turned his attention to farming. He rented different farm lands
in Morristown township till 1897, and then moved onto what
was known as the J. P. Temple farm, in Section 13, consisting
of 135 acres, which he purchased in 1904 for $6,000. Mr. Kratt
has made his way by hard work, and by clear foresight, econ-
omy and thrift has attained a degree of success of which he ma\
justly be proud. His is one of the model farms in Rice county,
fenced and improved with good buildings, well stocked with
improved shorthorn cattle, horses and hogs, and equipped with
all necessary farm implements and modern machinery. By
rotating his crops and careful fertilizing he keejjs his land pro-
ductive and thus makes his investment a paying enterprise.
He is a leading man in the community and takes a commend-
able interest in its affairs. Since -903 he has been treasurer of
School District No. 54, and in 1909 was elected supervisor for a
term of three years. In politics he believes in right principles
rather than party. He is also identified with the Modern Wood-
men of America. In 1889 Mr. Kratt married Mar\', daughter
of David and Amy (Chapman) Temple, the former of whom is
deceased, but the latter lives in Morristown. Mr. and Mrs.
Kratt have seven children, named in the order of their births,
respectively: John, Earl. Lois, Fred, Inez, Dorothy and Roy.
John Kenney was born in Ireland, November 24, 1838. He
is the son of Andrew and Anna (McNermey) Kenney. who
were natives of Ireland. Mr. Kenney's occupation was that of
1356 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
a farmer. He came to America with his family in 1846, locating
in New York state, where he worked in a tannery until 1857.
At that time he came west to Minnesota, and located in the
town of Walcott, Rice county, v^here he bought 160 acres of
land, on which he did general farming until his death, in August,
1900. The mother died March 16, 1881.
Mr. Kenney was educated in the lower schools of Ireland
and in the district schools of New York state. After leaving
school he worked out until 1857, when he came west with his
father. He then went to work assisting a plasterer in Fari-
bault, which trade he mastered. In the fall of 1857 he went to
Ohio, where he worked until spring of 1858, when he went to
Covington, Ky., at which place he stayed until 1859, going from
there to Vicksburg. ;\Iiss., and continuing to roam over the
south until August, 1862, when he returned to Minnesota, where
he worked with his fatiier until, in 1863, he went to Minneapolis,
where he worked at his trade until 1869. That }'ear he re-
turned to Walcott and bought 160 acres of land in Section 24,
where he has made his home up to the present time. He now
owns 340 acres. He was married May 14, 1865, to Cecelia
Caghalan, daughter of Patrick and Hannah (Ward) Caghalan,
both natives of Ireland. Mr. Caghalan was a farmer by occu-
pation and died in Ireland. ]\Irs. Caghalan came to America,
living with her son for some time, ynd then moving to Minneap-
olis, where she died. Ten children have blessed the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Kenney. Anna li\'cs at home ; Katie C. died in
January, 1905 ; Andrew and Michael H. live on the farm ; John
died in 1874; Winnifred, now Mrs. John Devatt, of Minneapolis;
Mary E. lives at Minneapolis; Eilen Jane lives at Faribault;
Thomas G., assistant state superintendent Minnesota State
Training School, at Red \\'ing. and A\^illiam C, who lives at
Wabasha, Minn. In politics Mr. Kenney is a Democrat, and
his religious faith Catholic. For twelve 3ears he has been treas-
urer for School District No. 12. He is a stockholder in the
Farmers' Elevator Company of Faribault and of the Richland
Creamery.
John William Le Crone, who holds an honorable place in
the legal profession at Faribault, Minn., is a native of Effing-
ham, 111. He was born February 2, 1872, and is next to the
youngest child of a family of five children born to \Villiam C.
and Emeline E. (Kagay) Le Crone, natives of Pennsylvania.
Of their other children, Emily, the eldest, married Dr. Charles
A. M. McMurray, and lives at DeKalb, 111.; Anna lives at home;
Sarah E. is a librarian, and Nellie J. also lives at home. The
father settled in Illinois at an onrly day. He was traveling
salesman, and in 1884 moved to St. Paul, Minn., and traveled
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1357
as a salesman two years, and in 1886 settled with his family
at Faribault, where he lived till his decease, which occurred
February 15, 1908, since which time the mother has made her
home with our subject. John \V., after completing his prelimi-
nary studies, having been graduated from Shattuck School in
1890, he took a two years' academic course at the University of
Minnesota, then studied a year in the law department of that
institution, and 1894 was graduate. 1 at Wesley University. Mr.
Le Crone began the practice of his profession in his native town,
but continued there only eight months, and in 1895 opened an
office at Faribault, and has become well known as a thorough
lawyer, a convincing advocate, and a safe and reliable counselor.
He is a Democrat, and has been somewhat active in the local
councils of his party. He held the office of county attorney in
1899-1900. Mr. Le Crone is a member of the Masonic order,
belongs to the Knights of Pythias, is identified with the Modern
Woodmen of America and is chairman of the entertainment
committee of the Commercial Club of Faribault. In religious
belief he is an Episcopalian.
Peter B. Langeslag, who has been successful in his line of
general teaming, is a native of Holland, and was born August
16, 1875, a son of Peter and Hannah Knipers Langeslag, natives
of Holland. The father came to this country in the spring of
1889 and engaged in farming at Faribault, but later moved to
Cannon City. Peter B. acquired his schooling in his native
place and grew up on a farm. He came to this country in 1892
and worked with his father farming till 1897, when he leased a
quarter section of land in Warsaw township, Rice county, and
worked it two years. In 1899 Mr. Langeslag abandoned the
farm and turned his attention to general teaming. He began
in a small way, hauling, moving, excavating, grading, and, in
fact, doing anything requiring the use of teams, increasing his
force of teams and men with the growth of his business, and
now, besides seventeen horses of his own, employs eight hired
teams to meet the demands of his business.
Mr. Langeslag is a Democrat in politics, but has never held
office. In religious matters he, with his family, adhere to the
German Catholic faith. On October 4, 1899, Mr. Langeslag
married Mrs. Lamberdia Thorn (nee Donkers), a daughter of
John and Tlieodora (Vandenboogar) Donkers, who came from
Holland, their native land, to Rice county, Minnesota, in 1888.
The father died at the family home in 1904 and the mother
now — 1910 — resides at Cannon Cit}-. Mr. and Mrs. Langeslag
have six children, viz.: Susie T., John P., I-'red W. (Thorn),
Johanna M., Dorothy M., anrl Bertram N. Langeslag.
1358 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Frederick J. Lenz, Jr., is a leading druggist in Faribault
who has made his way to a place of prominence in his profession
b}- careful and diligent study and work. He is a native of the
Gopher State, and was born at Minneapolis, August 13, 1875,
to Frederick J. and Clara (Hubbard) Lenz, natives of Germany
and Austria, respectively. The father settled in Milwaukee in
1856 and in 1865 moved to St. Anthony. He was a farmer in
early life, but later followed the cabinet maker's trade. He set-
tled at Xorthfield in 1898, removed to Faribault in 1905, and
now lives there. The mother departed this life in the year 1900.
Our subject supplemented his common school education with a
high school course at Minneapolis. He then turned his atten-
tion to study, preparatory to becoming a professional pharma-
cist, and pursued a course of study and practice at the Insti-
tute of Pharmacy at Minneapolis After clerking a number of
years as a registered pharmacist Mr. Lenz, on November 25,
1908, opened business on his own account, as proprietor of
the high-class, up-to-date drug store that bears his name, making
a specialty of filling prescriptions. Mr. Lenz is identified with
the Masonic order, is a member of the B. P. O. E. and the
Modern Samaritans, and belongs to the Commercial Club of
Faribault. He is a Democrat in politics. On November 15,
1904, Mr. Lenz married Mary, daughter of T. ]. and Annie
(Byrnes) McCarthy, of Faribault.
Albert R. Leach, an enterprising and up-to-date business
man of Faribault, is a native son of that city, being born July
2, 1869. His education was received in the public schools of
Faribault and at Hamlinc University, from which he was gradu-
ated in 1896. After school he went to North Dakota as man-
ager of a lumber yard for two years, and then returned to Fari-
bault, going into partnership in the lumber business with his
father and brother under the firm name of E. M. Leach & Sons.
Just previous to the death of the father, in 1907, the company
incorporated as E. M. Leach & Sons Lumber Compan)', and
Albert R. became secretary and t; tasurer. It is largely owing
to his untiring and judicious management that the business of
the firm has grown to its present large proportions. Besides
this extensive lumber business they make a specialty of manu-
facturing a fine grade of interior finish, etc., for which there is
an ever-increasing demand. Mr. Leach is also interested in
extensive apple lands in Oregon. In politics he usually sup-
ports the Republican party, but considers the fitness of the
man for the office of first importance. The E. F. U. claims
him as a loyal member. June 17, 1903, he was married to Jen-
nie R. Coburn, born to Mr. and Mrs. James Coburn, of Wal-
halla, N. D., June 17, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Leach have had
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1359
three children: Muriel E., born June 11, 1906; Eloise E., born
July 23, 1907; and Albert E., whose natal date was June 2, 1909,
died January 23, 1910. The family reside at the corner of
First street and Sixth avenue. Tlieir religious faith is that of
the Methodist Episcopal church. lidward M. and Caroline
(Stowell) Leach, parents of our subject, were natives of Ver-
mont. Migrating west, in 1851. the father came to Faribault.
Minn., in 1855. after spending four years in Illinois and Iowa.
Arriving- in Faribault, where he was married, he engaged in the
manufacture of doors and sash, together with L. C. Ingram,
buying out his partner's interest in 1881 and continuing in the
business until his death in .September, 1907. His wife died
December 24. 1903.
Herbert P. Leach, one of Faribault's representative sub-
stantial business men, was born and reared in that city, his
date of birth being April 5. 1868. He accpiired his education in
the jniblic schools, after which he entered the employ of his
father in the lumber business. In 1895 he became a partner in
the company together with his father and brother, the firm be-
ing known as E. M. Leach & Sons, and in 1907, when the com-
pany was incorporated as E. M. Leach & Sons Lumber Com-
pany, he was tendered the office of vice-president, and has been
president since February. 1909. Through square dealing and
absolute integrity he has won his way into the confidence of
the community. In politics he is an adherent of the Republican
party, and takes an active interest in the public welfare, though
he has never sought office, his other interests demanding all
his time and attention. He is i stockholder in the Citizens'
National Rank and in Shaft-Pierce Shoe Factory. The Knights
of Pythias, the B. P. O. E.. the Ancient Order of United Work-
men and the Modern Samaritans count him an active supporter
of their various organizations. He was also affiliated with the
local commercial club, and has served five years in Company
B, Second Minnesota National Guard. June 15, 1904, he was
united in marriage with Flora E. Wood, of Minneapolis, by
whom he has three children: Willis IL, born March 19, 1905;
Stowell D., who was born December 19, 1907, and Flora Wood,
born July 26. 1909. The family residence is located on the
corner of Seventh street and Fifth avenue. They are attend-
ants of the Congregational church. Mrs. Herbert P. Leach
was born March 22, 1873. to Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Wood, of
Minneapolis. The father died in Faribault. March, 1906. His
wife is still living.
William F. Lynch, senior member of the firm of Lynch
Brothers, has always lived in Faribault. Minn., where he was
born, November 3, 1868, and where he received his education
136U HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
and grew up. His parents, M. R. and Cecelia (Armstrong)
Lynch, natives of Canada and New York, respectively, in 1865
settled at Faribault and took charge of the Traveler's Home,
which the father purchased. About 1871 he was elected street
commissioner and filled that office sixteen years, after which
he resumed his trade as a mason, which he followed till his
retirement from business. The mother died in 1904. After fin-
ishing his schooling our subject, ai the age of sixteen, entered
the employ of The Cavanaugh «S; Co. Hardware Company, at
Faribault, as a clerk, and remained with that company twenty-
five years, becoming familiar with every detail pertaining to
or connected with that line of trade. In 1909 he formed a part-
nership with his brother. John A. Lynch, and since that time,
under the name of Lynch Brothers, has conducted a successful
business, both dealing in plumbing supplies and all kinds of
heating apparatus, and executing s\\ manner of contract work
relating to the plumbing trade and heating appliances. Mr.
Lynch has devoted his attention closely to his business and has
found little leisure for other things. He is identified with the
Knights of Columbus and also holds membership in the Catho-
lic Order of Foresters. In politics he holds independent view.s
and casts his ballot regardless of party affiliations. In religious
matters he and his family are connected with the Church of the
Sacred Heart at Faribault. On September 2, 1903, Mr. Lynch
married Ernestine Payant, whose parents, Joseph and
Georgiana Payant, are natives of Canada, whence they removed
to Faribault, where they now live. The father is a carpenter by
trade. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch have four children, named in the
order of their birth: Francis A., William, Richard and
Catherine.
Burt Lockerby is a native of Minnesota and was born on
July 1, 1869, at Northfield, Rice county. His parents, Oscar
and Genette (Tanner) Lockerby, afe both natives of New
York. The father went to Michigan in 1855 and for a short
time engaged in farming, and removed thence to Rice county,
Minnesota, settling on a farm at Northfield. He afterwards
engaged in the livery business and for two years served as
sheriff of Rice county. Selling his livery business, he went to
Dakota and there served as deputy sheriff, and later returned
to Northfield, where he and his wife now reside — 1910.
Our subject grew up in his native place, and after finishing
his schooling in the common and high schools learned the
metal worker's trade at Northfield. On attaining his majority
he entered the employ of A. L. Carnfell, for whom he worked
ten years, being foreman of the shop. He then worked two
years with Mr. John Cassidy at Faribault, and later was eight
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1361
years foreman in the works of Deverey & Donohue, after
which he establislicd himself in tlie business to which he has
since devoted his attention, and in which he has achieved suc-
cess. Mr. Lockerby is active in fraternal and benevolent organ-
izations, being identified with the B. P. O. E., the Maccabees
and the Yeomen, and also belongs to the Commercial Club of
Faribault. In politics he adheres to Democratic principles, and
in religious faith is an Episcopalian.
On July 13, 1894, Mr. Lockerby married Emma Joachim,
whose parents came from Belgium, their native place, about
1876, and settled on a farm in Rice county. Mr. and Mrs.
Lockerby have two children, Florence M. and Marguerite E.
G. C. Lindenberg and William H. Lindenberg, owners of
the prosperous, up-to-date clothing house of Faribault, Minn.,
that bears their name, are both natives of that city, the first
named born March 21, 1870. and William H.. April 5, 1872.
Their parents, John and Minnie (Hohn) Lindenberg, came from
Germany in 1864 and settled at Faribault, and in 1871 moved
onto a farm which tlie father purchased and where he has since
lived with his wife engaged in general farming. Both of the
sons acquired their education in the public schools, and in the
("lerman parochial school in their native city. At the age of fif-
teen years the elder brother began clerking in the clothing
house of Kollmann & Vogel, and remained there five years.
In 1891 he went to Montana, and during the following five years
was employed clerking for various houses in different places.
From 1896 till 1901 he clerked in Weinfeld Brothers' clothing
store, and since March 23 of the year last named has been one
of the proprietors of Lindenberg Brothers' Clothing House.
He is a Republican in politics, but has never held or sought any
official position. On November 2, 1893, he married Emelia A.
Budde, whose parents, William and Louise (Petri) Budde,
came from Germany, their native land, and settled at Faribault,
where the father followed his trade as a cabinet maker. He
died in 1905 and his decease was followed by that of his widow-
in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Lindenberg have four children,
named in the order of their births. Alma M., Herbert \\'., Luther
L. and Elmer W. The younger of these brothers, William II.,
after leaving school, clerked in a grocery store till 1898, and
then for four years was in the grocery trade as senior member
of the firm of Lindenberg & Roell, at Faribault. In 1902 he
sold his grocery business and turned his attention to the
clothing trade, organizing and establishing with his brother the
clothing business they have since conducted with success. The
business is incorporated under the laws of Minnesota. Mr.
A\'illiam H. Lindenberg is now — 1910 — serving his second term
1363 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
as city treasurer. He is a Republican and a member of the
German Lutheran church. In September, 1895, he married
Ernestine Rudolph, who died in 1904, leaving two children,
viz.: Lydia E. and Irving C. In April, 1907. Mr. Lindenberg
married ^largaret. daughter of Frederick and Frederica Malk-
men (Schwake), who came from (lermany to this country, and
are both now deceased, the mother dying in 1903 and the father
in 1905.
Charles Warren Lyman, of liie firm of Weeks & Lyman,
dealers in agricultural implements and seeds, is a native son of
this townshi]), having been born April 30, 1864. He received
his earlier education in the district schools of Northfield, and
had the advantages of four terms at Carlton College. After
this he remained at home until tv,enty-six years of age. when,
in 1890, he entered into partnership with F. E. AX'eeks and pur-
chased the agricultural implement business formerly conducted
by John A. Carls, now deceased, the firm now being known as
Weeks & Lyman. This concern does a large business and
carries a full line, enjoying the confidence of the residents of
Rice and Dakota counties. In addition to this Air. Lyman is
the honored treasurer of the Xorthfield Farmers' Creamery
Company. His real estate holdings consist of a third interest
in the old homestead property. Mr. Lyman is a Republican
in politics, and belongs to the Xorthfield Lodge. Xo. 50,
I. O. O. F.. and the Equitable Fraternal Union. The family
faith is that of the Alethodist church. Mr. Lyman was married
October 10. 1893. to Carrie M. Gould, born in Bridgeport. Conn.,
daughter of Xathan and Caroline (Hurd) Gould, both natives
of Connecticut. To Charles W. and Carrie (Gould) Lyman
were born four children. Two died in infancy. Stanley G.,
born August 15, 1894, died January 1. 1903. Verna Louise was
born October 20. 1898. Mrs. Carrie Lyman died August 25,
1901. Mr. Lyman was again married August 16. 1905, to
Louise May Van Slyke, born at Castle Rock. Dakota county,
a daughter of V. G. and Ann (Clague) Van Slyke, both of
whom were descended from the families of early settlers.
Charles W. and Louise May Lyman have one child. Morence
Isabella, born June 29, 1907. Another child died in infancy.
Charles Wells Lyman, father of Charles Warren Lyman, was
born in Wilbraham, Mass., July 10, 1830. He came to St.
Anthony. Minn, (now Minneapolis, Minn.), in 1855, and after
being employed there for a time returned to Xew York and
was married. In 1857 he again came to Minnesota and two
years later pre-empted 160 acres in Xorthfield township, where
he lived until 1893, when he moved into the city of Xorthfield,
and lived there until his death, June 15, 1906. He was married
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES lodo
in New York, February 24, 1857, to Martha Deming, born in
Avon, Genesee county, New York, May 17, 1835. She now
lives in Northfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wells Lyman
were born seven children, five of v/hom are living: George D.,
Charles Warren, Bertha Louise, Edgar S. and Henry C, all
living in Xorthficld township or Northfield city.
Richard J. Lieb, successful merchant of Faribault, is one of
the early pioneers, having lived in this city since 1859. He was
born in France, February 5, 1842, of German parentage, and
was brought by his father and mother to America the year that
Napoleon declared himself emperor of France. He received his
education in the schools of Beloit, Wis., where his parents set-
tled. In 1859 he came to Minnesota in an immigrant wagon,
and since that date has continued to reside here, becoming one
of the city's influential citizens. For a time he engaged in
custom shoe making and this business graduall)' developed into
a retail boot and shoe trade, in uhich his energy, hard work
and ability have been rewarded. In addition to this business
Mr. Lieb buys and sells hides, furs and wools. He is indepen-
dent in politics and is interested ii. all jniljlic movements. Fra-
ternally he affiliates with the Catholic Order of Foresters. Mr.
Lieb was married April, 1866, to Catherine Palace, a native of
New Brunswick. This union has been blessed with four chil-
dren : Eugene, Alice, Albert and Lorctta. The family resi-
dence is at the corner of Third avenue and Division street.
Philip and Mary Lieb, parents of Richard J- Lieb, were born
at Frankfort-on-the-Rhine, Germany, and moved to France,
coming to .America later and settling in Beloit, Wis. They
came to Faribault in 1865. Both arc now deceased.
John Law, now deceased, was a man of kindly character and
generous disposition, having at heart the interests of his com-
munity and his fellow men. His residence in Minnesota dated
from 1858, the date of the birth of the state. He took a part in
the development and growth of the county, and, being interested
in education, served for a number of years on the school board.
John Law was born in Waulockhead, Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
March 5. 1842. He came to Sciota township, Minnesota, in
1856 with his parents and remained at home until his marriage,
in 1874, in the meantime, in 1863, having purchased a farm in
Northfield. For many years he successfully conducted general
farming on 260 acres of good land. Being of a social nature,
he associated himself with the A. O. U. W., in which he was a
prominent member. lie was married September 22, 1874, to
Ann E. Beckstead, born near Montreal, Canada, August 5, 1855,
and to this union were born four children : George A., born
October 10, 1875; Alva W., born February 16, 1877; Willis.
]364 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
born June 7, 1878, and died September 10, 1878, and Mabel A.,
born June 17, 1881. An adopted daughter, Pearl, was born
April 6, 1887, and married Stephen Goff, May 4, 1909. She only
lived five months after marriage, and died October 4, 1909.
George and Isabel (Carlow) Law, parents of John Law,
were born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in 1811, and February 28,
1820, respectively. They were married September 4, 1835, and
were the parents of ten children, eight of whom were born in
Scotland. The cliildren were: James, August 6, 1836; Jane,
born April 18, 1838, and married to Thomas Lorimar; Margaret,
born April 23, 1840, and died March 29, 1842; John, the subject
of this sketch; Margaret (second), born April 23, 1844, and
died May 28, 1845; Ebenezer, born March 5, 1847; Archibald,
born February 20, 1851, and died November 9, 1901 ; Walter,
born July 4, 1855; Agnes, born September 4, 1859, married to
Reuben Taylor, and George, born October 16, 1862. George
Law, the father, brought his family to America and located in
Sciota township, Dakota county, Minn., July 3, 1858, settling
on a farm which had been pre-empted by his son James in 1855.
He spent the remainder of his days here, passing away Decem-
ber 16, 1871. The mother lived until July 9, 1897. Isiah and
Cornelia (Redick) Beckstead, parents of Mrs. Law, were born
in Canada, June 7, 1833, and November 11, 1836, respectively.
They were the parents of nine children, all of whom are living.
They are: Mrs. .Ann Law; Josephine E. Beckstead; Mrs. Edith
Plantz, of St. Paul ; George Beckstead, of White Bear Lake,
Minn.; Mrs. Marietta Grant, of Northfield ; William, of Hib-
bing, Minn.; Mrs. George Heberlee, of Cambridge. Minn.; Lilie,
of Northfield; Mrs. Le Roy Carlaw, of Northfield. Mr. Beck-
stead brought his family to Minnesota in 1869 and purchased
a farm in Waterford township, Dakota county, where he con-
tinued farming tmtil his death, in 1894, his wife living until
May 1, 1909.
Nicholas Lamberty, up-to-date farmer, lias made a success
of agricultural operations and is well liked by his neighbors,
who often seek his advice upon business matters. He was born
in Wisconsin, January 7, 1848, attended the common schools
and remained at home until 1867, when he commenced farm
work for others. About two years later he went to northern
Michigan, and did various work, part of the time driving a team
of his own, a venture which netted him considerable pecuniary
profit. He returned from the Superior region in 1874 and sub-
sequently purchased a farm in Dane county, where he lived
until 1892, when he came to Northfield, Minn., and bought a
farm of 160 acres, just outside the city limits, which he still
owns. He has since purchased 160 acres inside the city limits.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1365
making in all 320 acres of highly improved land. He also owns
three farms of 160 acres each in Sargent county, North Dakota,
and in addition to all this owns a pleasant home at 906 East
Fourth street, Northfield, with twelve city lots adjoining. Mr.
Lamberty is a partner in the M. it F. Elevator, and a director
in the same, having at one time served as treasurer. He also
owns shares in the creamery and is a director in the Farmers'
Store. He and his family attend the Catholic church, wor-
shiping at St. Dominick's. Mr. Lamberty was married July
22, 1873, to Elizabeth Burr, born in Onondaga county. New
York, June 7, 1853, a daughter of Peter and Emma (Ebb) Burr,
both natives of Germany. They came to America when young.
Peter Burr was killed in New York state by a tree falling on
him. Mrs. Burr died in Northfield, June 21, 1909. Mr. Lam-
berty and his wife have had four children : Emma H., born
April 29, 1874, married to Fred F'estler, of Northfield township ;
Peter J., born in Wisconsin, August 16, 1876, married to Miss
Clara Fleigel, of Faribault, Noveniber 13, 1906: Albin H., born
May 7, 1889, married to Miss Mamie Friesen, of Faribault, June
3, 1908; Raymond I., born in Wisconsin, February 10, 1888.
The parents of Nicholas Lamberty were Paul and Lina (Sleek)
Lamberty. both natives of Germany. They came to Wisconsin
in 1845 and settled on a farm, where they lived for many years.
The mother died in Wisconsin, and subsequently the father
came to Minnesota, where he died, December 31, 1890, buried on
January 3, 1891, from St. Dominick's church, Northfield, Minn.
L. Lockwood was born in New York state, January 25, 1859.
He is a son df Mayland M. and Lucy (Portman) Lockwood
The father and mother were both natives of New York. A
farmer by occupation, he came to Minnesota in 1863 and located
at Dundas, where he took up a claim, cleared the land and
farmed for about three years. He then moved to Forest town-
ship, where he bought a farm, on which he did general farming
until his death, in 1894. The mother died in 1900. Mr. Lock-
wood attended the district school in Forest township, and after
leaving school he worked with his father on the farm until he
was married. He bought a farm in Section 13, on which he has
carried on general farming up to the present time. He was mar-
ried in 1871, to Rebecca Gates, daughter of James N. and Ann
(Tucker) Gates, the father being a native of Ohio and the
mother of Indiana. They came to Minnesota in 1855 and lo-
cated at Little Prairie, Rice county, where he farmed for some
time, then moved to Otter Tail county, where he lived the re-
mainder of his life. He died while on a visit to his daughter,
Mrs. Lockwood, in July, 1903; the mother died in 1902. Eight
children blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood: Mittie,
13(56 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
born August 21. 1872, now at Eggleston ; James B., born April
15, 1874, died in infancy; Bert L,, born July 24, 1877, living at
home; Harvey, born April 29, 1880. at Wells township; Theron
A., born January 19, 1883 ; Lesley, born April 5, 1885, died June
1, 1886; Frank O., born August 9, 1887, and Mabel E., born
April 30, 1893. Mr. Lockwood's father served in both the
Indian and also in the Civil War. and Mrs. Lockwood's father
also served in both the Indian and the Civil War. Mr. Lock-
wood is a Republican and a member of the M. E. church.
Theodore Langeslag is a prosperous farmer of Warsaw town-
sliip. Rice county, Minnesota, who has risen to his position by
patient, persevering work. He is a Hollander by birth, and
was born October 16, 1875, to Peter and Johannah (Cipers)
Langeslag. both natives of Holland. The father, a farmer by
occupation, came to this country in 1889 and engaged in gen-
eral farming at Fariliault, where he still resides. The mother
died in Holland in 1890, and the father married his second wife
in 1899. Theodore acquired liis schooling in his native land
and then followed farming there till 1893, when he joined his
father at Faribault, and lived with him some four years. In
1897 he rented the farm wliere he now lives — 180 acres in War-
saw township — and cultivated it under lease for eight or nine
years, and in 1906 purchased it. He had little to begin with
save his own abilities and a determination to succeed, but
worked hard, and economized and saved, with the result that
he now — 1910 — owns one of the finest and most productive
farms in his section of the county, finely improved, well culti-
vated, where, besides general farming, he carries on dairying.
The place is stocked with high grade Percheron horses, besides
a valuable herd of blooded cattle, and well equipped with all
the necessary appliances of a model modern farm. In political
sentiment Mr. Langeslag is a Republican, but takes no active
part more than to perform his duties as a good citizen. He is
financially interested in the Faribault Creamery and there finds
a sale for his dairy products. With his family he is connected
with the German Catholic church and society of Faribault. In
September. 1899, Mr. Langeslag married Rickie. a daughter of
John and Dora (Bogart) Donkers, both natives of Holland.
Mr. and Mrs. Langeslag have five children, named in the order
of birth : Anna Theodora, Dora Margaret, Peter Henry,
Johannah, Theodore John.
Michael Lynch was the youngest of a famil)' of seven chil-
dren born to John and Eleanor Lynch, pioneer settlers of Rice
county, Minnesota. Of the other children, named respectively
in the order of their births, John, Mary (who was married to
Mr. Bird), Melachi, Ann, Ellen and Margaret, the last named
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1367
is the only survi\or. It was in tlie fall of 1853 that John Lyncii,
the father, in conipan_\- with Henry Masters, with the view of
settling and making a home, drove from the then site of the
present cit}- of St. Paul, and located a claim in Sections 23 and
24, Morristown township, due east of and near the present site
of the village of that name, and there built a log cabin. Later
he lost this claim through the foreclosure of a mortgage which
lie had placed on it, and in 1856 took up a claim in Section 14,
same township, which became the family homestead, and where
he and his wife spent their lives and reared their family. He was
a sturdy, hard-working, far-sighted, thrifty farmer, who bravely
faced all the hardships and privations of the strenuous pioneer
days, and who, with his wife, lived to enjoy the well earned
fruits of their labors. On his decease, in July, 1902, he left a
large personal estate, besides 200 acres of valuable land, which
descended to his then surviving children. Michael Lynch,
whose decease occurred in 1910, always lived on the family
homestead in Section 14, Morristown township, and owned at
the time of his death 300 acres of land, which he leased in late
years, having practically retired from active work. He also
owned the Centennial Hotel in Morristown and other valuable
property in I'aribault. He died a bachelor and intestate.
Stephen J. Leahey is a prosperous and wide-awake citizen
of Warsaw township. Rice county, Minnesota, who has attained
his success through persevering hard work and economy. He
was born at Shieldsville, Rice county, June 15, 1863. His par-
ents, Richard and Elizabeth (O'Connor) Leahey, were natives
of Ireland and Canada, respectively. The father came to this
country in 1856 and was employed at St. Paul, Minn., first as
foreman and then as superintendent some three years. In
1859 he settled on an 80-acre tract of timber land at Shields-
ville, which he cleared and improved, being one of the first
settlers there. He afterwards removed to Warsaw township, in
Rice county and bought the place, which he improved and where
he made his home till his death, April 22, 1894, and where the
mother now resides. Stephen J. grew up on his father's farm
and attended the district school, and on reaching his majority
engaged in farming on his own account. In 1891 he, while on
a prospecting trip through Dakota, bought a tract of 120 acres,
which he improved and cultivated and on which he built a
house and barn. Mr. Leahey also owns his homestead of eighty
acres in Rice county, a beautifiU place, finely improved, where
he carries on dairy farming and raises high grade stock — short
horn cattle, Poland-China hogs and registered horses, selling
the products of his dairy to the Faribault Creamery, in which
he holds an interest. He also is financially interested in the
1368 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Faribault Elevator Company ; in organizing it he was a prime
mover, has served as a director, and for four years was secretary
and treasurer. He is a Democrat in politics, and in 1894 was
elected a member of the board of county commissioners, serving
eight years, five of which he was chairman. In religious faith
he is a Catholic. On September 7, 1897, Mr. Leahey married
Catherine, daughter of Charles and Louisa (Dougherty) Mc-
Donnell, natives of Canada, and Niagara county. New York,
who, in 1866, settled on a farm at Deerfield, Steele county, Min-
nesota, where they are now living a retired life. Mr. and Mrs.
Leahey have two children, named, respectively, Stephen J. and
Alice R.
J. Frank McCarthy, a citizen of Faribault. Minn., is a native
of that city, his date of birth being May 2, 1874. He received
a good education in the parochial school of Faribault, and sup-
plemented this with a complete course in St. Thomas' College.
Marion Park. After his school days he went into the granite
and marble business with his father, this line claiming his atten-
tion ever since, with the exception of one year spent in Phoenix.
Ariz., in the retail oil business. He has also been a licensed
embalmer since 1900, and is a member in good standing of the
Funeral Directors' Association of Minnesota. Mr. McCarthy is
a Democrat in politics, and has ab!) served his city as alderman
from the Second ward for several years, being first elected in
the spring of 1906 and re-elected in 1908. He is an ardent base-
ball enthusiast, in his youthful days having played twelve
years on the diamond. Numerous benevolent and fraternal or-
ganizations claim him as a member : Knights of Columbus.
Catholic Order of Foresters, Ancient Order of Flibernians, Mod-
ern Samaritans, Knights of Pythia.s, Royal Arcanum. B. P. O. E.
and the Eagles. Is also identified with the Commercial Club.
Mr. McCarthy held the office of assistant deputy county treas-
urer for three years. June 20, 1906, he was united in marriage
at Faribault to Bessie E. Boynton, born to Mr. and Mrs. David
Boynton, of Medford, Minn., August 18, 1879. Mr. and Mrs.
McCarthy have a pleasant home at 320 Eighth street. They
worship at the Catholic church. T. J. McCarthy, father of our
subject, still resides at Faribault with his wife. Mrs. Mc-
Carthy's father died at Medford. in 1902. The mother survives
him.
James Robert Mee, a prominent attorney of Faribault, was
born in this city, April 12, 1868, son of Thomas and Emily I.
(Davis) Mee, early settlers. He received his earlier education
in the public schools and then attended the Shattuck School,
after which he studied law in the office of G. W. Batchelder, and
was admitted to the bar in 1890, taking up active practice in
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1369
1891. In the meantime he worked as civil engineer for the C,
M. & St. P. railroad, as a purchaser for Donald Grant and as a
collector for the Walter A. Wood Harvesting Machine Com-
pany. In 1892 and 1894 he served ably as coimty attorney and
from 1902 to 1907 he demonstrated his ability in the position of
city attorney. At one time he aspired to the position of rail-
road warehouse examiner. He is a member of the Masonic
order and a i)opular member of the Commercial Club. Mr.
Mee was married October 8, 1904, to Emma L. Gilmore, daugh-
ter of Albert Gilmore, a native of Massachusetts.
Jorgan Madsen, a native of I^enmark, was born March 2.
1842. He acquired a good education in the public schools of
Denmark and then enlisted in the standing army of his native
country, serving in the war with Germany of 1864, and having
some exciting and interesting experiences. Two years later,
1866, he left the Fatherland and came to America, locating in
Cannon City township. Rice county, Minnesota, where he re-
mained for fifteen months, doing farm work. He then removed
to F'aribault, where he was employed as a laborer, teamster, etc.,
for the next ten years. Mr. Madsen then bought a dray, and
from a small beginning built up a large draying business, all
through hard work and careful management. This business
claimed his attention for ten years, when he launched a hack
line, which he has conducted ever since with much success.
In 1879 he returned to Denmark, having a very pleasant visit
with the friends of his youth. His wife, Mrs. Karsten (Rass-
mussen) Madsen, whom he married August 28, 1869 — she
making the trip over to this country to marry him — accompa-
nied him. They have an adopted daughter, Kasma Sophia, who
lives at home with her parents at 1204 East avenue, North.
Mr. Madsen is a Republican in politics, but has never aspired to
office, other matters taking his time and attention. He has
some property in St. Paul. The family hold to the faith of the
Lutheran church. Matt Tomsen Madsen and Karsten (Ever-
sen) Madsen, parents of our subject, were natives of Denmark
and followed farming as an occupation all their lives. The
father died in 1860 and the mother in 1871.
Timothy J. McCarthy was born in Ireland, January 13, 1848,
coming to America with his parents at the age of five years.
They located in Rice county, Minnesota, after a year in Du-
buque county, Iowa, and here Timothy J. passed his boyhood,
receiving his education in the district schools, supplemented
with two terms in the Shattuck Alilitary Academy of I'~aribault.
After school he clerked in a general store for five years, then
buying the business together with E. J. Haley and P. J. Moran.
The other partners bought Moran's interest a year later, the
1370 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
business being conducted under the name of McCarthy' & Ilalcy
until 1876, when McCarthy withdrew. In 1884 he engaged in
the marble and granite trade, which he has followed ever since
with marked success. Mr. McCarthy also conducts a thor-
oughh^ equipped undertaking establishment. He has served as
alderman of the First ward and as city treasurer. August 4,
1873, he was united in marriage with Anna C. Byrnes of Fari-
bault, daughter of Patrick and Julia B3'rnes, now deceased.
Twelve children have blessed this marriage, ten of whom sur-
vive : Frank, an undertaker, married to Bessie Boynton ; George,
engaged in railroad work; Phelix, living at home; Fred, a book-
keeper in the Citizens' Bank ; Albert and Clement, who live at
home; Mary, now Mrs. F. J. Lenz ; and Olive, Anna and Isa-
bella, who live at home. Timothy J., Jr., died at the age of
nineteen years. His brother Charles also died while young.
John and Mar}^ McCarthy, parents of our subject, were natives
of Ireland. Emigrating to this country in 1853, they settled on
a farm in Dubuque county, Iowa, where the father died a year
later. The mother then removed to Rice count}', together with
a colony of other hardy pioneers, under the leadership of Gen-
eral Shields. The}' reached their destination in 1855, founding
the town of Shieldsville. Mrs. McCarthy is now the wife of
John Banks.
Frank W. McKellip, now serving as city engineer of Fari-
bault, Minn., is a native son of that city, being born October
12, 1872. His early education was received in the public schools
of his birthplace, being graduated from the local high school
and later entered the electrical engineering department of the
state university, receiving his diploma in 1898. After school
his first practical experience was with the Minneapolis General
Electric Company, with whom he remained two months, being
compelled to give up his position and come home on account
of sickness. He was then engaged as a bookkeeper in the
Citizens' National Bank of Faribault for a short period, subse-
quently being connected with ihe Chicago Telephone Com-
pany for six months. In 1902 he removed to Mexico, acting
as surveyor for the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient railway
during the next fifteen months, after which he returned home
and held the position of deputy county auditor for several
months. Mr. McKellip now became connected with the Great
Northern railroad as a surveyor, seeing active service in Mon-
tana and Nebraska the following three years and proving him-
self a thoroughly trained and capable engineer. In 1908 he
again returned to Faribault and turned his attention to draft-
ing. A year later he was elected city engineer, which office he
still fills with credit to himself and the city. In politics he gives
HISTORY OF RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES 1371
allegiance t(j the Republican standards, and takes a keen inter-
est in the welfare of the community. He is affiliated with the
Masonic order, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the Knights of Pythias, and is also a wide-awake member of
the Live Topic Club and the Commercial Club. While in col-
lege he served as first lieutenant of the cadet battalion and had
four more years of military experience in Company B, Second
regiment of the Minnesota National Guard. In affairs of re-
ligion he inclines toward the tenets of the Congregational
church. His residence is located at 623 Third street, South.
Charles D. and Emily A. (Woodmas), parents of our subject,
have been prominent in the business and social life of I'ari-
bault for many years.
James P. McMahon, who is serving his fifth year as city
attorney of Faribault. ]\Iinn., his birthplace, was born May
2i, 1866. He received his education in the public schools and
at the Shattuck School of Faribault, Minn. He then took up
the study of law in the offices of Mott & Gibson, being admitted
to the bar three years later, November 12, 1887, and going to
Hope, Steele county. North Dakota, where he followed his
profession with much success till 1897, holding the office of
count)' attorney four years. Mr. McMahon next removed to
St. Paul, in which place he engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession until the death of his father, in 1900, when he came to
Faribault, where he still enjoys the confidence and esteem of
a large and growing clientage. His duties as city attorney
also help to make him a very busy man. In politics the Repub-
lican party counts him a staunch sup[)orter. Any enterprise
tending for the good of his city, county or state is sure of his
hearty co-operation. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being
identified with the Independent Order of Foresters, the Modern
Woodmen of America. Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, E. F. U., the F. O. E. and the F. C Club. The Catholic
church also claims him as a member. Thomas and Bridget
(Shanahan) McMahon, parents of James P., were natives of
Ireland. Coming to America in 1854, they first located in Mt.
Pleasant, la., three years later removing to Waseca county,
Minnesota, where they homesteaded a quarter section, bravelj'
enduring the hardships and perils of those pioneer days. One
year later they came to Faribault, the father engaging in quar-
rying on what is now known as the Mankato quarries, a tract
of ten acres. He sold this property, 18.^9, acquiring more land
of the same kind, on which he carried on the quarrying of blue
limestone until his death, December 12, 1900. His wife died
March 10. 1904. They had a family of twelve children, three of
whom died in infancy. Those now living are named, respec-
1372 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lively, in order of ages: Edward J., who was born January 10,
1858, practiced law in Hope, N. D., and Minneapolis, Minn., from
the date of his admittance to the bar, 1882, till his decease,
May 12, 1908. He served as first lieutenant of Company K,
Fifteenth Minnesota Volunteers, during the Spanish War.
Margaret, born November 16, 1860, is now Mrs. John Allen,
of Aitkin, Minn.; Mary, born July 31, 1861, is married to O. A.
Blethen, of Minneapolis; Katie, born March 17, 1863, who was
the wife of Charles Leach, died March 18, 1899; the fifth child
was our suljject; Thomas J., born November, 1865, was a mem-
ber of the bar, practicing in Hope, N. D., until his death, in July,
1901 ; W. F., born May 15, 1871, has his home in Minneapolis,
being a traveling salesman for the Garr-Scott Company, of
Richmond, Ind. ; Theresa E., who was born Septemljer 19, 1873,
is engaged as a housekeeper ; Julia A., born Februarj- 19, 1875,
is a department head of the Young-Quinlan Company, of
Minneapolis.
John Miller, late of Xorthtleld, interested himself largely in
agricultural operations and in the business enterprises corollary
to such pursuits. He was born in Morristown. N. Y., March
4, 1846. and there received his early schooling, remaining on
the home farm until 1875, when he came west and settled in
Waseca county, this state. In 1876 he came to Rice county and
purchased a farm in Section 2. Northfield township, where he
lived until the spring of 1905, when he moved to the city of
Northfield. During the time when Mr. Miller was actively
engaged in farming operations he made a specialty of raising
high grade short horn stock. For over ten years he was presi-
dent of the Dennison Elevator Company and for one 3'ear he
served in a similar capacity with the Farmers' Elevator at
Northfield. For a long period he was one of the directors in
the Stanton Farmers' Creamery Company. A Republican in
politics, he did his township distinguished service as chairman
of the board of supervisors. Mr. Miller and his wife belong
to the Congregational church, in which Mr. Miller was trus-
tee for several terms. John Miller was married November 19,
1895, to Eva L. Couper, of Minnesota, a daughter of Judge
J. C. and Harriet (Johnson) Couper. He died May 17, 1910.
The parents of Mr. Miller were Archibald and Elizabeth
(Couper) Miller, natives, respectively, of Scotland and of Mor-
ristown, N. Y. The}- were married in New York state and
there spent the greater part of their years, the father dying
in July, 1848, and the mother in July, 1872.
Charles P. Manahan was born in Wells township, Rice
county, ^Minnesota, November 6, 1862, son of John and Ellen
(Murphy) Manahan, who came from Ireland, their native
HISTORY 01- RICE AND STEHLK COUNTIES 1373
country, and who were among the first settlers of Wells town-
ship, settling on a claim which the father located in Section 1.
The rude log cabin which they built for their first home here
was afterwards replaced by a comfortable house, and other
buildings and improvements were added, and the place, under
the father's management, became one of the most productive
farms in the township. He carried on general farming and
was prosperous and thrifty and added to his first claim by
the purchase of 200 acres at a later date. His death occurred
in 1892 and that of his mother in 1902. Charles P. supple-
mented his common school education with a high school course,
and after leaving school was some ten years engaged in teach-
ing, in the meantime carrying on farming. He was instrumen-
tal in starting the Forest Creamery in 1896 and had the man-
agement of it some ten years, and in 1906 organized the Fari-
bault Creamery, and managed same three 3'ears.
Mr. Manahan has served in some local offices, is indepen-
dent in his political views and actions. In religious faith he,
with his family, are connected with the Catholic church. He
belongs to the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Manahan, on May 2, 1894, married Miss Mary Dwyer,
whose parents. William and Theresa (Keeley) Dwyer, were
born in the United Slates, of Irish parents, and settled in Forest
township. Rice county, Minnesota, where the father died, and
the mother died later in Cannon City. Mr. and Mrs. Manahan
have nine children, named in order of their birth: John, Will-
iam (deceased), Charley, Frank, Irene, George, Raymond, Isi-
dore, and Ilcllen M.
George W. Murphy, one of the enterprising business men
of Faribault, Minn., was born at Beloit, Wis., October 3, 1852,
and is the oldest of a family of seven children born tn Richard
and Catherine ( Flemming) Murjihy. The parents emigrated
from Ireland, their native country, in 1848, and settled on a
farm in New York. In 1850 they removed to Beloit, Wis.,
where tiie father was engaged as railroad contractor. In 1862
he settled on a farm in Section 1, Warsaw township. Rice
county, Minnesota; in 1869 moved to Section 35, Wells town-
ship, and there reared his family and made his home till his
deatii. whicii occurred February 23, 1904. The mother now —
1910 — lives in Faribault. George W. acquired his education in
the Faribault schools and worked on the home farm till he
attained his majority. He then opened a real estate office at
Faribault, with Mr. John L. Cashell, which relationshi]) con-
tinued some five years, when Mr. Cashell withdrew, moving to
Grafton, N. D. ; and since 1882 Mr. Murphy, remaining in the
old oflfice, has conducted a successful business in real estate,
1374 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
mortgage loans and conveyancing. Mr. Murphy has been
somewhat active in public affair.s and served ten years as city
recorder. He is a Democrat in politics and served three years
as chairman of the county democratic committee. In religious
faith he is a Catholic, and he is identified with the Knights of
Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Indepen-
dent Order of Foresters. On June 2, 1881, Mr. Murphy mar-
ried Miss Rosa V.. a daughter of John and Catherine (Carling)
Moran, who came from Ireland to Canada and lived there till
1869. then removed to Goodhue county, Minnesota, living there
till 1873. whence they settled at Faribault, where they died: the
father's death occurring October 30. 1874. Of four children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, the eldest. Rosa M.. is married
to Mr. J. J. Alahoney. of Faribault. Catherine B. is the wife of
Mr. A. J. Kilkenapp, and lives ai Faribault: ]\Iary Alice is a
teacher at Carrington. N. D.. and Frances, the youngest, lives
at home. She is an alumna of the Faribault high school.
William C. Meyer was born in Germany. April 19. 1866.
His father. Henry Meyer, w^as a weaver, which trade he fol-
lowed until his death, in 1891. His mother, Katherine (Tatge)
Meyer also died in Germany, in 1896. William C. commenced
his education in a graded school in Germany. Not having the
means of obtaining a regular education. Mr. Meyer started to
follow the trade of his father. This he practiced for a year,
when he again strove to obtain something better and different.
The next year he went on a farm as a helper and continued the
same until 1884. when he emigrated to America. Upon his ar-
rival here Mr. Meyer located at P'aribault, working as a com-
mon laborer during the summer months and attending Eng-
lish schools during the winter months. Tiring of this system
of work, he hired out to a farmer by the year. lal)oring as a
farm hand until 1892, when he purchased 160 acres of land in
Section 14. Richland township. Upon this farm he made vari-
ous necessary modern improvements and still continues general
and dairy farming, making a specialty of raising Holstein cattle.
During the same year he was married to Elizabeth Meese,
daughter of Ernest and Louisa (Rodewald) Meese. Mr. Meese
was a native of Illinois and came to this state in 1864. locating
at Wheeling, Rice county, where he engaged in farming until
1906, when he retired from active life and moved to Faribault,
where he and Mrs. Meese (a native of Germany) still reside.
Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have five children, namely: Lillian, Ernest,
Oscar, Harry and Robert, all living at home with their parents.
Mr. Meyer is very much interested in the public welfare of his
communitv. He is a director oi the school board, which office
he has had since 1''04. He is also town treasurer and treas-
HISTORY OF RICE AXU STEELE COUNTIES 13;.-.
urer of the Richland Creamery Association. His political senti-
ments are with the Republican party. His religious faith is
with the Evangelical church.
W. L. T. Meyer, a farmer of Wheeling township, was born
in Prussia. Germany. September 20, 1839, son of Louis and
Doras Meyer, natives of Germany. The father, a farmer in
his native country, was one of the early settlers in Minnesota.
He emigrated from Germany in 1854, locating in Illinois; then
the following spring — 1855 — he moved to Minnesota, locating
in the town of Wheeling, Rice county, where he made a pur-
chase of 160 acres of land in Section 29. After living here two
or three days he went into the timber a short distance from the
home and opened a road and never returned. His remains were
found the following spring; how he met his death was never
known. The family deprived of the father and protector, it
devolved upon the son, William, to take charge and work the
farm, which he continued to do imtil August 22, 1862, at which
time he enlisted in Company B, Eighth Regiment Minnesota
Volunteers, doing service in the Civil War until he was mus-
tered out with honor, July 11, 1865. After the end of the war
he returned to the farm, wdiere he has remained ever since,
carrying on general and diversified farming.
Our subject received his education in Germany. After leav-
ing school he worked on a farm in the old country and ;came
to America with his parents. In 1865 Mr. Meyer married
Louisa, daughter of Fred and Mary Kicknake, natives of Ger-
many, who came to America in 1853 and located in Illinois.
They removed to Minnesota in 1855 and located in Section 20,
in the township of Wheeling, Rice county, where he farmed
until the time of his decease. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Meyer
is blessed with eleven children, viz.: Emma, later Mrs. Will-
iam Duke, now deceased; Gustaf. who is married, lives in Cali-
fornia; Minnie, now Mrs. Charles Kiel, a farmer in Wheeling
township; William, deceased; Frank is married and works the
farm for his father; Rudolph lives in California; Ida, deceased;
John and Eddie both reside at Faribault ; Lawrence resides in
Kenyon, and Clara, deceased. Mr. Meyer affiliates with the Re-
publican party, but has never sought the responsibility of any
office. He, with his family, belong to the German Evangelical
church. He has filled local offices in his community, has served
on the town board about twenty years and also on the school
board.
John Jacob Miller is a prosperous and influential farmer and
stock breeder of Morristown township. Rice county, Minnesota.
His model farm of 200 acres in Section 27, with its complete
equipment of modern appliances its remodeled, up-to-date
1376 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
barns, silos, granaries, cribs, sheds, garage and commodious
farmhouse, its splendid herd of thoroughbred black and white
high grade registered Holstein-Frisian cattle and its herd of
Poland-China swine, and fine Belgian horses, all of the proprie-
tor's own breeding and raising, and its bountiful yield of the
various grains, hay and other products, is one of the beauty
spots of Rice county. Mr. Miller was born in Rice county, iu
1864, and is one of a family of seven sons, five of whom are liv-
ing, and two daughters born to John Jacob Miller, the other
children being Louise, the wife of Mr. Richard Christian, and
Lena, the wife of F. K. Miller, both residents of Orlanville,
Minn. ; Henry, who lives in Faribault ; William, of Chicago ; and
Aaron and Samuel R., of Morristown. The father was among
the pioneer settlers of Lesueur count}', ]\Iinnesota, prior to the
Indian uprising and passed through that terrible ordeal. He
subsequently settled on the northwest quarter of Section 2, in
Warsaw township. Rice county, which he subdued and im-
proved and where he made his home and reared his family.
His death occurred about 1899. Our subject acquired his edu-
cation in the district schools and on attaining his majority went
to Lac-Qui-Parle county, where he bought a claim, and lived
till his return to Alorristown. While in Lac-Qui-Parle county
he served in various local offices. Besides looking after his vast
farming interests Mr. Miller is laigely engaged in other afTairs
and is president of the Morristown Creamery and the Morris-
town Telephone Compan}-. In politics he is a Republican. Mr.
Miller married Cecilia Von Escher, of Morristown, and they
have six children, named, respectively: Jesse. Pearl, John.
Dais}', Bessie and Donald.
Aaron E. Miller, a brother of John J. and senior member of
the firm of Miller Brothers & Company, hardware dealers of
Morristown, was born in Rice county, February 7. 1867. He
spent his boyhood in Warsaw township and there attended the
public schools. Subsequently he spent fourteen years farming
in Lac-Qui-Parle county and then returned and engaged in the
hardware trade with his brother-in-law, L. F. Von Escher, and
his brother, S. R. Miller. He is a trustee of the German Evan-
gelical church, of Morristown. He married Emma Von Escher.
and they have two children, Gladys and Ralph.
Samuel R. Miller, the third member of the firm of Miller
Brothers & Co., was born on the old homestead in Warsaw
township, September 24, 1872, and grew up and acquired his
schooling there. He owned a fine farm in Waseca county,
which he leased. Fie married Lillian, a daughter of Mr. John
Bosshardt, of Morristown. He is a Free Mason and is treas-
urer of Cannon City Lodge, No. 52, of Morristown. He also
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1377
belongs to tlie Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The firm of
Miller Brothers & Co., besides dealing in all kinds of light and
heavy hardware, carry a complete line of farm implements and
machinery, and conduct an extensive and growing trade in their
up-to-date store.
Joseph Meillier, successful and prosperous farmer of Wells
township, Rice county, Minnesota, was born in France, Novem-
ber 20, 1858. His parents, Alexander and Louise (Sleigc) Meil-
lier, came from France, their native land, in 1865, and settled
on a farm near Faribault, where the father died in 1870. The
mother returned to her native land in 1907 and now lives there.
Joseph acquired his education in France, and after leaving
school turned his attention to farming. He came to Minnesota
in 1881 and farmed two years, and in 1883 went to Winneshiek
count}-. Iowa, where he purchased twenty acres of land, where
he li\ed eleven years, returning to Rice county, Minnesota, in
1894, and bought eighty acres of land in Wells township, to
which he added another eighty acres. lie carries on general
farming and dairying, selling the product to the I'aribault
Creamer}-, in which he is financially interested. The place is
finely improved and stocked with a splendid herd of short horn
cattle. Me is also interested in the Faribault Elevator. Mr. and
Mrs. Meillier have three children, nanictl in the order of their
birth: Mary, Joseph B. and Eva. The family is affiliated with/
the Catholic Church in religious faith. In politics Mr. Meillier is
a Republican, but has never held any ofifice. He was in the mili-
tary service seven years before leaving his native land.
Paul Michael is a farmer who lias made his way in the world
b}' faithful work, perseverance, and economy. He is a native of
Wisconsin, and was born December 13, 1860, to Frederick and
Louise (Vinkleman) Michael, who emigrated from the Father-
land and settled on a farm in Wisconsin in 1855. They removed
thence to Le Sueur county, Minnesota, and from there to War-
saw township, Rice county, in 1879, and settled on a farm which
became the family homestead. Here the father met an untimely
death on May 27 , 1887. through an accident while working in a
well, a son also losing his life at the same time. The mother
continued to live on the home farni until her decease, in 18 — .
Paul attended the district schools and later studied two years
in the State school. After his father's death he took charge of
the home farm, and later leased it two years.
In 1894 Mr. Michael purchased the farm of 180 acres which
he now owns, and began its improvement and development.
Besides general farming, he has given special attention to dairy-
ing, and has a splendid herd of Durham cattle. He has also
given much attention to breeding fine farm horses, formerly
1378 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
raising the Belgians, but later changing to the Percheron, and
keeps a fine registered stallion. Air. Michael has always taken
an interest in the affairs of his community, and has filled local
offices, such as school director, treasurer, etc. He is a Repub-
lican in his political beliefs, and in religious faith is affiliated
with the Baptist denomination. On December 7, 1892, Mr.
Michael married Miss Winnie, daughter of Fred Becker, who
came from Germany, tiieir native land, and settled on a farm in
Waseca county. Minnesota. The father died and the mother
afterwards lived with our subject and his family and died in
1906. Mr. and Mrs. Michael have five children, named, respect-
ively. Ra}'mond. Salva, Ethel, Lilly and Harold.
Jacques Mueller, a retired farmer of Morristown, Rice county.
Minn., is a worthy example of the self-made, successful man who
makes his way by persevering hard work. He was born in
Alsace, Germany, January 15. 18-19, a son of Michael Mueller,
and there learned the mason's trade. In 1873 he came to the
United States, and worked at his trade in Sullivan county. New
York, three years. In 1877 he went to Faribault, Minn., and in
his search for work, walking from place to place, came to Mor-
ristown and secured a job plastering the farmhouse of John
Molin, and thereafter had no difficulty in getting work. He
settled on an eighty-acre tract in Morristown township, which
he bought for $700, in the fall of 1878, and built a rude log
cabin, sixteen by twenty-four feet in dimensions. This land was
located in section 15. and was covered with timber, basswood,
oak, elm and maple, which he cleared off from year to year,
grubbing by hand at first and late.- with the aid of an ox team,
and fitting it for cultivation. He borrowed the money with
which to buy the farm from John Sauffer. from whom he also
bought a cow. In these early days, full of privation and hard-
ships, he drove to church on Sunday, taking his wife and chil-
dren, and made the most of what he had. and patiently plodded,
hoping for better things. Later he bought a span of horses,
borrowing the money, $175, from William Crawford, now de-
ceased, to pay for them. He cut his hay with the scythe and
cradled his grain and raked and bound it by hand, and, in fact,
did all his work in the primitive fashion of pioneer days. While
his family were growing up, he kept a hired man to help in
the farm work, and himself worked at his trade much of the
time, and among other things built numerous stone culverts and
bridges. He built the bridge near the old Hershey grist mill.
also built three bridges across Devil lake, on the county line,
and another near Waseca. By good management, economy and
thrift, Mr. Mueller was able to improve his land and add to his
holdings from time to time. He now owns 120 acres, all under
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1379
cultivation, except eighteen acres reserved for timber, and with
its fine buildings and substantial brick dwelling and modern and
up-to-date conveniences, it ranks with the best farms in the
township. Air. Mueller has practically retired from active work,
the farm being carried on by his son, John, who has it stocked
with a fine herd of Durham cattle, splendid horses of his own
breeding and raising, and high grade swine. In 1873, at Brook-
lyn, N. Y., Mr. Mueller married Caroline Gieher, a native of
Alsace, Germany. Of eight children born to them, the eldest
died in young womanhood; Jacob, the second child, lost his life
in a cyclone near Morristown; Maggie, the third child, is mar-
ried to George SchefTman, Jr. These three were born in New
York. Louis, the fourth child, is married to Fred Xeabaur;
Katie lives with her parents; John lives on the old homestead;
Dora lives at home, and Clara is a school teacher. The family
are all loyal members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr.
Mueller has served in various local offices, and in 1910 was
elected a member of the village council of Morristown. He holds
independent views in politics and casts his ballot for the candi-
date whom he thinks best qualified to fill the office sought, re-
gardless of party affiliations.
Frank Merat, a native of Switzerland, was born February 24,
1855. He passed his boyhood and received his education in
the Fatherland, coming to .\merica with his mother at the age
of twenty (his father having died), and locating at I'aribault,
Minn., where he was engaged in various labor till 1878, when
he purchased an eighty-acre farm in Wells township, which h?
worked for the next three years. He then sold out and bought
a 160-acre tract in South Prairie, where he followed general
diversified farming for the next six years. Then he moved to
St. Augustine county, California, where he acted as foreman of
a 500-acre fruit farm, owned by D. M. Dalmas, which he han-
dled very successfully and gave entire satisfaction to his em-
ployer the ten years he was in charge. Afterwards he returned
to Rice county, acquiring a thirty-five-acre farm in Walcott
township, which claimed his attention for the next four years.
Mr. Merat then moved to Faribault, where he purchased an
eleven-acre tract, on which he erected his present residence. He
also owns eighty-three acres of land near Cannon City. In
political principles he is independent of any party, always voting
for the man he believes best qualified for the office. In religious
faith he is a follower of the Catholic Church. February 24. 1902,
he was united in marriage with Janette Portier. They have no
children.
H. A. Mueller is one of the substantial farmers and breeders
of Holstein-Friesian cattle of \Vheeling township, prominently
3 380 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
identified with public affairs of Wheeling. He was born in
Wheeling township, Rice county, April 30, 1860, the son of Will-
iam and Sophia (Schwake) Mueller, natives of Germany. The
father is a farmer and emigrated to America in 1858. located in
Illinois, remaining there a short time, and thence removed to
Minnesota, and located in Rice county, township of \\'heeling,
where he took a claim, which he improved and engaged in gen-
eral farming until his death, which occurred in 1868. Tlie mother
died in 1901. The subject of this sketch received his education
in district schools of Wheeling township. After leaving school
he worked for his step-father ten }ears ; he then bought 160
acres in section 8, where he has carried on general farming up
to the present time. On June 24, 1886. Mr. Mueller married
Emma, daughter of \Villiam and Mary (Helberg) Grote. natives
of Germany, who emigrated to America in the later forties.
They located in Illinois, where they remained until 1858, at which
lime they came to Minnesota and located in Rice county, Wheel-
ing township, where the father larmcd until the time of his
death, in 1871. The mother passed awa}' in 1900. Mr. and Mrs.
Mueller have ten children, viz.: Meta, William and Emma, who
are all living at home; Henry died in 1908; Bertha and Mary
both died in infancy; Selma, August, Ingebor and Dena. who
are all living at home. Mr. Mueller favors the Republican party.
In religious faith he is identified with St. John's Evangelical
Church. The fact that Mr. Mueller has served as supervisor on
the town board seven years, director of the school board for a
number of years, and a road inspector, goes to show that he is
well appreciated in his community. He is also a stockholder in
the Farmers' Creamery at Nerstrand and the Farmers' Elevator
at Faribault, and a member of the Holstein-Friesian Association
of America.
Charles W. Marks was liorn in Saratoga county. New York,
March 22, 1846. He was a son of Geo. W. and Phebe Jane
(Smith) Marks, both natives of New York state, the father was
a farmer. He came West in 1849 and rented a farm in Wiscon-
sin ; from there, in 1854, he came to Walcott, Rice county, Minn.,
and pre-empted 120 acres, upon which he did general farming
up to the time of his death, in November, 1875. The mother
died in 1904. Charles Marks was educated in the district schools
of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and for one term attended the
Seabury grammar school at Faribault. After leaving school he
went back on the farm, where he worked until he enlisted in
Company H, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, under com-
mand of Captain Ruble. He was mustered out at Fort Snelling
in November, 1863. He re-enlisted in Company H, Third Min-
nesota, February, 1864, at Jamson. and was mustered out Sep-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1381
tember, 1865, at Duvales Bluff, Kan. After the war he returned
to the farm, where he has continued to live up to the present
time. He was married, October 23, 1875, to Phebe Jane Fish,
a daughter of Samuel and Sarah A. (Carr) Fish, the father a
native of England and the mother a native of Canada. Mr. Fish
was a shoemaker by trade. He came to America and first located
in Canada, and afterwards came to the States. He served in
the Black- Hawk War. In 1857 he located in Wisconsin, and in
1861 he moved to Minnesota and located at Minnesota Lake,
where he remained until 1875. He then moved to Minneapolis,
where he lived until 1889. and then moved on the farm with
their daughter, Mrs. C. W. Marks, where they lived until their
death, September 16, 1904. It was the prayer of Mr. Fisli that
both he and his wife should pass away at the same time. This
prayer was granted, and both died on the same night and within
two or three hours of each other. Mr. and Mrs. Fish had a
family of ten children and two adopted children. One child
has blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Marks, George Henry;
he is now married and has one child. Mr. Marks is a Republican
in his political views. He is a member of the Episcopal Church,
and of Masonic Lodge, No. 9. of Faribault. He was elected
treasurer of the school board in 1898 and served nine years.
He is a stockholder in \\'right Relationship League.
William M. Meehl was born in Pennsylvania, June 8, 1858.
He is the son of Jacob and Henrietta (Peter) Meehl, natives of
Germany. They came to America in 1S46 and located in Penn-
sylvania. They remained there until 1863 and then moved to
Minnesota, settling in Forest township. Rice county, where the
father homesteaded eighty acres and later purchased 160 acres ;
here he carried on general farming until his death in 1887. The
mother died in 1902. William M. Meehl attended the district
school in Forest, and after leaving school worked on his father's
farm. In 1880 he bought 267 acres, on which he has carried on
general farming up to the present lime. He was married in 1883
to Carolina Voss, a daughter of Henry Voss, a native of Ger-
many, who emigrated to America and located in Forest town-
ship, where they now live. Ten children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Meehl: Edward, William. .Arthur, Henry, Goodwin.
Elizabeth. Anna and Theresa, twins, and Clara and Kora, also
twins. In politics Mr. Meehl is a Republican, and a mcmlier of
the Baptist Church. He has served on the town board of super-
visors and is now serving on the school board. He is a stock-
holder in the Webster Co-operative Telephone Company. Fari-
bault Co-operative Elevator Company, and the Montgomery
Co-operative Store.
1382 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
D. A. McLean was born in Canada, August 19, 1854. He is
a son of Neil and Mary (Morgan) McLean, both natives of Can-
ada, wliere they resided up to the time of the father's death.
The mother died in the summer of 1909, at the age of eighty-
nine years. Her father was captain of the dragoons when the
rebels crossed the line at Prescott. Mr. McLean attended the
public schools in Canada, and after leaving school he worked
on his father's farm until he was eighteen years old, when he
learned the blacksmith trade. In 1878 he came to Minnesota
and located at Prairieville, Cannon City township. Rice county,
Minn., where he purchased the blacksmith shop of Charles Ed-
wards, and has continued in that business up to the present time.
He was married, on December 24, 1883, to Minnie Orcutt, daugh-
ter of Edward B. and Sylvia Orcutt. They have no children.
Mr. McLean was one of a family of eight children. His brother
George died when very young. Janett married James White-
head and resided in Canada until her death, James residing in
Canada; Katherine, now i\lrs. Mark Ezard. of Canada; Emma,
now Mrs. Walter Adams, of Iowa ; Mary, now Mrs. Collon
McDonald, of Canada, and Agnes, also of Canada. In politics
he is a Republican, and is at the present clerk of the town board
of Cannon City, and has held the position for the past four
years. He is also treasurer of school district No. 8, and is a
stockholder in tlie Farmers' Elevator of Fari1)ault. He is a
member of the Baptist Church.
John H. Mather, proprietor of Orchard Hill farm, was born
in Wisconsin, March 19. 1857, to John and Mary (Bedent)
Mather, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of
New York. The father, a carpenter by trade, moved to Wis-
consin in 1847, and settled on a farm, and nine years later, in
1856, came to Richland township, Rice countv, Minn., and pre-
empted 160 acres in section 26, which he subdued and improved,
and where he made his home. Later he sold his first purchase
and bought in section 27. He carried on general farming and
was prosperous and thrifty at the time of his decease, in 1875;
he had 480 acres. The mother still survives. John H. acquired
a common and high school education, and grew to manhood on
the home farm, teaching district schools in Rice county several
terms. A few years after his father's death he assumed the
management of the home farm. In 1878 he came into possession
of 160 acres in section 23. in Richland township, and there en-
gaged in general farming. This he afterwards sold, and now
owns 230 acres located in section 13, \\'arsaw township, and
section 18, Walcott township. The farm is finely improved and
well situated for general farming and dairying purposes, in which
its proprietor is eminently successful. In July, 1879. Mr. Matiier
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1383
married Miss Anna B., a daughter of George \V. and Sophia
(Bradford) Fanning, natives of Illinois and Indiana, respectively.
They settled on a farm in Wabasha county, Minnesota, about
1857, and removed thence, in 1869, to Richland township, Rice
county. Mr. and .Mrs. Mather have nine children: Walter A.,
who lives at home; Pearl, who is married to Mr. A. E. Achter-
kirch, and lives at Artesia, N. M. ; Sophia M., the wife of Mr.
Walter Sanford, of Warsaw township ; William E., who lives
in Washington, and Mary E., Ruby M., Milton G., and .'\rthur J.
and Lester, twins, all of whom live at home. Mr. Mather has
served in various local offices and is held a leading man in his
community. He is a Republican in politics and a loyal member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Mather died October
28, 1905.
George Molen, an honored citizen of Morristown, Rice
county, Minn., is of the seventh generation in direct ancestral
line from Andreas Magnus Molen, who was born in the village
of Molen, near Limbiden, Sweden, in 1623, and who married
Anna Laemd, a native of Coburg. He was a shoemaker by trade
and died May 12, 1687. His son, Conrad Molen, also a shoe-
maker, was born at Siewitz, August 18, 1662, and married Anna
Shiller, of Fribitz. Their son, George Molen, was born June 28,
1687, at Siewitz, was a shoemaker, and married Barbara Ott,
of Turkendorf. They had a son, Otilic Molen, born April 4.
1733. Carl Erdman Molen, of the fifth generation from Andreas
Magnus, was born October 6, 1790, at Siewitz, and settled at
Crenssen. where he followed his trade as a shoemaker. He mar-
ried Barbara Elisabetha Bandrich, of Wiedenburg, about 1818,
and they had a family of eight children, the youngest of whom,
Johann Wolfgang, our subject's father, was born at Crenssen,
March 2, 1828. He married Elizabeth Eidelhousen, who was
born October 28, 1828, and whose death occurred May 4, 1896,
at Morristown, Minn., whither Johann hrouglit his family in
1866, and where he followed shoemaking till 1878. The follow-
ing year he settled on a farm on the present site of Big Stone
City, S. D., but some four years later sold his claim for $5,000,
and, returning to Morristown township, settled on a sixty-acre
tract adjoining the village. While a resident in Morristown,
he, in 1875, erected the building at the corner of Main and Divi-
sion streets, now occupied as a drug store, and also his residence
west of it. In this store he conducted a grocerj' trade as a part-
ner with Jonathan P. Temple. In 1873 he served on the school
board. He was a Democrat in political faith and active in the
state and county affairs of his party. He was a member of
Cannon River Lodge, No. 52, Free and Accepted Masons, of
Morristown. Of six children born to him and his wife, Eliza-
1384 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
betli. the eldest. Erdman. born Xovember 23, 1851. died August
14, 1861: John D., born March 26, 1853. died April 9, 1861:
Henry Sophia, the fourth child, born December 4. 1858, is mar-
ried to W'illiam \V. Downey, editor of "Advance Herald," and
lives at Milbank, S. D. : John Fredrick was born September 13,
1861, and Joseph Howard, the youngest, was born June 6. 1874.
Our subject, the third child of this family in order of birth,
was born January 8. 1856, in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, and
there received his principal schooling, though he attended school
a term or two after the family settled at Morristown. When
thirteen years of age, he learned the shoemaker's trade, and at
the age of eighteen opened a harness shop in a building on the
present site of the State Bank. Mr. Molen turned his attention
to general farming in 1880. securing a tract of 120 acres in sec-
tion 23. Morristown township, which he improved and cultivated
some nineteen years, but in 1899 engaged in tiie live-stock trade,
and has shipped an average of more than 100 carloads of stock
per year. For nine years he was in business with II. W. Donald-
son, under the firm name of Molcn & Donaldson. Mr. Molen
has served on the town board of supervisors, a? a director of
the Morristown Creamery, and president of the Sanitary Asso-
ciation; and he is now a director of the State Bank of Morris-
town. He is an active Mason and served sixteen years as mas-
ter of Cannon River Lodge. No. 52, of Morristown. On April
28, 1880. Mr. Molen married Cora, daughter of Elisha and Susan
(Ramig) Spaulding, of Morristown. Minn., a woman of fine
accomplishments and charming presence. They have two chil-
dren : Harry, born in 1892. and Gay. born in 1896.
H. B. Martin, a leading citizen of Northfield, was born April
7, 1833. near St. Johns, in the Province of Quebec. His parents,
Henry and Elizabeth (Drew) Martin, were of Irish lineage and
spent their lives in Canada, the father being a farmer by occu-
pation. The subject of this sketch acquired a common-school
education in Canada, and there learned the stone mason and
bricklayer's trade, and when a young man went to Vermont and
followed his trade several years. In 1857 he came to Alinne-
sota and lived four years at Hastings, in Dakota county; then,
after visiting his boyhood home, returned, and for two years
lived at Faribault, subsequent to which he took up his resi-
dence at Northfield. where he has since made his home. Be-
sides following his trade, ls.lv. Alartin has done a vast amount of
contract work and since 1895 has conducted a cement business
at Northfield, still maintaining an ofifice, but largely for the pur-
pose of occupying his time. Since settling at Northfield he has
spent three years on contracts at Fergus Falls, where he built
the Grand Hotel and numerous other buildings. At Northfield,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1385
besides laying many of the city's sidewalks, he has had charge
of the construction of many large buildings. Mr. Martin has
dealt somewhat extensivalj' in real estate, and at one time owned
large tracts of land in Otter Tail county, where he still retains
a farm. He also has owned valuable properties at Northfield,
and now has a fine home. Though not a regularly enlisted sol-
dier, Mr. Martin, in the early days, served with the organized
troops on the frontier against the Indians, acting as first ser-
geant and adjutant of the first comjjany to reach Ft. Ridgely
after the uprising of 1862. In his home city he is known as a
public-spirited citizen, and has served as a mcmljcr of the city
council, and served two terms in the legislature — seventy-third
to seventy-fourth and seventy-fourth to seventy-fifth. He is a
Democrat in politics, an honored member of the Masonic order,
and in his religious affiliations is an Episcopalian. In Novem-
ber, 1869, Mr. Martin married Mary J. Henderson, whose father,
William Henderson, settled on a farm in Faribault in 1855, and
died October 29, 1909, at the age of ninety-three years. Mr. and
Mrs. Martin have two children, both of whom are alumni of
Winona Normal School and attended Carlton College, teachers
by profession. Gertrude is teaching in Montana, and Katharine
in Seattle, Wash.
Donald F. Munro was born at Ingersoll, Ontario, February
28. 1855. After receiving his education in his native place, he
came to Faribault at the age of twenty years, and started his
career by learning the tailoring business. After some years, he
established a plant of his own, which he still owns and conducts.
Mr. Munro is a stanch Republican, and a high degree Mason,
as well as a member of the Faribault Commercial Club.
John C. Nutting, president of the First National Rank, has
been prominently identified with the financial and educational
interests of this part of the county. He was born in Barnet, Vt.,
August 9, 1828, and there received his early education, remain-
ing at home until 1853, when he went to California. He went
by the Nicaraguan route, which in those days was very little
traveled. For about a year he worked in the mines in Colum-
bia, Tuolumne county, and after that he built and operated a
lumber mill near Grass Valle}', Cal. Subsequently he spent ten
years in lumbering in that vicinity. In 1865 he returned to his
old home in the East, came to Northfield on a visit in 1866, and
in 1868 located here permanently as a financier, making a busi-
ness of loaning money. When the First National Bank was
organized, Mr. Nutting was one of the incorporators. He served
as vice-president and in 1874 was elected to his present position
as president. For many years Mr. Nutting has been one of the
trustees of Carleton College and a member of the executive com-
1386 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
mittee. He is also a member of Social Lodge, Xo. 48, A. F. &
A. M., having taken his degree in Grass Valley, Cal., in 1862.
September 26, 1870, the subject of this sketch was married to
Calista J. Morse, born in Danville, Vt., October 1, 1838, a daugh-
ter of David W. and Laura W. (Dole) Morse. To Mr. and Mrs.
Nutting have been born two children: Laura M., born Novem-
ber 8, 1873. and John D., born November 6, 1881.
The parents of John C. Nutting were Jonathan and Helen
(Somers) Nutting, the former born in Francestown. N. H., and
the latter near Glasgow, Scotland. They had three children:
:\Irs. Matthew Blair went from liardwick, Vt., to San Fran-
cisco in 1861, and there ended her days. Mrs. Horace H. Bron-
son went from Hardwick, Vt., in 1874, to Oakland, Cal., and is
now deceased. The third child and only son is the subject of this
sketch. The mother died July 13. 1856. and the father February
5, 1879.
Frank Nutting, now living a retired life at Faribault, was
born in Amherst, Alass., January 31, 1834, received his education
in Amherst, Mass., and came west to St. Anthony in 1854. One
year later he came to Rice county, and engaged in carpenter
work. At the same time he took a claim of 160 acres, built a
home and lived on the farm. Later he pre-empted 160 acres in
Warsaw township, and then followed carpentering and farming
until 1881, when he moved to Todd county, this state, and en-
gaged in the milling business. In 1894 he came back to Fari-
bault and became interested in the mercantile business with his
son. In 1902 he went to the Sacramento valley, in California,
and then again returned to Faribault in 1904. While in Todd
county he was a justice of the peace and a township supervisor.
He now owns forty acres in Todd county ; a pleasant residence
on Ninth avenue. South, Faribault, and also twelve fine building
lots in the same city. Mr. Nutting was married March 20, 1858,
at Faribault, to Sarah Jane Brown, of Granby, Mass. Six of
the children are living: Frank B.. of Clarissa, Todd county, this
state ; Arthur L., of Duluth ; Harry A., of Winter, Wis. : John
T., of Clarissa, Minn.; Albert L., of Minneapolis, and Ethel,
married to Harry P. Rising, of San Diego, Cal.; Irving, Fred,
Warren, Lizzie and Maude L. are dead. Maude L. was Mrs.
Darwin J. Mott. She left four children: Genevieve, of Minne-
apolis; Hazel, now :\Irs. Morton, of St. Paul, and Erma and
Bessie, who live with the subject of this sketch.
Elijah Graves Nutting, Faribault manufacturer, was born m
South Amherst, :\Iass., June 15, 1841, and came West with his
parents at the age of thirteen years, in 1854. After completing
his early education, he remained at home with his father until
after he' had attained his majority. He then went to Northamp-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1387
toil, Mass., and secured a situation as patternmaker and mill-
wright, remaining there until 1880, when he returned to Fari-
bault and engaged in the mechanical business. In 1891 he and
his son established the Xutling Truck Compan}-, which has been
successful from the start. The plant covers seven acres, and
the output of platform trucks finds a ready market all over the
United States. He is a director in the Citizens' National Bank
of Faribault. Mr. Nutting was married November 19, 1867, to
Emerette E. Pomeroy, of Southampton, Mass. Two children
were born to them: Walter M.. born February 14, 1874,
secretary and treasurer of the Nutting Truck Company, and
Bertha L.. now deceased. The family faith is that of the Con-
gregational Church. Truman Nutting and his wife, parents of
Elijah Graves Nutting, were of New England birth. They came
to Minnesota in the spring of 1854. In that year the mother
died at St. Anthony's I-'alls, now Minneapolis. 'I'he father then
came to Faribault, followed farming and manufacturing until
his death. September 19, 1891.
Walter M. Nutting, son of Elijah G. and Emerette E. (Pome-
roy) Nutting, was born in Florence, Mass., February 14, 1874.
He came to Faribault with his parents in 1879, entered public
school and graduated from the I'aribault high school in 1892.
After school he became partner in his father's business — that
of manufacturing floor trucks— under the firm name of the Nut-
ting Truck Company, which has grown to be one of the most
important industries of the citw Mr. Nutting is interested in
several other substantial business enterprises. He is a member
of the Commercial and Automobile Clubs, and is active in all
matters pertaining to the public good. Mr. Nutting was married
March 2, 1899, to Ida M. Morris, born March 5, 1876. daughter
of John Morris, Sr., deceased, of Faribault. Two children were
born to them : Ada A., born November 2. 1904, and Ruth M.,
born Fcliruary 22, 1908.
George W. Nelson, a substantial and successful farmer of
Rice county, now retired, was born in Richland township, this
county. July 31, 1865. He was reared on the farm, attended the
public schools, and later was a pupil in the Central school, finish-
ing with courses at the Shattuck school. After school days were
over he remained on the farm, working with his father until 1889,
when he took charge of the home i)lace. which then consisted of
160 acres. His efforts prospered ;'.nd by hard work and industry
he added to his farm imtil he now owns 240 acres of rich land,
the place being highly improved in ever)' way. After his father's
death, in 1907, Mr. Nelson came to Faribault and took up his
abode on West Second street, where he now lives, engaged in
looking after his real-estate interests. For some years Mr. Nel-
i;^SS HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
son was a supervisor in Ricliland township, and for a number
of years he served as a member of tlie school board. In addition
to his Rice county holdings, he ?lso owns land in Iowa. Mr.
Nelson was married in 1886 to Cora May Thompson, of Blue
Earth county. To this union was born one daughter, Blanche
\V., a student at St. Mary's School. Mrs. Nelson died in 1890
and Mr. Nelson was married in 1893 to Sophia F. Ribstein, of
Steele count\-. The two first born children of this union, twins,
died in infancy. The third child is Marion E., now living at
home. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. John and Mary \V. (Wells) Nelson were the parents
of George W. Nelson. The mocher was born in Connecticut,
and came to Minnesota in the fall of 1856, where she became
the bride of John Nelson. The father was born in Pennsylvania
and came to Minnesota in 1860, locating in Richland township,
where he farmed until his death in 1907. The mother is still
living.
Thomas F. Newcombe, a thrifty farmer of Richland town-
ship, was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., November 21, 1844,
to Ovando and Harriet Newcombe, who were natives of New
York state. They came to Wisconsin in 1845 and located at
Milford, Jefterson county, where they did general farming until
his decease, which occurred February 3, 1886. The mother died
November 6, 1891. Our subject j'.cquired his education in the
public schools of Wisconsin. Leaving school, he returned to
the old homestead, where he remained until 1894, whence, on
account of the ill health of their daughter Florence, they located
in Cannon City, Rice county, where they farmed until 1907.
when they moved on a farm in Richland township, where they
now live. Mr. Newcombe was married June 24, 1879, to Jennie,
daughter of Simon and Birdie (Connor) Healey, natives of Eng-
land and Ireland, respectively, the father being a cousin of Rob-
ert Burns. They came to America and were married when ver}
young. Mr. Healey enlisted in Company F, Twenty-ninth Regi-
ment, in the Wisconsin volunteers, being in the service for three
years. After the war he returned to Wisconsin, and about seven
years later sold out and moved near Menominee, Wis., where
he bought a small place, on which he lived until his death, which
occurred August 24, 1902. The mother died January 11, 1897.
Mrs. Newcombe was born in Rome, N. Y., October 19, 1856.
In 1857 her parents came to Wisconsin and located in Aztalan,
where they did general farming. She received her education in
Wisconsin. After leaving school, she taught for several years,
but owing to poor health she gave up teaching and stayed with
her parents until her marriage to Mr. Newcombe. There were
four children born to this union, viz. : Florence, born January
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1389
26, 1881, and died October 16, 1897; Eolah, born June 19, 1884,
now Mrs. Oliver Strunk, of Spokane, Wash. ; Sumner, born
1887, who lives at home ; David, born October 16, 1885, also
lives at home. Mr. Newcombe affiliates with the Democratic
party. He with his family belon.i; to the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mrs. Xewcombe is a member of the Woman's Relief
Corps, in which she is a very prominent worker. She also is a
member of the Modern Brotherhood of America, and of the
Episcopal Guild, of Faribault.
John H. Orr, a native of Greenville county, Ontario, was
born January 13, 1856, and is one of a family of ten children
(nine of whom are living) born to William and Harriet A.
(Anderson) Orr. The father died in Canada, and in 1868 the
mother, with some of her children, settled at Dundas, in Rice
county, Minnesota, where she passed the remainder of her life,
reaching the advanced age of eighty-one years. Our subject
acquired his education in the public schools of Dundas, and
began his business career as clerk in the general store of Mr.
J. W. Iluckins, of that place, with whom he remained continually
fifteen years, with the exception of a short time spent clerking
in a store in St. Paul. He then bought the business of his em-
ployer and during the next ten years conducted it in his own
name, with moderate success. Closing out his interests, Mr.
Orr retired from mercantile business in 1898, purchasing a tract
of ninety-five acres of land, and turned his attention to dairy
farming, breeding and raising Jersey cows, and selling his cream
to the local creamery and also shipping to St. Paul. This farm,
fully equipped and improved with good buildings, including a
fine dwelling house, is a model of its kind, lying partly within
the corporate limits of Dundas, and being known as the River-
side Stock Farm. Mr. Orr has another farm of eighty acres,
located some three miles from the village. Mr. Orr is identified
with the Masonic order, being a thirty-second degree Mason, and
also holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of .^merica.
His wife and daughter are members of the Eastern Star. In
1883 Mr. Orr married Clare E., a daughter of William B. and
Mary (Borthwick) Tailor, the former a native of England and
the latter of Scotland. On coming to this country they settled
first in New York, but later came to Dundas, where Mrs. Orr
was born, being the first white child born in the village. Of
three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Orr, George E., the eldest,
is employed at Faribault; Ethel, the second, is a student at the
State Normal School at St. Cloud, Minn., while Earl W. is
attending the high school at Northfield.
Nicholas Offerman, a self-made and prosperous business man
of Faribault, Minn., was born in Bauler, Germany, February 2,
1390 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
1852. He came to America with his parents at the age of five
years and acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa
and Minnesota. His school days over, he assisted his father on
his farm near New Market. Scott county, Minn., until he attained
his majority. Then the grocery business engaged his attention,
and after gaining eighteen months' experience in that line in
the store of Charles Brandt, of Faribault, he started in business
for himself, October 9, 1874. December. 1875, he disposed of
his interest, and the 26th of the following January he launched
into the retail boot and shoe business, where he has met with a
marked degree of success. He has a large stock of boots and
shoes of high grade goods, and his store is known as one of the
most modern in southern Minnesota. Mr. Ofiferman is a member
of the Democratic party, but has never cared to enter politics
as a candidate for office. He was the organizer of the St. Law-
rence Benevolent Society, January 13, 1880, and has ever since
been a member, and is also connected with the Catholic Order
of Foresters. He was married, October 14, 1873. at Faribault,
to Miss Annie Lechner. a native of the Fatherland. They have
four children, named respectively, in order of their birth : Kath-
arine B., born October 2i, 1874, who married William A. Bieter,
now of Heron Lake, Jackson county, Minn. ; M. \V.. born Octo-
ber 13. 1876, who, after completing his education in the public
schools, went into the dry goods business, working for Ochs
Brothers at Faribault for four years. Then he removed to St.
Peter, 1901, and conducted a dry goods business of his own till
1907, when he sold out and entered into partnership with his
father, at Faribault, in the retail boot and shoe line. The third
child, Mary, born May 8, 1879, died in infancy, and the fourth.
Rosie, born July 24, 1889, died December 8, 1898. Our subject's
parents. Sab, and Katharina OfTerman, also natives of Bauler,
Germany, came to America in 1857, locating at Dubuque, Iowa,
for seven years, and then removing to New Market, Scott county,
Minn., 1864, where they continued their occupation of general
farming till 1873. They then retired from active work and took
up their home with their son on Third street and Fifth avenue,
Faribault. The father passed away on March 5, 1878, and the
mother followed, February 2. 1883 The family has always held
to the tenets of the German Catholic Church.
C. Oscar Olin, a live and enterprising business man of Fari-
bault, Minn., was born in that city February 4, 1881. He re-
ceived a thorough education in the public schools of Faribault,
supplementing this with a course in the Faribault Business Col-
lege. His school days over, he entered the employ of a book
and stationery company, remaining there until 1907, when he
launched into business on his own account, opening the Olin
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1391
Book and Stationery Store, which he has managed with great
success, now having over a $6,000 stock of well selected, up-to-
date goods. He is agent for the St. Paul "Press" and "Dis-
patch," and has one of the finest lines of magazines and papers
in the city. Mr. Olin also carries a large stock of wall paper,
employing nine men as paperhangers and painters, besides a
large ofifice and clerking force. As to political principles, he is
a strong adherent of the Republican party. He holds to the
tenets of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. His residence is
located at 414 Tenth street. Mr. Olin is one of a large family,
having five sisters and brothers, vi?. : William, of Minneapolis ;
Ole, of Faribault; John P., of Minneapolis; Lena, married to
S. Swenson, of Miimeapolis; and Julia, wife of H. Halverson.
of Forest township. Ole and Esther (Knuteson) Olin, his par-
ents, were born and raised in N'orv/aj-, coming from the Father-
land to America about 1867. and locating at Faribault, where
the father \vas engaged in tailoring up to the time of his death.
April 17, 1902. The mother is still living at Faribault.
Alvah M. Olin. The founder of the American family of
Olin was John Olin. who was born in Wales, and settled in
Rhode Island in 183<S. His son, Henry, and grandson, Caleb,
were both born in that state, the latter's birth occurring in Old,
Warwick, R. I., December 8, 1753. Caleb served during the
Revolutionar}' War. under orders from the military committee
of safety, and was present at the evacuation of Ticonderoga and
the battle of Bennington. Vt. His death occurred at Potsdam,
N. Y., August 7, 1838. The next in order of descent was Thomas
D. Olin, born in Vermont, August 25. 177<l.
His son was Thomas H., the father of the subject of this
sketch, born in Canton, X. Y.. June 13, 1811. May 25, 1837; he
married Sarah A. Church, at Milwaukee, Wis. She was born
in West Chazey, Vt., January 13, 1817. They were the parents
of four children : Rollin, C, born August 25. 1839. is a physician
of Detroit, Mich.; Melvin T., born February 10, 1841, lives in
Stevens Point, Wis.; Alvah M., born August 1. 1843. lives in
Northfield; Milicent S.. born November 21. 1857, lives in Detroit.
Mich.
Thomas H. Olin came to Rice county in the early days,
located on a farm on Prairie creek, Northfield township, and
built a shanty. He returned to Wisconsin in the fall and when
he came back to Rice county. May 31, 1855, he found that a
Mr. Sanford had taken his location. Consequently, to avoid
trouble, Mr. Olin abandoned his original claim and purchased a
site from George Smith. He then brought his family overland
from Wisconsin, driving his cattle and bringing his household
effects with him. Thomas H. Olin was of stanch character and
139•^ HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
of just disposition, and, being pre-eminently a God-fearing man,
was one of tiie founders of the Congregational Church in North-
field, serving as deacon of that church until the time of his death,
which occurred in Detroit, Mich., at the home of his son Rollin.
His wife died in December, 1899.
The parents of Mrs. Alvah M. Olin were Alexander and
Nancy (Packard) Jameson, both born in Maine, the father June
9, 1797, and the mother January 13, 1803. They were married
October 25, 1825, and their union was blessed with four chil-
dren : Mercy A., born July 24, 1826, married to William Keene ;
Abner, born March 30, 1829; Mrs. Sarah E. Olin, born June
19, 1844, and Charles, born May 9, 1837. All are dead except
I\Irs. Olin. Alexander Jameson died April 19, 1864, and his
wife passed away April 19, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Alvah M. Olin
have one daughter, Gertrude E., i)orn May 7, 1872. She was
married September 16, 1897, to Ernest Bunday, and they have
one son, Alvah S., born June 29, 1898.
David H. Orr, now retired, deserves a high place among the
pioneer farmers of Minnesota. He was one of the pioneer raisers
of hops, barley and apples in tliis ])art of the country, and had
much to do with the agricultural upbuilding of Rice county. He
has also been interested in educational matters, and is himself a
poet of no little ability. Born August 27 , 1825, in Oneida county.
New York, he received his education in his native state, and
in 1857 came to Minnesota and pre-empted 160 acres in Waton-
wan county. He then returned to New York, settled up his
business afifairs there, and in 1857 returned and purchased 200
acres in sections 14 and 15, in Northfield township. In 1865 he
built a cheese factory, one of the first built in Minnesota. Mr.
Orr declares that he made as good cheese in those days as is
now produced by the most modern methods. In 1863 he planted
a hop yard and raised the first hops that were produced in Min-
nesota, with the exception of a Mr. Owans, who had a small
yard, but did not make a success of the attempt. In the spring
of the same year that he started his hop-raising venture he sent
to New York for twenty-five apple trees, and planted these on
his farm. The trees flourished and produced one crop, but a
heavy snow, followed by a partial thaw and a very hard freeze,
killed every tree. In the spring ot 1863, the same year of his
other ventures, he raised barley on bis place, which makes him
among the first in the state to raise that crop also. Some years
later he purchased an interest in the Cascade Manufacturing-
Company, in Goodhue county, which he at first operated in part-
nership with D. F. Aiken, Mr. Lockwood and Sumner Drake.
He later purchased his partners' interest and operated the mill
until it burned, in 1896. In the meantime he was adding to his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1393
farm, and finally acquired in all 760 acres. He lias now sold all
but 420 acres. Several years ago he moved to Xorthfickl, where
he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Orr arc members of the Xorth-
field Pioneer Society, and Mr. Orr has served as its president.
Mr. Orr is known in surrounding counties as well as his own,
and his poems, written to celebrate various occasions, have be-
come widely and favorably received. He has always been inter-
ested in education and for many years has been prominently
identified with literary and debating societies, many of which
have assisted in the development of the higher life of the com-
munity. The subject of this sketch has served his township as
supervisor and has been treasurer of schools. He was married
February 7, 1862, to Catharine Tiffany, born in Schoharie county.
New York, but raised in Oneida county, where her parents
moved while she was still an infant. To Mr. and Mrs. Orr were
born four sons : Charles D., now of Northficld ; Erwin E., now
of Wadena, Minn.; Burton E., of Faribault, and Benjamin F.,
also of Faribault.
William and Phoebe (Parkhurst) Orr, parents of David H.
Orr, spent the larger part of their lives in Madison county. New
York. The father was born in June, 1800, in County Down, Ire-
land, and died in June, 1872. The mother was born in Farley,
Vt., in 1802. and died July 2, 1873. They were married in
Oneida, N. Y.
Thomas Olson, retired business man of Northfield, was born
in Norway, January 1, 1836, his parents, both of Norwegian
birth, being now deceased. He came to America in 1882, and
settled at once in Northfield. For twelve years he conducted a
cafe and was also engaged in the grocery business with C. O.
Lockrain three years. He then opened a shoe store, which he
managed for a period of about three years also. In 1906 he
retired from active business, with the pleasing consciousness of
having attained success in all his undertakings. In 1908 he
returned to his native country and remained about four months,
looking after his real-estate holdings there, which consist of a
farm and timber land. He now lives in his comfortable resi-
dence at 700 South Division street, and in addition to this and
his Norway property, owns a fine business block in this place.
He is a popular member of the Eagles and the Odd Fellows. Mr.
Olson was married August 26, 1886, to Caroline Peterson, also
a native of Norway.
John G. Osmundson was born in Rice county. May 20, 1864.
He is a son of O. and Anike Osmundson, both natives of Nor-
way. The father was a sailor, and came to .America in 1845,
locating in Wisconsin, but in IS.iO he went to California, pros-
pecting for gold. In 185,3 he returned and located in Nerstrand,
1394 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
Minn., pre-empting land, upon which he has carried on general
farming up to the present time. He is now eighty-four years
old. Osmund Osmundson is entitled to the credit of naming
the village of Xerstrand, that being the name of the town in
Norway where he was born. Mr. John G. Osmundson was edu-
cated in the district schools of Nerstrand. and at St. Olaf's Col-
lege, Northfield, Minn. After leaving college he established a
general mercantile business at Nerstrand, in partnership with
H. N. Hegns, which continued until 1892, when he sold out to
his partner and bought an entire new stock and continued in
business. In 1885 he was married to Lena Hanson, a daughter
of John and Olive (Peterson) Hanson, both natives of Den-
mark. Mr. Hanson was a sea captain, who came to America, and
finally located in Minnesota, where he engaged in farming up to
the time of his death. His wife died in 1907. Three children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Osmundson: Albert O., J. Orville,
and Amanda, all living in the state of Montana. Mrs. Osmund-
son died some years ago, and Mr. Osmundson was married a
second time to Adelia Barte, whose parents lived and carried on
a farm in Wheeling township until their death. Five children
were born by the second wife: Mildred, Gertrude. Hazel, Rus-
sell, and Sharpe, all living at home. Mrs. Osmundson is quite
extensively engaged in raising poultry. Her favorite breeds are
Plymouth Rocks, Golden Wyandottes, Rose Comb Black Ban-
tams and Bronze turkeys. She has received a number of prizes.
In politics Mr. Osmundson is a Democrat, and he has been treas-
urer of the village for a number of years. In his religious views
he is a Lutheran.
Haagen Olsen, a well-to-do and enterprising farmer of Web-
ster township, was born in Norway, September 18, 1839. He is
a son of Ole and Johanna (Gunderson) Hendrickson, natives of
Norway, who farmed in their native country until the father's
death in 1880. The mother died in 1895. Our subject received
his education in Norway. Leaving school, he farmed in his
native country until 1867, which time he emigrated to America
and located in Dakota county, where he farmed for five years,
and then went to North Dakota, where he farmed for two years;
returning to Minnesota, he located in Webster township. Rice
county, where he has carried on general farming successfully up
to the present time. In 1867 Mr. Olsen married Mary Olsen.
They have four children, viz. : Olivia, who lives in North Da-
kota; John, also in North Dakota; Hermina, a teacher, residing
at home; Mary is dead. Mrs. Olsen died in 1873. Mr. Olsen
married a second time in 1879, to Miss Anna M. • whose
parents live in Dakota county, Minnesota. They have eight chil-
dren, named, in the respective order of their birth : Juliana, now
THE NV
fUBLlC
K. B. OKCUTT
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1395
Mrs. Johnson; Edwin, Harold, Herbert George, Ole, Alma,
Johanna. Mr. Olsen has taken an active part in the progressive
movement of his community. He is a stockholder in the Farm-
ers' Elevator at Louxdale, the Farmers' Webster Co-operative
Telephone Company, and in the creamery. He has served as
treasurer in the school board for a number of years, and has
also served on the town board. In politics he is affiliated with
the Republican party, and in religious faith he belongs to the
Norwegian Lutheran Church.
William F. Orcutt, who has been a resident of Cannon City
township, Rice count}-, Minn., nearly all his life, was born in
Dodge county, Wisconsin, and is the eldest of a family of five
children born to Edward B. and Sylvia (Dunning) Orcutt, na-
tives of the Empire State. In 1852 the father settled in Dodge
county. \\'isconsin, on a farm, and three years later moved with
his family to Rice county, Minnesota, settling on a tract of 160
acres of land which he purchased in Cannon City township.
Here he made a home, and carried on general farming and spent
his days, his death occurring February 1, 1894. His widow sur-
vived him some fifteen years, and died April 21, 1909. Of their
other children, Francis J., whose sketch appears in this volume,
is a farmer; Miranda is married lo Mr. J. F. Clossin, of Cannon
City township ; Lorinda S., now deceased, was married to Mr.
W. A. Thompson, and Minnie, the youngest, is married to Mr.
D. A. McLean. Our subject has always devoted himself to
farming, and is counted one of the substantial men of the com-
munit}-. He is a Republican in political sentiment, but has never
sought or held any office. In religious faith he is affiliated with
the Methodist Evangelical Churcii. On October 6, 1893, Mr.
Orcutt married Miss Lydia Schreiber, whose parents, John and
Sophia (Smith) Schreiber, came from Germany, their native
land, at an early day. and settled on a farm in Wisconsin. Thence
they moved to Rice count)-, Minnesota, and settled on a farm in
Wheeling township, wiiere the father died in 1907, and where
the mother now resides (1910). Mr. and Mrs. Orcutt have three
children : Myrtle M., Lloyd F.. and Helen D., all of whom are
attending school.
Francis J. Orcutt is a prosperous farmer of Cannon City town-
ship. Rice county, Minn., and was born there, July 24, 1855,
son of Edward B. and Sylvia (Dunning) Orcutt, natives of New
York state. In his early life the father followed the Erie Canal,
but in 1852 settled on a farm in Dodge county. Wisconsin,
whence, in 1855, he moved to Rice county, Minnesota. Here
he bought a quarter section of land in Cannon township, which
he subdued and improved, and where he carried on general
farming and reared his family. He died at the family home-
1396 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
stead February 1, 1894. The mother's death occurred April 21,
1909. Our subject grew up on his father's farm and attended
the public schools. He lived on the home farm till he was
twenty-two years old. He then came into possession of eighty
acres of land and afterwards, with his brother, William F. Or-
cutt, purchased the interests of the other heirs in the home place,
and still later added twenty-five acres, making in all 263 acres
of farm land. He also has twenty acres of timber land. The
farm is improved with good buildings, is well stocked, and
equipped with modern appliances and implements needed in
carrying on general farming. Mr. Orcutt is a leading man in
the community and has served as a member and chairman of the
town board, as supervisor and for twenty-four years as clerk of
school district. He is a Republican in politics and has served
on the county committee.
On March 7, 1888, Mr. Orcutt married Miss Anna M.. daugh-
ter of Warren and Hanna (Wright) Smith, natives of Orleans
county. New York. Mr. and Mrs. Orcutt have three children,
viz.: Guy Francis and Edward Burr, who are pupils in the high
school at Faribault, and Leslie W., who also is attending school.
T. O. O'Grady, Jr., was born in Forest township. Rice county,
Minn., April 4, 1887. He is a son of T. O. and Mary Jane
(Shields) O'Grady. The mother was a native of Wisconsin
and the father a native of Ireland. He came to this cottntry,
when a child, with his parents. They located first in New York
state and later came to Illinois, remaining there until 1853. In
that year Mr. O'Grady, Sr., came to Minnesota and located in
Forest township. Rice county, where he took up a claim, cleared
the land, erected buildings, and did general farming until his
death, September 2S, 1909. The mother still lives on tlie old
homestead. They had nine children: Mary Ann, Margaret, Isa-
bel, Ruth, John, James, now deceased; Ellen, now deceased;
T. O. Jr., the subject of this sketch, and Nora. In his religious
belief Mr. O'Grady is a Catholic, £nd in politics he is a Demo-
crat. Mr. O'Grady, Sr., in his lifetime held all the town ofifices
and served one term on the county committee.
August Oleson was born in Sweden, July 18, 1849. He is
a son of Olaver and Marie Johnson. They were both natives of
.Sweden, and the father was a farmer until his death in 1876;
the mother died in 1882. August attended school in Sweden,
and worked on his father's farm until he came to America, in
1868. He located first at La Crosse, Wis., where he worked as
a day laborer until 1869, when he came to Faribault. He worked
out on a farm for three years, when he married Mary Swanson,
a daughter of Swan and Augre (Peterson) Swanson. After his
marriage he went to Minneapolis and worked in the lumber mills
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1397
for about five years. He then came back to Rice county and
bought a farm of eighty acres and later an additional eighty
acres in Forest township, where he has done a general farming
up to the present time. Six children have blessed the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Oleson : Freda, now Mrs. Frank Anderson; Ingre
M., now Mrs. A. Johnson; Edward, living at home; Axel, mar-
ried and living in Minneapolis; Anna and Walfred, both at
home. Mr. Oleson is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America. In his political views he is a Democrat. He has served
his town on the board of supervisors and also on the school
board.
M. S. Osmundson, a progressive farmer of Wheeling town-
ship, has been prominently identified with tiie public life of his
vicinity for many years. He has served as treasurer of the
village council for the past eight years ; also as trustee two years
of the Valley Grove Church. He was the first treasurer of the
village of Nerstrand. He is also a stockholder of the Farmers'
State Bank at that place. Mr. Osmundson is a native born son
of Minnesota, his natal appearance having taken place August
31, 1862, in Wheeling township. He is the son of Osmund Os-
mundson. Our subject received his education in the district
schools of Wheeling township. After leaving school he worked
on his father's farm, where he has made his home ever since.
In 1898 Mr. Osmundson married Lena, daughter of Nels and
Margaret (Hendrickson) Hegnes, natives of Norway. The
father's work was that of a common laborer, which he followed
until he passed away in 1872. Mrs. Hegnes emigrated to Amer-
ica in 1887, and lived with her son, O. N. Hegnes, at Nerstrand,
until she died in 1908. Three children have blessed the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Osmundson, viz.: Osmund, Leonard and Am-
brosia, who are all living at home. In political faith Mr. Os-
mundson is a Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran
Church.
Charles H. Pierce, postmaster of Northfield, has given the
people efiScient service, and his accommodating and genial spirit
has made him one of the most popular citizens of the city. After
leaving school, Mr. Pierce worked for a number of years as a
printer, and received his appointment as postmaster of North-
field from President William McKinley, his commission being
renewed by Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft.
Christian N. Peterson, artistic photographer of Faribault, is
a native of Norway, born January 8, 1860. He came to America
with his parents as a boy of six years, receiving his education in
the public schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota. After leaving
school he learned the furniture finishing trade with A. L. Hill
and N. S. Flint, and spent a short time house painting with Ship-
1398 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
man & Arney. In October, 1878, he entered the employ of A. F.
Bunham, and worked with him one and a half years, learning the
art of photography. Then he engaged in that business in part-
nership with Louis Peavey, continuing until 1884, when he pur-
chased the gallery of A. F. Bunham, for whom he had previously
worked. Mr. Peterson has built up a large trade, and his artistic
work carries its own appeal to persons of refined tastes. Mr.
Peterson is a member of the Faribault Commercial Club, the
Knights of Pythias and the Elks. He is a Republican in politics,
and attends the Norwegian Lutheran Church.
The parents of Christian N. Peterson were Ole and Cecil O.
Troseth Peterson, natives of Norway. They came to America
in 1866, located ten miles east of La Crosse and engaged in
farming. In 1869 the)- came to Faribault, and here the father
engaged in carpenter and mason work for a long period. He
has now retired. The mother died in March, 1907. In the family
there were two children besides Christian. Both are living.
They are Randvold and Pauline E.
Caleb G. Pye, an honored and respected citizen of Faribault,
Minn., was born near Chicago, I!!., February 15, 1851. A few
years later his parents removed to Wheeling township, Rice
county, Minn., and there he spent his boyhood, acquiring a good
common-school education in the district schools, after which he
assisted his father in farming the old homestead till 1878, when
he rented the old farm for himself, and later, 1886, purchased it
outright. He continued to improve and cultivate the land, added
new buildings, and built up one of the finest farms in the county,
and followed his profession of agriculture with much success
till 1900, when he sold the place and moved to Faribault. Mr.
Pye is an ardent adherent of the principles of the Prohibition
party, and has always taken a keen interest in things tending to
the betterment of society. He has served as justice of the peace,
road assessor, and clerk of his school district, all in the town-
ship of Wheeling. In religious belief he follows the tenets of
the Congregational Church. December 31, 1877. at Jackson,
Minn., he married Florence E. Cooke, of Jackson, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Orson Cooke. Six children have blessed this union,
viz. : Watts O., born October 20, 1878, who is now a missionary
at Shan-Si, Fon-Cho-Fu, China : Alberta E., born February 17,
1880, died June 20. 1905; Ernest C, born October 6, 1881, stu-
dent at Oberlin Seminary. Ohio; Marva B., born August 20,
1883, died July 29, 1902; Hazel E., born September 7, 1891, a
student at Faribault high school ; Gladys E., born March 26,
1894, now attending the Central school. Watts O. and Mary A.
(Goodman) Pye, parents of Caleb G. Pye, were born in Nor-
folkshire, England. The father was a molder and furnaceman
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1399
in a foundry in his native country till 1848, when he emigrated
to America with his wife, and located in Illinois, engaging in
farming for seven years; then removed to Wheeling township,
Rice county, Minn., where he pre-empted a 160-acre claim. This
was their home till 1883, when they removed to Cannon City,
Minn., where they lived retired \mtil the death of the mother,
February 11, 1886. The father then returned to the farm in
Wheeling, where he lived with his son, Caleb G., until his
decease.
John Peterson, the well-known furniture gentleman of Fari-
bault, was born in Sweden, November 2i, 1871. Here he re-
mained till he was fourteen years of age, receiving a good edu-
cation in the public schools of his native country, after which
he came to America, working his way over. Landing in his
adopted county, he located in Boston, Mass., where he completed
his education. In 1891 he migrated North, coming to Faribault,
and entering the employ of the Faribault Furniture Company,
in which he passed the next ten years, acquiring a good knowl-
edge of the furniture business. He then went to Waterville,
Minn., and established the Waterville Furniture Company, to
which he devoted his entire attention for the next five years,
meeting with a very marked degree of success and winning a
wide reputation for his output. He is still connected with this
company as designer, also being one of the important stock-
holders. In 1906 he came back to Faribault and organized the
Peterson Art Furniture Company, of which he has been .sole
owner and proprietor ever since. Mr. Peterson is an independent
voter, believing that the fitness of the man for the office should
determine his election, regardless of party. He has never aspired
to political office, his large business interests absorbing all his
time and energy. He is identified with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and is a prominent member of the Com-
mercial Club. In religious convictions he holds to the faith of
the Lutheran Church. November 24, 1905, he united in marriage
with Grace Goodwin, of Marshall. Minn., daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Joshua Goodwin. They have two children: Jack G.. born
September 14, 1906, and Lonta D., born June 5, 1908. The family
residence is on the corner of Fifth avenue and First street,
South. Andrew and Bertha (Martinson) Peterson, parents of
our subject, were natives of Sweden. The father died in 1874,
and the mother in 1880. leaving their son an orphan at the age
of nine. Joshua Goodwin, father of Mrs. John Peterson, fol-
lowed farming as an occupation and carried arms dtiring the
War of the Rebellion. He survives his wife, who died in 1903.
Henry Pryor, estimable citizen, Civil War veteran, and re-
tired farmer, now living at Northfield, was born in the Province
1400 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
of New Brunswick, Canada, April 4, 1837, the oldest of eleven
children. He came West with his parents, to Prescott, Wis., as
a boy of seventeen years, lived there about a year, and in 1855
went with his parents to Greenvale township, Dakota county.
Minn., where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil War.
when he enlisted in Company F of the famous Eighth Minne-
sota Volunteer Infantr}'. His regiment was sent against the
Indians, and after the close of this campaign was sent South
and assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps, under General
Schofield. Mr. Pryor saw service at the battle of the Cedars
and at Murfreesboro and also participated in many minor en-
gagements, receiving his honorable discharge May 17, 1865.
at Douglas Hospital. Washington After returning from the
war. Mr. Pryor purchased 160 acres of land in Castle Rock town-
ship. Dakota county, and added to his original purchase from
time to time until he now owns 565 acres, all in Castle Rock and
Eureka townships. This farm, operated for so long and so suc-
cessfully by Mr. Pryor, is now managed by his four sons, the
subject of this sketch having retired in 1904, when he took up
his residence in Northfield. Mr. Pryor belongs to J. L. Hey-
wood Post, G. A. R.. and he and his wife have been long-time
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Northfield. Mr.
Pryor was married September 27, 1871, to Elizabeth King. Mr.
and Mrs. Pryor have had seven children, si.x of whom are living.
They are : Gertrude E., born September 10. 1873, married to
Henry Moody, of Prescott, Wis. ; Frederick C., l)orn December
6, 1874; Henry L.. born April 23, 1877, and died August 22,
1899; William T., born August 6, 1878, and married to Nina
King, of Charlotte, Mich.; Nellie B., born September 7, 1883:
Robert K.. born October 31. 1885, and Alexander A., born Ma}'
6, 1888. The parents of Henry Pryor were Alexander and Ann
(Smith) Pryor, the former born in Nova Scotia, and the latter
in New Brunswick. The family came to the Northwest in the
spring of 1855 and located in Prescott, Wis., one year later set-
tling in Greenvale township, Dakota county, this state, where
Alexander Pryor pre-empted 160 acres, which he cultivated until
1861, when he sold this land and purchased a farm in section 36,
where he lived until his death, December 6, 1880. The mother
died November 28, 1890. In this family there were eleven chil-
dren. They were: Henry Pryor, the subject of this sketch;
Elizabeth, married to Alec Schrader, of Virginia; Mary Pryor,
of Castle Rock; John, deceased; William, deceased; Susan,
married to Charles Plummer, of Hawley, Minn : Annie, now Mrs.
Walter Tanner, of Pomona, Cal.; Eliza, married to John Cos-
tain, of Moorhead, Minn.; Julia, married to Edward Merwin,
of Chico, Cal.; Alexander, of Wheaton, Minn., and Guilford, of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1401
San Jose, Cal. The parents of Mrs. Henry Pryor (nee Elizabeth
King) were Charles and Mary (Clagiie) King, the former born
in Scotland in 1813, and the latter in the Isle of Man in 1818.
They were married in 1840 and came to New York in 1853,
remaining one year. In 1854 they came to Grcenvale, Dakota
county, and pre-empted 160 acres of land. In 1869 they removed
to Hastings and there made their home. The father died in
1882 and the mother November 26, 1895. Their four children
were: Mrs. W. H. Lucas, of Hastings, .Mrs. Henr\' Pryor, of
Northfield ; Mrs. V. Shepard. of Northfield, and W. C. King, of
St. Paul.
Charles William Pye was born in Yorkshire, England, Sep-
tember 10, 1845, a son of Watts Au.stin and Mary A. (Goodman)
Pye, both natives of England. The father. Watts Austin Pye,
was born in Wisonsett, Xorfolksliire, England, January 2, 1818.
In 1848 he came to the United States and settled in Illinois,
where he resided seven years, coming to Minnesota in 1855. He
pre-empted 160 acres of land in section 18, township of Wheel-
ing, Rice county, and proceeded to bring the place under culli
vation. He was one of the first officers of the town and was
prominent in its early local government. He was always known
as a man of sterling integrity and left to his children the inher-
itance of an untarnished name. He died March 10, 1900. Mary
A. Goodman, the wife of Watts Austin and mother of Charles
W., was born October 24, 1817, and died February 12, 1894. The
grandfather of Charles W. was John R. Pye, born in 1776 and
died in 1853. In the family of Watts A. and Mary (Goodman)
Pye were six children who attained maturity, two dying in
infancy. Phillis A. married Augustus L. Tenney, of Downers
Grove, III. Watts A. enlisted August 18, 1862, in Company B,
Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and died in service,
August 18, 1863, aged nineteen years. Charles W. lives in
Northfield. Caleb G. lives in Faribault. Mary A. is the widow
of Edward Oliver, and is a resident of Chicago. Major J.
Richard Pye lives in San Francisco, Cal. Charles W. Pye re-
ceived his education in the public school and the parochial school,
afterward taking courses in Shattuck school, in Faribault. He
studied law with Col. John C. Morrow and was admitted to the
bar September 7, 1867. After his admission to the bar he en-
gaged in teaching in the schools of Rice and Goodhue counties
for a period of thirteen years, practicing law in connection with
his teaching. For the past twenty-seven years Mr. Pye has
devoted his time exclusively to the practice of his profession in
Northfield. August 26, 1868, Charles W. Pye married Lucy A.
Cooke, at Faribault. To this union have been born four chil-
dren: William Watts, born December 25, 1870; Grace Mabel,
1403 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
born January 21, 1873; Edith Marion, born November 24, 1875,
and Charles Richard, born January- 19, 1883.
William W. Pye was educated in the public schools and Carl-
ton college, and studied law, being admitted to the bar October
3, 1894. In 1891 he was married to Ruth Violet Goodman. Mr.
and Mrs. \\'illiam W. Pye have three children — Ruth Margaret,
born March 23, 1895; William Harlan, born December 22, 1896;
Helen Evelyn, born August 3, 190S. William W. has practiced
his profession in Northfield ever since his admission to the bar,
filling the office of county attorney two terms within that time.
Charles R. Pye is a graduate of I lie University of Minnesota,
class of 1906. He was admitted to practice June 15, 1906, and is
junior partner in the law firm of W'illiam W. and Charles R.
Pye. Charles R. Pye married Clav.i Hoppin, June 8, 1908. North-
field is the native home of all the children of Mr. and Mrs. C. W.
Pye and of Mi. and Mrs. W. W. Pye. Mrs. Charles W. Pye
was born March 12, 18-H-, in Dane county, Wisconsin. Her
parents were Orson Cooke and Jane Elizabeth Cooke, both
natives of New York state. They were married in 1842, and
lived on a farm in the town of Aliddleton, seven miles west of
Madison, until the spring of 1860. when they removed to Min-
nesota, settling in Jackson county in 1867. Orson and Jane E.
Cooke were the parents of seven children: Lucy A., married to
Charles W. Pye; Helen J.; Edwin E., deceased; Anna E.,
married to G. T. Foster; La Rue P.; Florence H.. married to
C. G. Pye, and Eugene W.
Orson Cooke was born in the town of Butternuts, Otsego
county, N. Y.. July 29, 1813, and died in Jackson county, Minne-
sota, October 30, 1883. The father of Orson Cooke and grand-
father of Mrs. Charles W. Pye was Elias Cooke, who settled in
Otsego county. New York, in a very early day. In 1794 he mar-
ried Lucy Hawley and they became the parents of fourteen
children, ten sons and four daughters, all of whom, except one
son, attained maturity. The first ancestor of Elias Cooke in this
country was Gregory Cooke, who came from Yorkshire, Eng-
land, in 1635 and settled in Massachusetts. Elias Cooke was
born August 14, 1769, and lived to be eighty-two years old.
Lucy (Hawley) Cooke, his wife, was born January 24. 1778, and
lived about sixty-five years.
The ancestors of Jane Elizabeth Thompson, wife of Orson
Cooke and mother of Mrs. Charles W. Pye, were of Scotch and
Holland Dutch lineage. Her great-grandparents were Archibald
Thompson and Jacoba (Schureman) Thompson, the dates of
whose births and deaths have not been ascertained. Her grand-
father was Capt. John Thompson, birth and death of uncertain
date. He was probably born in New Brunswick, N. J. His mar-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1403
riag-e to Jane Strykcs is recorded in the books of the old Dutch
Reformed Church of that place. Captain John removed to Broad-
albin, N. J., in 1802, and there bought a farm and erected a saw
mill, a grist mill and a paper mill. The house in which he lived
is owned by his descendants, and though over 100 years old, is
still standing. George Thompson, his son, the father of Jane
E. Cooke, and grandfather of Mrs. Charles W. Pye, was one of
the ten children of Capt. John and Jane Strykes Thompson.
George Thompson married Elizabeth Fonda about 1810. He
died in October, 1816, when but thirt\-one vears old, leaving a
young wife and three children: .Archibald P., four years old;
Anne Q., and Jane, but ten days. Archibald was adopted by a
sister of George Thompson, Mrs. Perrine, wife of Dr. Matthew
La Rue Perrine, of Auburn, N. V. The little girls and their
mother lived with Captain John until his death about 1820, after
which they lived with their moth.er's father. General Fonda.
Jane Elizabeth (Thompson) Cooke died July 11, 1901. aged
eighty-four years.
The record of the Thompson family, from .\rchibald Thomp-
son and his wife, Jacoba (Schurenian) Thompson, to the chil-
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Pye, inclusive, may be found
in a book entitled "Schuremans of New Jersey," also in the
"Genealogical and Biographical Record of New York," by Rich-
ard Wyncoop. General William Fonda, the maternal grand-
father of Jane E. Cooke, was a Hollander. He owned a large
tract of land in Fulton county. New York, much of it forest,
where Fonda and Fonda's Bush i.now Broadalbin) stand. His
family, including the children of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Pye, is
recorded in the "Genealogical and Biographical Record of New
York," by Richard Wyncoop.
Sylvester M. Pye was one of ine pioneers of Faribault, and
for fort}-fivc years was closely identified with the development
of the new town. He was born in New York City, August 26,
1822, and after completing his education entered into business
with his father, Simeon, in the manufacture of high grade hand-
made locks, at Passaic, N. J. Being of a mechanical nature, he
was very successful as a manufacturer and expert patternmaker,
but retired from the lock trade upon the establishment of the
cheap lock industry. In 1852 Mr. Pye entered the retail hard-
ware business, forming a co-partnership with R. D. Sanford, a
lifelong friend. For many years they conducted the business on
Broadway, New York. In 1864 Mr. Pye retired from active
business and in the same year was married to Eliza Dean, daugh-
ter of Mr. W'm. E. Dean, a prominent book publisher of New-
York. Early in the spring of 1864 they came West for a brief
visit, expecting to remain in Faribault but a short time, but the
1101 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
exhilarating climate and wonderful possibilities of the West
decided them to remain and make it their future home. In 1887
Mr. P3'e purchased the property now known as Manley Park,
located most delightfully on the shores of Lake Chedeweta, four
miles west of Faribault. Here Mr. and Mrs. Pye spent their
summers, improving and beautifying the propert)', until it is
now considered one of the most attractive country homes in the
state. Mr. Pye was a man of strong character, deeply interested
in all the current events of the day, a lover of nature, a great
reader and deep thinker. Mr. Pye died January 21. 1910, sur-
vived b}- two nephews: William Mills Pye, of Faril)ault, and
Sylvester Manley P}-e, of Hollywood, Cal.
William Mills Pye, retired business man and successful
farmer, was born in Helena, Texas. July 7, 1861. His earl\- youth
was spent in Hastings, Faribault, Alexandria, in Minnesota, and
Bismarck, in North Dakota. After leaving scliriol, in 1881, he
took up the retail dry goods busu'icss in Bismarck, and in 1887
located in St. Paul and was a department manager for Field,
Schlick (S; Co. for near!}- twenty j-ears. A few years ago he
took up farming in Wells township, controlling some 400 acres,
and carr3ing on general farming, making a specialty of fine seed
grain, his product in 1908 being acknowledged as the best in
the state. In the winters, Mr. Pye makes his home in Faribault ;
in the summer he lives at Manley Park, on the banks of Lake
Che-de-weta. He is a member of the Commercial Club and of the
Golf Club. William M. Pye was married March 21. 1887, at
Fargo, N. D.. to Belle Burton Johnson, of Bismarck, step-daugh-
ter of Capt. Andrew Johnson, who for many years was connected
with the Benton Line of steamers on the upper Missouri river.
He died in 1886. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha A.
Morrow, is now living in Beardstown, 111. .Mr. and Mrs. Pye
have one child. Robert Burton, born at St. Paul, June 2, 188*^.
William M. and Mary E. (Arlington) Pye, parents of William
Mills Pye, were natives of New York City. The father went to
Texas in 1860, for the benefit of his health, and remained there
until the outbreak of the Civil War, when, leaving his wife and
son, William Mills, in Texas, he returned to New York, under-
going many difficulties and being several times arrested while
making his way through the rebellious states of the South. In
1863 the family moved to Hastings, Minn., remained a short
period, and in 1864 came to Faribault, where the father engaged
in general mercantile business. In 1868 he took up the same
business in Alexandria, Minn., and in 1872 went to Bismarck,
N. D., where he engaged in banking and lumber. In 1907 he
went to California, and died at Los Angeles, November 16, 1907.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1405
Sylvester M. Pye, brother of William Mills, lives in Holly-
wood, Cal., and is engaged in the lumber business. He was born
in Faribault, February 10, 1864, and was married at Bismarck,
N. D., to Loraine Allen, of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester
M. Pye have been born three children : Erma, Merrill and
Clarence.
Henry Pierce, a native of Prescott, Hampshire county, Mass.,
was born September 23, 1820. He acquired a good education in
the public schools of Prescott, graduating from the high school
there. His school days over, he took up farming and was en-
gaged in this up to his twentieth year, when he learned the shoe-
maker's trade, following this and also gardening till his emigra-
tion West in 1864. He located in Chicago, and in 1867 at Fari-
bault. Minn., and opened a first-class shoemaking establishment,
in which he remained until his retirement twenty-five years later,
earning a well deserved reputation as an expert workman in his
line. Mr. Pierce resides at the corner of Third avenue and
Fourth street. As to political convictions, he is an adherent of
the Republican party, and has always taken an interest in public
affairs, serving as member of tho constitutional convention in
Massachusetts in 1852 and as rcjjresentative in the Massachu-
setts legislature in 1860, and as alderman in 1876 and 1877, in
Faribault. He is a member of the Universalist Church. In
1844 he was married to Adeline Pierce, of Shutesbury, Mass.
They had five children, all of whom are deceased. The mother's
death occurred March 18. 1868. Mr. Pierce married again, De-
cember 12, 1869, to Orrilla Pierce, a sister of his first wife, hav-
ing four children by his second wife, three of whom survive.
They are: Jessie A.; Mabel G.. who lives in Red Wing; and
Carrie M. Pierce.
Lynne Peavey, financier, president of the Security Bank of
Faribault, was born in McGregor, Iowa, March 23, 186.\ being
brought to Faribault by his parents in 1874, at the age of nine
years. He received his early education in the ]niblic schools, and
subsequently attended the Shattuck school. In 1884, at the age
of nineteen, he became collector and bookkeeper for the First
National Bank of Faribault, faithfully performing the duties of
this position until 1890, when he became assistant cashier of the
Citizens' National Bank. In 1902 he became president of the
Security State Bank of Owatonna, and in 190.5 he returned to
Faribault and became president of the Security Bank of this
city, retaining that position at the present time. Mr. Peavey is
a high degree Mason. Though interested in all the public issues
of the day, he has never cared to jjarticipatc actively in political
affairs and has never sought or held public office. Mr. Peavey
was married June 23, 1890, to Elizabeth H. Weld, daughter of
U06 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
Mr. Luther R. \\'eld, of Faribault. To this union have been
born three children : Roger W., Louis L. and Mary O., all at
home. The family faith is that of the Episcopal Church. The
parents of Lynne Peavey were Louis and Mary E. (Farrington)
Peavey, natives of Maine and Vermont, respectively. They were
married in W'isconsin. In 1860 they went to Iowa, and in 1874
came to Faribault. The father, who was a photographer by
profession, died in Faribault in 1894 and the mother is still
living.
J. Aime Plante is a prosperous merchant of Faribault, Minn.,
a native of Canada, born August 30. 1857, and is a son of Nar-
cisse and Philomena (Bertrand) Plante, both natives of Canada.
The father, an engineer by occupation, came to Faribault in
1863 and settled near the old Faribault Mill, where he was a
stationary engineer. In 1867 he engaged in business with his
brother, Leon, to whom he sold his interest in 1882. He then
went to Minneapolis, but after six months returned to Faribault
and there followed his trade till his retirement from active work
in 1899. The mother departed this life January 3. 1906. Our
subject was educated in the public scliools and at a Sisters'
school in Faribault, and after leaving school worked in the
flouring mill. From 1882 till 1885 he clerked in the clothing house
of Kollman & Vogel, after which he worked twelve years as
bookkeeper for Mr. Lyman Tutile. In 1897 Mr. Plante began
business on his own account, as sole proprietor of a grocery and
crockery store at No. 125 West Third street, and conducted it
with marked success ten years, and then, in 1907, associated with
himself, in the management of the increasing trade, Mr. Arthur
Plante, his present partner. Mr. Plante is somewhat active in
fraternal organizations, being a member and musical director
in the local society of Knights of Columbus, treasurer of Catho-
lic Foresters, and also a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America. He is a Republican in political i)rinciples. and in
religious faith adheres to the Catholic Church. On August 26.
1889, Mr. Plante married Georgianna, a daughter of Prospros
and Leonora (Dufifaney) Soucic. who died August 16, 1905.
They had five children, named, respectively, Philomena Alice,
Marie Ella, Beatrice L., Peter Paul, and George W., now de-
ceased. Mrs. Plante died August 16, 1905, and on .\ugust 27.
1906, Mr. Plante married Mae Wall, whose father. Mr. S. P.
Wall, is a retired merchant at Faribault, and whose mother died
in 1889. By his second marriage Mr. Plante has one child,
Robert Aime by name.
George Pease, now deceased, was a lifelong resident of Fari-
bault, and was highly regarded by his a.ssociates. In business
he was the soul of integrity and accuracy, in personal intercourse
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1407
he was aflfable and courteous. His hobby was nature in her vary-
ing aspects, and being an earnest advocate of out-of-door recrea-
tion, he was twice elected president of the Faribault Golf Club,
George Pease was born in Faribault, May 21, 1863, son of Lauren
S. and Susan M. (Gibson) Pease. He received his education in
Faribault and in Carlcton College at Northfield. After leaving
school he entered the employ of the Citizens' National Bank as
clerk. His ability as an accountant and his personal qualities as
a man won him gradual promotions until he became cashier, in
which position he was honorably serving at the time of his death,
July 19, 1907. Mr. Pease was interested in the business and
financial development of Faribault, and was an active worker in
the Commercial Club. November 22, 1898, Mr. Pease was mar-
ried to Annie Ricker, born June 17, 1873, at Richmond, Me.,
daughter of Rev. George S. and Endora J. (Stockbridge) Ricker,
natives of Maine, who came West in 1882 and located in Still-
water. Subsequently they went to Missouri and Wyoming, and
in 1894 came to Faribault, where Mr. Ricker preached in the
First Congregational Church. He is now in Wichita, Kan. To
Mr. and Mrs. Pease were born three children: George S. was
born March 10, 1901 ; Harold was born November 14, 1904, and
Carlos R. was born October 3, 1906.
Alexander F. Pringle, a specialist in disorders of the eye, ear,
nose and throat, occupies an enviable position among the people
of Northfield and Rice county. Thoroughly ethical in his prac-
tice, he has endeared himself to his patients and has won the
respect and esteem of his professional associates. Dr. Pringle
was born in Cornwall, Canada, October 4, 1853, son of Jacob F.
and Isabella (Eraser) Pringle. He received his earlier education
in the public schools and in 1880 graduated from the McGill Uni-
versity in Montreal. Canada. He came the same year to North-
field and engaged in general practice, being most successful. In
1892 he went to Europe and took special eye, ear, nose and throat
studies for two years, returning in 1894, since which date he has
devoted his entire time to his special line. In 1896 he was ap-
pointed oculist and aurist for the state institutions at Faribault
— the Minnesota School for the Deaf, the Minnesota School for
the Blind, and the Minnesota School for the Feeble-Minded. He
also does work for the Odd Fellows' Home and Hospital. Dr.
Pringle is a member of the State and National Medical Associa-
tions, and fraternally he associates with the Odd Fellows. He
was married April 30, 1884. to Clara Francis Allen, born in Rice
county in 1863. her parents being early settlers of this vicinity.
Frank M. Pierce, proprietor of the Faribault Book and Music
Store, was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, November 2, 1867,
and in the schools of that neighborhood received his education.
1408 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
From 18(S6 lo 1895 he was employed in a wliolesale dry goods
house, and in the latter year came to Faribault, where he pur-
chased an interest in his present business, later becoming sole
owner and proprietor. Mr. Pierce belongs to the Masonic order,
the Eastern Star, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the
Equitable Fraternal Union. He is also an active member of the
Faribault Commercial Club. In politics he is a Republican.
Thomas H. Quinn, attorney at law, was born in Berlin, Wis.,
November 6, 1854, and was brought to Faribault by his parents
in infancy, receiving his early education in the schools of his
neighborhood, supplemented by much private study and wide
reading. His inclinations early turned toward the law, a profes-
sion his brother. Judge J. B. Quinn, had previously adopted, and
his early manhood was spent in the study of the principles of
equity and practice in his brother's office. In 1877 he was ad-
mitted to the bar. In 1882 he opened an office and has since con-
tinued in general practice. He has allied himself with the Amer-
ican and the Minnesota Bar Associations, and has taken an active
part in the development of Faribault, being at the present time
president of the Faribault Commercial Club. He has served as
covmty attorney five years and city attorney six years. Frater-
nally, he associates with the Knights of Columbus, and in politics
he is a Democrat.
Nels Paulson was born in Sweden, Xovember 2, 1860, a son
of Paul and Hanna (Johnson) Akerson, natives of Sweden. They
came to America in 1862 or 1863, and located near Moline, 111.
They were there only a short time when the father enlisted in
the Union army, and was probably killed near Little Rock, Ark.,
for he never returned to his home. The mother is still living in
Sweden. Nels Paulson attended school in Sweden ; he came to
America when he was eighteen jears old, and spent one year
at Forest City, Iowa. He came to Minnesota and remained for
a few months and then went to northern Michigan, where he
worked in the iron mines for about five years. He returned to
Minnesota, and settled in Forest township, in Rice county, where
he purchased eighty acres in section 10. He has carried on a
general farming up to the present time and has purchased an
additional forty acres. In 1891 he was married to Lottie Quist,
whose parents live in Sweden. They have two children : Carl
Niel and Hattie Irene, and both live at home with their parents.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and believes in the
principles of the Democratic party. He has served on the town
and school boards and also as assessor for five years.
Peter Paulson was born in Sweden, February 1, 1854, a son
of Paul Nelson and Nellie True, natives of Sweden. The father
carried on farming there until his death, in 1906. The mother
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES i409
died in 1908. Peter Paulson attended school in Sweden. After
leaving school he worked on a farm and later bought a farm,
which he sold in 1885, and came to America, lie located first
in Minneapolis, but remained there only a few months, then came
to Forest township, Rice county, and farmed until 1900. He
rented his farm and engaged in the general mercantile business,
which he follows at the present time. He was married in 1882
to Tilda Nelson, whose parents were natives of Sweden. Three
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Paulson : Paul E., who lives
at home; Carl H., died in 1905; Amelia D., living at home. His
wife died in 1892. In 1894 Mr. Paulson was married a second
time to Ellen Johnson, a daughter of John Martinson, a native
of Sweden. He has no children by his second wife. In politics
he is a Republican, and his religious faith is Lutheran. He has
served as treasurer of the school board and is now serving as
town treasurer.
J. A. Prinzing was born in Pennsylvania, I'^ebruary 22, 1870.
He is a son of J. F. and Pauline (Fink) Prinzing, natives of Ger-
many. The father was a brewer. He came to America and
located first in Pennsylvania, where he worked for some time in
a tannery; coming to Minnesota in the spring of 1878, he settled
in Rice county, in Forest township. Here he bought eighty
acres in section 21, and has been engaged in farming up to the
present time. J. A. Prinzing acquired his education in the public
schools in Pennsylvania and in district school No. 66 of Forest.
After leaving school he worked on his father's farm for several
years, and in 1902 bought eighty acres in section 21 ; this he
farms, and he also has charge of his father's farm. He has two
brotliers and two sisters: Fred and Charles, i)oth farmers in
Forest township; Louise, now Mrs. Kecler, of Winona, and
Cclia, a graduate of the Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis,
wiiere slie is now employed. He is a memi)er of the Lutheran
Church, and in his political views a Republican. lie has been
road overseer tor several years.
James Peterka was born in Bohemia, September 13, 1863, a
son of Albert and Anna Peterka. The parents were natives of
Piohemia. They came to America in 1870 and located at Cleve-
land, Ohio, where they remained foi five years, and tiien came to
Rice county and located in Wheatland township. Here he bought
100 acres and did a general farming up to 1885. He tlien retired
from active work and made his liome with his son James, where
he still lives. The mother died in 1896. James Peterka attended
the ])ublic schools at Cleveland, Ohio, and the district school at
Wheatland. .After leaving school he worked on the farm with his
father, and in 1885 became manager of tlie old homestead. H"
has since added more acreage, and now has a farm of 220 acres.
HIO HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
on wliich lie has carried on general farming up to the present
time. He was married in 1885 to Annie Frejlach, a daughter of
John and Annie Frejlach. Five children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Peterka : Mary, James, and Albert ; Annie, now de-
ceased, and Annie, at home. In his political views Mr. Peterka
is a Republican, and he is a member of the Catholic Church at
Lonsdale. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. and M. W. A.
He has served for a number of years on the school board.
F. C. Palon, of Dundas, Minn., vv'as born in Rice county Janu-
ary 9, 1879. He is a son of John and Mary E. (Woolery) Palon,
natives of Canada. The father was a blacksmith and veterina-
rian. He came to Minnesota in 1868 and located in Dundas,
where he followed his trade and profession up to the time of
his decease, June 28, 1908. The ucother still resides in Dundas.
The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public
schools of Dundas. Leaving school at a young age, he followed
the trade of blacksmithing until 1895, at which time he engaged
in the livery business, which he still follows. This family was
blessed with seven children besides our subject, viz.: John R.
conducts a sale stable at Omaha, Neb.; Thomas lives at Fari-
bault : Richard, engaged in the blacksmith trade at Dundas ;
Lela. now Mrs. Jillson, of Monoco, Wis. ; Steven lives with his
brother at Omaha; Hetty lives at Minneapolis, and Glen attends
school at Dundas.
F. C. is a Republican. He with his family belongs to the
Methodist Church. Fie is also a member of the Modern Wood-
men of America. He held the office as constable and village
police at Dundas for six years.
Christian Peterson, a prosperous farmer and citizen of Web-
ster townshi]), Rice county, Minn., who achieved his success
through diligent work, was born in Denmark, February 10, 1860.
In 1881 he immigrated to this country at the age of twenty-one
years, together with his parents, Peter and Anna (Anderson)
Peterson, who settled in Rice county, where they lived until the
death of the mother, in 1906. His father thereafter moved to
Northfield, where he still resides. Our subject received his edu-
cation in Denmark, where he lived until he reached his majority,
whence he emigrated to this country, and settled in Castle Rock
township, Dakota county. Here he remained for three years ;
then he came to Webster township. Rice county, and entered the
employ of Mr. McCabe, in whose service he remained for three
years. In 1887 he bought an eighty-acre tract of timber in Da-
kota township. This he cleared, improved, and still carries on
general farming. A few acres of this was turned over for relig-
ious purposes and is now the site of the Danish Church at Hazel-
wood. In December, 1891, Mr. Peterson married Anna Thore-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1411
son, daughter of Ole and Betsy Tlioreson, who in their early days
came to Minnesota and located at Eureka, Dakota county, being
one of the oldest settlers there. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have one
child, Oscar, who resides with his parents. Mr. Peterson is a
Modern Woodman of America, a stockholder in the Star Tele-
phone Company, and Greenville Co-operative Creamery. He
is an independent voter, favoring neither party, but rather the
man who in his estimation is best qualified for the office for
which he is a candidate. In religious belief he is affiliated with
the Lutheran Church.
N. Parson, a native of Sweden, was bom in 1870. and came
to this countrj' with his father when a boy of sixteen j-ears of
age. His mother died when he was six years old. Mr. Parson
and his father, upon their arrival in this country, first located
at Stillwater; there they remained for a year, whence they moved
to Webster township, Rice county, and engaged in farming.
Together they cleared, improved and cultivated the farm until
1891, when the father died, leaving the son, then a young man
of twenty-one to fight life's battles for himself. During the year
1892 Mr. Parson was united in marriage to Hannah Ackerson,
daughter of Nels and Ellen Ackerson. also natives of Sweden,
having come to this country in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Parson had
six children born to them : Oscar A., Ernst S., Edwin L., Harry
D., Esther A. and Florence A. Oscar and Ernst accidentally
drowned while skating on Union lake, November 29, 1906.
Mr. Parson is an industrious, enthusiastic citizen of his state,
has influence having assisted them to the present standard. In
political sentiments Mr. Parker favors the Republican party.
He is a stockholder of the Farmers' Elevator at Northfield, in
the Northfield Telephone Company, being one of the first direct-
ors to organize it, and its first manager, at present being presi-
dent of the Northfield Mercantile Company. His religious belief
is with the Congregational Church.
J. H. Petteys, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser, was born
in Camden. Oneida county, N. Y.. March 9, 1835. He is a son
of Hiram and Susan (Brand) Petteys, who were natives of New
York state. Mr. Petteys was a minister of the gospel, and moved
West in 1850, locating in Rock county, Wisconsin, where he lived
two years. In 1852 he moved to Boone county. Illinois, where he
lived until 1854, when he went to Henry county, Illinois, and
died in September. 1864. Mrs. Petteys died in 1873. Mr. Pet-
teys received his early education in the grade schools of New
York and Wisconsin, and was tvv-o years in a high school in
Illinois. After leaving school he taught district schools in Illi-
nois in the winter, and farmed in the summer. He remained in
Illinois until 1865, when he came West and located in Minnesota.
]41? HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
buyin,^ 160 acres of land in Walcott township. Rice county. Here
he carried on general farming and also did considerable stock
raising, Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs being his favo-
rite breeds. He was married September 28, 1859, to Harriet
West, daughter of Leonard and Harriet (Allen) West. Mr.
West was a native of Saratoga county, New York, and Mrs.
West a native of Connecticut. Mr. West was a farmer, running
a general farm until 1868, when he retired. He was ninety-five
years old at the time of his death, on October 8, 1888. Mrs.
West attained the ripe old age of ninety-eight years. She died
February 2, 1902. One child has blessed the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Petteys, Ernest E., who was born on October 5, 1860. He
is married and lives on the old farm of his father. Mr. Petteys
is a Republican in his political views, and is a member of the
Christian Church. He enlisted as a soldier in the war. but was
rejected. When twenty-three years of age he was elected an
assessor in Illinois, and served two terms. He was also a jus-
tice of the peace of Henry county, Illinois, which office he held
until he left the state. He was supervisor of the town board of
Walcott for ten years, and during the same period held the ofifice
C)f town clerk. He was a member of the legislature in 1876 and
1877, and served his people as county commissioner for four
years. He took the census in the year 1880, and served for
twenty-seven years as clerk of the school board, being elected
in 1867 and serving until 1894. He assisted in organizing the
Walcott Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1895, and
has served as their secretary and ircasurer since its organization.
He was secretary and treasurer of Walcott Creamery Companj'
until 1889. when the institution wa?. destroyed by fire and never
rebuilt. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers" Elevator
Company.
Harry Peasley, a thrifty farmer of Richland township, first
saw the lii^ht of day January- 25, 1872. He is a son of Moses C.
and Martha C. (Finlayson) Peasky, natives of Vermont and
Canada, respectively. The j^arerits came to Minnesota and
located in Rice county, where tlie father did general farming,
until he moved to Richland township. He later bought 160 acres
in section 22, where he carried on general farming until the time
of his death, in 1878. The mother still lives in Millcrburg, Rice
county. The father enlisted in Company A, Second Minnesota
Volunteer Infantry, and served during the Civil War. The sub-
ject of this sketch was educated in the district schools of Rich-
land township. Leaving school he went to work on his father's
farm until 1899, at which time he bought the old homestead, on
which he still lives, and where he carries on general and diversi-
fied farming. In 1899 Mr. Peaslev married Grace, daughter of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1413
Joe and Rose (Birch) Fredenburg. Joe Fredenburg was a native
of Delaware. Rose Birch was a native of Minnesota. They
came to Minnesota and located in Northfield, where the father
conducted a successful meat market business, remaining there
until 1879; he then moved west to Marshall, where he lived until
his decease. Mrs. Fredenburg now lives at Marshall, Minn.
Mr. and Mrs. Peasley have two children, named, in the respect-
ive order of their birth, Naomi and Verna. who are both at home
with their parents. Mr. Peasley is not affiliated with any polit-
ical party, but casts his vote to the best of his judgment, regard-
less of party lines. He with the family belongs to the Episcopal
Church. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America, and the Yeomen Lodge. He is a stockholder in the
Richland Creamery Association.
Bernard R. Richter, one of Faribault's self-made and ])ro-
grcssive business men, is a native of Prussia, Germany, his date
of birth being May 1.=^, 1859. At seven years of age, he emi-
grated with his parents to America, locating at New Lisbon.
Wis., and attended the public schools till 1872, when he went
to Winona, Minn., receiving employment in a general mercan-
tile store. He was then engaged in the local postoffice under
D. Sinclair three years. Leaving Winona in 1879, he came to
Milwaukee, and entered a grocery store, acquiring a thorough
knowledge of the business, and later became connected with the
Swift, Mendahl & Company wholesale grocery house as book-
keeper and cashier until his removal to St. Paul in 1889. Here
he engaged in the oil business, together with Joseph Bartlett,
being in strenuous competition with the Standard Oil Company,
which soon decided that a good enemy would make a better ally,
and gave him the position of superintendent of the Standard Oil
Company of St. Paul, which he held till 1889. Mr. Richter then
moved to Chippewa Falls, Wis., and took up his duties as head
of the wholesale grocery establishment of Leslie \Villson, in
which capacity he remained five years. Removing to Faribault
in 1903, he was associated with the Theopold Reid Mercantile
Company until 1906, when he withdrew and started a poultry
farm, which he has managed very successfully ever since, having
a splendid and ever-growing market for his products in the Twin
Cities and all through the state. He handles a complete line
of all the well-known kinds of thoroughbred poultry, and makes
a specialty of catering to particular customers. In politics he
stands independent of party, always voting for the man best
fitted to serve the people. His business has always demanded
all his time and attention, and though he takes a keen interest in
public aflFairs, he has never aspired to public office. The local
Commercial Club knows him as an active member. He was
1414 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
united in marriage with Emma W. Roth, who died December
7, 1899, leaving four sons : Bernard F., a traveling salesman of
Portland, Ore. ; Albert E., in the grocery business at Portland.
Ore. ; Fred H., with the United States Navy, now, located at
Newport, R. I.; and Ralph W., of Minneapolis. He was mar-
ried the second time to Bertha E. Simon, of Chippewa Falls.
Wis., August 24, 1903. They have a charming home on Shum-
way avenue, situated on a tract of fourteen acres ; August and
Dora (WolfT), parents of our subject, were born and reared in
Prussia, Germany, where the father was engaged as a baggage-
master on one of the Imperial railways. Emigrating to America
in 1866, he located in Milwaukee, Wis., being engaged as a barber
for one year. He then came to New Lisbon, Wis., and continued
in the same line of work in this place until his wife's demise, in
1872. Returning to Milwaukee the same year, he followed his
trade till his decease, in 1907.
Frank Revier, business man and live stock dealer, of North-
field, was born in Bridgewater township, this county, August
31, 1869, and received his early education in the district schools,
remaining on the home farm until reaching his majority, when
he went to Seattle, Wash., and spent one year. He then returned
home and in 1884 opened a meat market in Northfield, continuing
in this business about two years and a half. He subsequently
went to Lewiston, Idaho, and conducted a market one year.
Upon his return he spent about four years on his farm in sections
2 and 3, Northfield township, and during this period served on
the board of supervisors. In 1902 he commenced the business of
buying and shipping stock, in which enterprise he has been most
successful. His principal market is at South St. Paul, but he
has also done considerable business in Chicago. He now resides
in the city of Northfield. and stands well with his fellow citizens.
Mr. Revier is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the I. O. O. F.
and the M. B. of A. He was married October 5, 1898, to Bertha
C. Dunlap, born in Essex county. New York, March 10, 1877.
The grandfather of Frank Revier was Gabriel Revier, and
his grandmother was Mary De Rosia Revier, both natives of
Canada, of French parentage. In this family there were eleven
children. Gabriel Revier died while residing in New York in
1862 and in 1867 Mary De Rosia Revier brought her family to
Rice county, where she died.
The father of Frank Revier was Lewis Revier, who was born
on Long Sault Island, St. Lawrence county. New York, January
31, 1836. He was one of Rice county's pioneers, coming here
from Canada in this spring of 1857, being employed by the late
J. S. Archibald, of Dundas, to take charge of a number of horses
which were being shipped from Canada to Minnesota. After it
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1415
had been decided to erect mills at Diindas, Lewis Rcvier was
engaged to assist in gatliering material for the buildings, con-
tinuing in the employ of Mr. Archibald for a number of years.
December 18, 1860, he was married to Julia Barry, born in St.
Johns, New Brunswick, September 12, 1841. He purchased a
farm south of Dundas, but later sold this place and bought a
farm in Bridgewater, two miles south of Xorthfield City. He
enlisted in Company D, Eleventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry,
and served out his time of enlistment, receiving his honorable
discharge. He then returned to his farm and there remained
until the time of his death, December 7, 1900. His wife still
lives in Northfield. In the family were six children : Mrs. Igna-
tius Rosch, of Long Prairie, Minn.; Mrs. D. J. Ferguson, who
died February 5, 1903; John, of Spokane, Wash.; Edward, of
Spirit Lake, Idaho ; Frank and Andrew, of Northfield. The
parents of Mrs. Revier (nee Bertha C. Dunlap) were Daniel and
Mary Jane (Evand) Dunlap, who came to Northfield in 1884.
Mrs. Dunlap died September 17, 1909, and Mr. Dunlap now lives
in Washington.
J. Warren Richardson, retired real estate dealer and loan
agent, was born in Shutesbury, July 24, 1844. He was brought
to Walcott township by his parents at the age of nine years, and
received his education in the public schools of Faribault. After
leaving school he enlisted in the service of his country, being
at that time but eighteen days over eighteen years of age. He
served in Company B, Eighth IMinnesota Volunteer Infantry.
This regiment was organized August 1, 1862, and was originally
commanded by Col. Minor T. Thomas, of Stillwater, Minn. It
was stationed at frontier posts until May, 1864, when it was
ordered upon the Indian expedition. It was engaged in the fol-
lowing battles, sieges, skirmishes and marches: Tah-cha-o-ku-tu.
July 28, 1864; Little Missouri, battle of the Cedars, Wilkinson's
Pike, December 7, 1864; near Murfreesboro, December 8, 1864,
and Overall's creek. Ordered to Clifton, Tenn., thence to Cin-
cinnati, thence to Washington, thence to Wilmington, then to
Newbern, N. C. ; at the battles of Kingston, March 8, 9, 10,
1865. The men were mustered out at Charlotte, N. C July 11.
1865, and discharged at Ft. Snelling Minn. After this Mr. Rich-
ardson returned to Faribault, and in 1866 took up farming inside
the city limits. He owned seventy acres, on which he conducted
general agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of dairying until
1891, when he engaged in the money loaning business. In 1900
his business was enlarged to include real-estate dealing. In 1903
Mr. Richardson went to Beach, N. D., remaining until 1908,
when he retired and returned to Faribault, where he has since
resided, having a beautiful home at 314 Sixth street, West. He
1416 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
owns 160 acres in North Dakota and 260 acres in Walcott town-
ship. While Mr. Richardson was in North Dakota he served as
a supervisor of the township of Beach. He has served in minor
offices in Rice county. As a veteran Mr. Richardson is inter-
ested in the Michael Cook Post, No. 123, G. A. R., and is now
serving as quartermaster of that post. In religious belief Mr.
Richardson is a Baptist. !Mr. Richardson was married .'\pril
16, 1866, at Minneapolis, Minn., to Elizabeth S. Kerr, of Fari-
bault, Mmn., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Kerr, of Dane
county, Wisconsin. She was born November 19, 1844, and died
June 24, 1890, leaving five children : Carrie R., born February 18,
1867, married to W. M. Smalledge, of Minneapolis ; George W.,
born April 30, 1869, now of Beach, N. D. ; Emma L., born March
12, 1872, married to Clifton A. Sneli, of Minneapolis; J. Edwin,
born December 24. 1882, now of Beach, N. D., and Gilbert A.,
born May 17, 1887, a telegraph ojierator in British Columbia.
Mr. Richardson was married August 25, 1891, to Laura S. Van-
Horn, born December 18, 1846, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. L.
Van Horn, who came to Faribault in 1856.
The parents of J. W'arren Richaidson were Joseph and Louise
(Boynton) Richardson, natives of Shutesbury. Mass. The father,
who was a lumberman in the East, came West in 1854. and took
up his abode in Walcott township, where he pre-empted 160 acres
in section 28. After occupying this claim nearly two years, he
sold his pre-emption claim to Samuel Walcott, from whom the
town was named. Joseph Richardson was the first postmaster
in W^alcott township, and at his house Elder Cressy, of the Bap-
tist Church, held the first religious ceremony in the township.
On coming to Faribault, Mr. Richardson, Sr., started manufac-
turing chairs, and later he entered the furniture factory of Hill
& Brockway, remaining several years. He went East in 1866
and returned in 1867, managing a loan office until his death,
February 10, 1889, seventy-five years after his birth, February
27, 1814, His wife died July 13, 1892.
Willard McC. Reid, a progressive young business man of
Faribault, was born in Louisiana, Pike county, ^lo., September
30, 1877. He attended the public schools and took a course in
the Hasbrook Institute in New Jersey. From there he went to
the historic Phillips Andover Academy, at Andover, Mass., grad-
uating in 1898. He then accepted a situation with the P. P.
Lorillard Tobacco Company, in Jersey City, N. J., and in 1899,
when that compan}- was absorbed by the American Tobacco
Company, he went with the latter concern as assistant manager
of the salesmen's department. In 1901 he went with the Ameri-
can Cigar Company, as manager of a factory at Savannah, Ga.
After eighteen months, he left that place, and for three years was
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1417
located in several cities in the South, superintending the erection
and opening of new factories. In 1905 he came to Faribault, and
became a partner in the concern of Theopold-Reid Company,
Inc., wholesale grocers, of which Mr. Reid is vice-president and
treasurer. Being a lover of outdoc)r sports, Mr. Reid has taken
an active interest in the Tetepaha Golf Club, and is at the pres-
ent time serving as its president. Me is also a member of the
Minnesota Club of St. Paul, and of the Faribault Commercial
Club. Mr. Reid was married at Faribault, in the Cathedral of
Our Merciful Savior, October 9, 1905, to Natalie Rochester Bill,
daughter of Rev. Edward Clark Bill, a prominent Episcopalian
clergyman. To Mr. and Mrs. Reid have been born two children:
Priscilla, born July 23, 1906, and Natalie E., born December 9,
1908. The family residence is a beautiful dwelling at the corner
of Seventh street and Fifth avenue.
Samuel Reid, father of Willard McC. Reid, was born in Ken-
tucky. He was a tobacco manufacturer in Missouri, and in 1888
went to Jersey City, N. J., where he became general manager
for the P. P. Lorillard Tobacco Company. In 1898 he retired
from active life, coming to St. Paul in 1907. His wife, Ann
Eliza Young, was also a native of Kentucky. She died at Jersey
City. September 30, 1905.
Henry H. Roth was born in Lee county, Iowa, September 5.
1849. At the age of eight years he came with his parents to
Wheeling township. Rice county, receiving his education in the
district schools and in the public schools of Faribault. After
school he engaged in farming for a time with his father, later
managing a rented farm till 1884. when he located near Faribault,
continuing in general diversified farming. He was next em-
ployed for over eight years as a bookkeeper in Faribault, and
then, in 1905, opened a store in the same city, in which he has
remained ever since, having been very successful and doing a
large and flourishing business. The Republican party claims his
allegiance in political matters, and though he has never sought
office, he has held the position of road overseer for many years.
December 18. 1873, he was married to Sophia Hildeburd, of
Goodhue county, who died June 29, 1896, leaving five children :
Benjamin J., Carrie, Adda, Emma and Florence. Three others,
Sarah, Gertrude and Herbert, died in early youth. The family are
loval attendant.s of the German Methodist Church. Jacob and Bar-
bara Roth, parents of Henry H., were born and reared in Beyen.
Germany. Coming to America in 1844, they first located in Ohio,
farming it for two years, and then removed to Lee county, Iowa,
where the father wrested a living from the soil after the fashion
of those pioneer days, until 1857. They then came to Wheeling
township. Rice county, being among the first settlers, and con-
1418 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
linued in fanning till their remova! many years later to Fari-
bault, where the father lived to enjoy the fruits of a well-spent
life till 1892. The mother passed awa}' in 1905.
Peter F. Huge, a native of Holstein, Germany, was born Feb-
ruary 17, 1842. He received his education in the public schools
of Germany, after which he learned the milling trade, following
this line until he emigrated to America in 1868. Arriving in
America, he came to Minnesota and located at Faribault, where
he was employed as a clerk in a general store for some time.
Later he bought out his employer and conducted the business in
his own name till 1880. During this time, besides attending to
his mercantile affairs, he found leisure to devote to farming inter-
ests which he had acquired. In 1880 he entered into the loan,
insurance and real-estate business, representing eight different
insurance companies, and also handling foreign tickets to and
from the European countries. Mr. Ruge has been actively en-
gaged in this business ever since, meeting with a very marked
degree of success, and has become known as one of Faribault's
squarest and most energetic business men. He is a very active
member of the Democratic party, and has always taken a deep
mterest in the affairs of the community. The esteem in which
he is held by his fellow townsmen is well evidenced by the
numerous ofSces with which he has been honored. At present
he is a county commissioner, serving his second term, elected
with no opposition ; has served as alderman four years ; mayor
of the cit_y of Faribault three terms; he was nominated for the
fourth term, but refused the nomination for business reasons;
member of the board of health ; director in the Commercial Club ;
president of the Harmonia Singing Society, and has also served
as president of the Bundes of Minnesota Singing Societ}'. He
was married January 28, 1869, in Germany, to Anna M. Voss,
making the trip especially to get his bride. Mr. and Mrs. Ruge
have a fine home in the residence section of Faribault, located
on the corner of First street and Central avenue. Three children
live to survive their mother, whose decease occurred February
15, 1890: John H., a jeweler at Faribault; W. H., special agent
for the Northwestern L'lulerwriters' Fire Insurance Company,
also located at Faribault; and Telsha, wife of Edwin R. Fleck-
enstein, of Faribault. John H. and Trina (Schuelter) Ruge, par-
ents of our subject, were both natives of Germany and carried
on general farming there until the father's death in 1854. The
mother died in 1846.
Ethan Rollins is a successful business man of Faribault, where
he has lived since early boyhood. He was born in Houston
county, Minnesota, August 4, 1857. His parents, Stanley and
Adeline (Newton) Rollins, both natives of Minnesota, removed
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1419
to Faribault in 1877, where tlie father, who was reared a farmer,
conducted a potash distillery until his decease in 1884. Ethan
acquired his education in the public schools of Faribault, and
after leaving school helped in his lather's business, and after his
father's death managed the business for his mother some seven
years. He then worked as a painter fifteen years and in 1899
engaged in the oil business and carried on a successful trade in
that line till 1906, when he bought the grocery business which
he has since conducted and in which he is now successfully
engaged. He has always devoted himself closely to his business
and has had little leisure for outside affairs. In politics he ad-
heres to the principles of the Republican party. His religious
faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
On June 1, 1899, Mr. Rollins married Addie, a daughter of
Mathias and Ellen (Anson) Warren, both natives of Wisconsin.
The father was a farmer all his life and died at Clear Lake, Wis.,
in 1906: the mother died in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Rollins have two
children, named, respectively, Audley B. and Dorothy E.
Joseph J. Rachac, a native of Belle Plaine township, Scott
county, Minn., was born December 1, 1874. He acquired his
education in the public schools of New Prague, Minn,, afterwards
attending the St. Paul Business College of St. Paul, Minn., for
two years, and in 1891 he graduated from the commercial depart-
ment of St. John's University, of Collegeville, Minn. His school
days over, he entered the bank at New Prague as a bookkeeper,
and remained in that position till the fall of 1892, when he was
elected principal of the public schools of "Veseli, which position
he ably filled for ten years. Mr. Rachac then became deputy
county treasurer, holding that office until his election as county
auditor in 1904. This position he held until January 1. 1909.
In 1907 he accepted the position he now holds, of assistant
cashier of the Citizens' National Bank, attending to his duties
as county auditor as well, making him an exceedingly busy man
for two years. Mr. Rachac owns a large amount of property in
Rice county, having a half interest in a store at Veseli. owns a
two-thirds interest in the Veseli Creamery and is a stockholder
of the Citizens' National Bank of Faribault. He is a believer
in the principles of the Republican party, and has always taken
an active part in the affairs of the community. He is a valued
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a follower of
the Catholic Church. May 18, 1898, at 'Veseli, he was united in
marriage to Anna F. Pavck, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
Pavek, prominent residents of the village of 'Veseli. They have
two children, Sadie A. and Edith, both living at home. Frank J.
and Josephine (Shimota) Rachac, parents of our subject, were
14-^0 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
born in Bohemia. Tlie fatiier emigrated to America with iiis
parents in 1863, locating in Belle Plaine township, Scott county,
Minn. The mother followed in 1867. Commencing at the age
of nineteen, Frank J. worked up and down the Mississippi for
six years, having the usual exciting and sometimes perilous expe-
riences incident to life on the river at that time. He then returned
to the old homestead in Belle Plaine township, where he was mar-
ried, and took up general diversified farming and threshing, bav-
ins: the first steam thresher in that locality. In 1882 he sold the
farm and removed to Traill county, North Dakota, where he
resided for two years. In 1885 he returned to Rice county,
locating in the village of Veseli, and purchased the general store
of Joseph Maertz, where he has followed the general mercantile
business ever since.
Dr. Arthur C. Rogers, superintendent of the Minnesota State
School for the Feeble-Minded, located at Faribault, is an ac-
knowledged authority on the subject of mental deficiency in
human beings, and his efforts in the behalf of bettering the con-
ditions and increasing the value of the feeble-minded to society
at large have won him a nation-wide reputation. In spite of his
multitudinous duties, which demand so much of his time. Dr.
Rogers is democratic and approachable, and has taken a deep
interest in the welfare of the city of Faribault, outside of those
interests with which he is officially associated. Arthur C. Rogers
was born in Decorah, Iowa, July 17, 1856. and received his early
education in the schools of Ohio and Michigan. After completing
his preliminary studies, he took a course at the Raisin Valley
Seminary, near Adrian, Mich., and then entered the Earlham
College at Richmond, Ind., from which he graduated in 1877,
with the degree of B. S. This college conferred the degree of
LL. D. upon Dr. Rogers in Time, 1905, in recognition of his
work for the feeble-minded. During his first and third years at
this college he did considerable tutoring in elementary chemistry,
and after graduating he taught the village school at Fairmont,
Kan. The following year he took charge of a country store at
Fairmont for a time, and then accepted a position as head book-
keeper in a large mercantile store at Glcnwood, Iowa, June, 1879.
In October of the same year he became bookkeeper in the Iowa
State School for the Feeble-Minded at Glenwood, a position he
held five vears. During this time, having decided upon the care
of the unfortunate as his life work, he studied medicine at the
State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, graduating in 1883 with
the degree of M. D. His first practice as a physician was in the
latter part of 1883 and the early part of 1884, when he was clerk
and physician for the government training school for Indians,
Chemawa, Ore. His work in tliis capacity was of such merit
l)ii. A. ( . i;()(;ki;8
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 14-21
as to attract commendable attention, and while there he received
appoinlmcnt as superintendent of llie State School for the Fecble-
Minded at Faribault, arriving in this city August 20, 1885, and
at once entering upon his duties. At that time the institution
was comparatively small, having an enrollment of ninety. In the
years that have passed since then, during which the capacity
has been augmented to 1,300, and the enrollment 1,225, Dr.
Rogers has proven himself equal to every emergency, and has
under all circumstances proven himself pre-eminently fitted for
the serious responsibilities of his office. Following are some of
Dr. Rogers' professional and social affiliations: Member of the
Masonic order, having taken the thirty-second degree ; member
of the Royal Arcanum; serving second year as president of the
Rice County Medical Association ; now serving second year as
president of the board of trustees of the Faribault Congrega-
tional Church ; member of the Faribault Commercial Cltib; mem-
ber of the programme committee of the quarterly conference of
the state board of control and superintendents of state institu-
tions; ex-president of the Minnesota state conference of chari-
ties and corrections; first vice-president of the Minnesota Acad-
emy of Political Science ; secretary of the American Association
for the Study of the Feeble-Minded ; member of American Med-
ico-Psychological Association ; member American Association
for the Advancement of Science ; member of the American Asso-
ciation for the Study of Epilepsy ; chairman of the sub-commit-
tee on defecture of the committee on eugenics of the American
Breeders' association ; member oi" the National Conference of
Charity and Correction, having during the past twenty years
served as chairman of the committee on feeble-minded for this
conference at different times. In former years. Dr. Rogers served
as a member of Company B, Fifth Regiment, Iowa National
Guard, of which he was first lieutenant. For two years he was
president of the Travelers' Club, a Faribault association which
includes many minds of breeding and of learning.
Arthur C. Rogers was married July 17, 1882, at Fort Dodge.
Kan., to Phcebe Coffin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Coffin.
Five children have blessed their union : Arthur K. died in in-
fancy; Elloise H. is now studying music at the Lachmund Con-
servatory of Music in New York City; Margueretta died in
infancy; Helen L. is a student at the Minnesota State Univer-
sity; Arthur W. lives at home and attends the graded .schools
of Faribault. In addition to his other duties, Dr. Rogers is editor-
in-chief of the "Journal of P.sycho-Asthenics," published at the
institution, organ of the American Association for the Study of
the Feeble-Minded. The parents of Dr. Rogers were Ansel and
Cynthia (Benedict) Rogers, who came West in the early fifties
1422 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
and located in Iowa in 1852. The father was a clergyman of the
Society of Friends, and was a miller practically all his life. He
died in Richmond. Ind., in 1873, and the mother died near Ash-
ley, Ohio, in 1863.
C. A. Reed, of Dundas, was born in Canada, March .t, 1847,
son of Alanson and Elizabeth (Bridges) Reed. The father spent
his early life in Canada, where he was married, and later moved
to the United States, and engaged in farming in Wisconsin. He
died in 1902. His father, Salyerine Reed, was born in this coun-
try, and lived to the advanced age of 106 years. C. A. Reed
received his early education in the common schools of Wisconsin
and later attended Marshall Academy, at Marshall, Wis. After
completing his studies, he took up different lines of work, and
subsequently went to Kansas in 1870 and spent two years for
the benefit of his iiealth, after which he returned to Wisconsin.
In 1873 he came to Minnesota and located in Rice county, where
he engaged in farming near Dundas, until 1896. when he retired
from the farm and has since made his home in the village. He
held several offices in the county, having been county surveyor
for thirteen years, and superintendent of the state highways in
the county. He is now serving as justice of the peace and is also
a member of the village council. He is an independent voter.
December 19, 1874, he was united in marriage to Olive T. Enis,
a native of Canada, and to them have been born six children :
Jessie, married to Otto Bolhman, a farmer; Teressa, married to
Rev. W. S. Gosman, who is the principal of the Mount Ellis
Academy, at Bozeman, Mont. ; John E., who is a railroad engi-
neer, and has spent part of his time in Alaska ; Salyerine, who
lives at Bozeman, Mont.; Luella, who is a trained nurse, and
Harl K., both of whom are at Bozeman, Mont. Mr. Reed is a
highly respected citizen, who has acquired his possessions by
hard work, and is now enjoying the benefits of his labors. He
still resides at Dundas.
Hiram H. Reed, a native of Wayne county, Pennsylvania, was
born May 25, 1830, and is one of the four survivors of a family
of fourteen children (twelve of whom grew to maturity) born
to John and Mary (Curtis) Reed. The father was a farmer and
died at the age of fifty-two years. The mother was of Revolu-
tionary stock, and lived to the age of seventy years. The other
survivors are: Mrs. Catherine Smith, of Park Rapids, Minn.;
Mr. Morris Reed, of Wayne county, Pennsylvania, and Mrs.
Amanda Schaver, who lives in Kansas. Hiram H. worked on
his father's farm and attended the district school, but when six-
teen years of age began railroading on the Washington Railroad,
running over the mountains from Holly to Dunmore, and until
he was twenty-one was engaged in repair work on a construction
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1423
train. He was next employed on the Micliigan Central Railroad.
running from Detroit to Michigan City, and when that road was
extended to Chicago he was baggagemaster on the first train that
entered that city, it being a mixed train, nndcr the cliarge of
Conductor Phelps. In the spring of 1852 he went to Galena, 111.,
and thence down the Mississippi to St. Louis, and from there to
St. Joe, Mo., where he joined a large body of gold-seekers, and
under the direction of an Indian guide made the trip overland by
ox and horse teams to California, the journey taking fifty-five
days. After reaching his destination, Mr. Reed hired out for
one month for fifty dollars, then began work for himself, and for
six years was engaged in mining on his own account, using all
the various methods, from mining by hand to hydraulic hose
mining, and had all the experiences that fell to the lot of the
hardy pioneer miner of those days. On his return he went from
San Francisco by boat to Panama, crossed the isthmus, and
thence by boat, 1,900 miles to New York, and from there 130
miles to his early home in Pennsylvania. Continuing his trade
after his visit home, he went via the lakes to Three Rivers, Mich. ;
from there through Chicago to Dubuque, Iowa, then by boat up
the Mississippi to Hastings, and from there to Morristown,
Minn., bought a span of mules and took up the northwest quar-
ter of school section 36, in Morristown township, Rice county,
being accompanied by his brother-in-law, Thomas J. Dexter. He
subsequently gave up this location and bought 210 acres in sec-
tion 13, and settled down to the work of opening and improving
the land and making a home, where he lived until his retirement
from farm life and removal to the village of Warsaw, in 1896.
In the early days he endured all the hardships and inconveniences
incident to pioneer life in a new country. Farming was carried
on in the primitive ways, mowing being done with the scythe,
grain being cut with a cradle and raked and bound by hand, and
wheat being hauled to market at Hastings with ox teams, and
sold for 45 cents per bushel. But with hardy courage and endur-
ance, Mr. Reed faced and overcame obstacles, and lives to enjoy
the well earned fruits of his busy and strenuous life. He carried
on general farming and in later d.iys was noted as a breeder of
fine cattle and hogs and a raiser of sheep. Since selling his farm
and his removal to the village, Mr. Reed has devoted himself to
looking after his property there. For many years Mr. Reed has
been identified with the Masonic order, being a member of Can-
non River Lodge, No. 52, at Morristown. On March 16. 1R57,
Mr. Reed married Lydia L. Wilder, a daughter of Samuel Wilder,
of Wavne county, Pennsylvania, who died October 20, 1893. Of
six children born to them, the eldest, Nina, is married to l\r. J.
Cassell; George lives at Michigan, N. D. ; Minnie is the wife of
1424 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Mr. Thomas Moffett. Faribault; Edward has his home in Michi-
gan, N. D. ; May is married to Mr. Edwin Davis, and Catherine,
who lives in Utah. On November 16, 1897, Mr. Reed married
Mrs. Belle Cheney, the widow of Mr. W. H. Cheney. Her maiden
name was Wood, and she has had three children by her former
marriage, viz.: Mattie Arliza, who is married to Mr. F. B.
Kinyon, a 3'oung lawyer of Boise City, Idaho ; John is a farmer
at Beaver Falls, Minn., and Cynthia M., who died in early
womanhood. Mrs. Reed is a member of the Episcopal Church
at \\'arsaw.
Alfred Quist was born in Sweden, January 21, 1859. In 1875
he came to America, and worked for four years on a farm in
Goodhue county. In 1879 he came to Rice county and located in
Forest township, buying 160 acres, and later an additional forty
acres in Forest township, on which he has done general farming
up to the present time. In 1890 he was married to Ida Alatilda
Johnson. Tiiey have a family of seven children: Esther, Elmer,
Marie, Emma, Hobert, Lenhart and Gladys, all living at home
with their parents. In politics Mr. Quist is a Republican, and
he is a member of the Lutheran Church. He has held many
offices in the township.
Maxson S. Randall, who was born in Fulton county, Ohio,
March 16, 1835, is the oldest of four children born to Russell and
Amanda (Gunn) Randall, the former a native of Pennsylvania
and the latter of Massachusetts. They were married in Ohio,
whither the father, who was a master cooper, miller and cabinet-
maker, came and thence went to Illinois, after which he returned
to Pennsylvania, and thence back to Illinois. He returned with
his family to Rice county, Minnesota, in 1855, settling on a claim
of 160 acres in Warsaw township, where he built a log house and
established the family home, and where he died in Ma}-, 1857,
his widow surviving him forty years. Of their other three chil-
dren, Annie is married to Henry C. Masters, and lives in Lyon
county, Minnesota; Horace lives with his family in Minneapo-
lis, and Sewell G. died in the Civil War, a member of Company
I, Fourth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Our sub-
ject attended the public schools in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and
after leaving school engaged in farming. He went to Nebraska
City in 1859, and then for eight years was engaged under govern-
ment contracts with Messrs. Russell, Majors and Waddell, carry-
ing supplies for the army, across the plains. Returning to Rice
county in 1867, he bought the family homestead and turned his
attention to general farming. Under his management the place
has been thoroughly and completely remodeled, new buildings
have been erected and everything added in the way of equipment
that is required in an up-to-date model farm, particular attention
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES U25
having been given to the matter of stocking the place with high
grade horses, cattle and swine. In 1904 Mr. Randall retired from
the farm and since then has lived in the village of Warsaw. He
has long been a leading man in the commimity, and has served
three terms in the village coimcil of Morristown. He is an
active Mason and belongs to Cannon River Lodge. No. 52, of
Morristown. In political sentiment he is a Democrat. His relig-
ious afifiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
Ma)-, 1867, Mrs. Randall married Abi Davis, who died in Feb-
ruary, 1872. Of two children born to them, Bettie, the oldest,
was married to Mr. K. Holbrook, and died in 1873. Therese died
in infancy.
In March, 1873, Mr. Randall married Mary, a daughter of
John and Mary (Schofield) Davis, both natives of Vermont, who
settled in Minnesota, where the father died in 1880 and the
mother in . Of five children born of this marriage, the eld-
est, Waldo, was killed by an accident on a wind mill ; Mary died
when three years old, and Olive died at the age of eighteen
months ; Rufus lives at home, and Ethel is married to Mr. James
Waldon, and lives in Morristown.
Henry Remick was born in Ilarting county, Ohio, December
11, 1859. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Remick, natives
of Germany. They came to America in the forties and located in
Ohio, where the father worked out on a farm. In 1867 he came
to Minnesota, and settled in Erin township, Rice county, and
farmed there until 1907, when he sold his farm and bought in
Forest township, where he now li/es. Mrs. Remick died in Feb-
ruary, 1901. Mr. Remick attended the public schools in Shields-
ville, and after leaving school worked on a farm. In 1887 he
bought 107 acres in section 18, and later eighty acres in section
20. He now lives on section 18 and does general farming. He
was married in 1890, to Sophia Deman. a daughter of Christian
and Johanna Deman, the parents being natives of Germany who
emigrated to this country. Five children have blessed the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Remick: Henry, George, Fred, Mary and Will-
iam. Mr. Remick is a member of the Lutheran church. In
his political views he is an independent voter. He has served
on the town board, and is now serving on the school board.
He is a stockholder in the FarmerlR' Co-operative Elevator
Company of Faribault.
Rev. John J. Slevin, the popular and beloved pastor of the
Church of the Immaculate Conception, at Faribault. Minn., was
born in County Longford, Ireland, March 4, 1855. where he
passed his boyhood days. He received his early education in
the classical schools of Longford, and in 1873, entered the All
Hallam College at Dublin, where lie completed his training for
1456 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
his life work. Leaving "the ould sod" in 1878. he came to
America, and took up his profession at Shakopee. Minn., having
the pastorate of St. Mary's Churcli there for a year and a half.
He was called to Shieldsville, Rice county, in 1880, to take charge
of St. Patrick's Church, liaving a membersliip of over 600, and
remained here for two years, endearing himself to the hearts of
the people. His rare ability demanded a larger field, however.
and in 1900 he removed to Faribault, engaging upon his duties
as head of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, where he
has ever since been. Reverend Slevin is greatly esteemed by the
1.200 members of his congregation, and wields a wide influence
in the community. In connection with the church there is a
parish school having over 200 pupiis, which he directs.
Benjamin Saufferer, a prominent citizen of Faribault, ]\Iinn.,
was born on his father's farm in Waseca county, January 6, 1874.
After his education in the district schools, he took up farming
with his father until 18S'8, and then had complete charge of the
old home farm for one year, afterwards removing to Faribault
county, ^Minnesota, and engaging in farming two years. Coming
to Warsaw township. Rice county, he purchased a 160-acre tract
and continued in general mixed farming with much success till
1908, when he rented his farm and, moving to Faribault, bought
his beautiful modern home, located on First street. South, and
Sixth avenue, where he now resides with his family. In poli-
tics he usually supports the Republican party, but believes the
best interests of the community should prevail, regardless of
party. He served as a director on the local school board while
a resident of \A'arsaw township. February 16, 1898, at Morris-
town, Minn., he was married to Caroline L. Reineke, born March
23, 1879, by whom he has two children : Walter J., born May 26,
1899, in Faribault county, and Myron W., born August 8, 1903,
in Rice county, and died March 19, 1905. The family attend the
German ^lethodist Church. John L. and Henrietta (Miller)
Sauli'erer, parents of Benjamin, were natives of Wurtemberg,
Germany. Emigrating to this country in their younger days,
they first located in Ohio, and then in Illinois. Afterwards, in
the early sixties, they settled in Waseca count}', near the Steele
county line, the father engaging in farming on his 720-acre farm
till his death. November 23, 1906. His wife still lives on the old
homestead. Henry and Caroline (Fehmer) Reineke. parents of
Afrs. Benjamin Saufiferer, were born in Hanover and Mecklen-
burg, Germany, respectively. Coming to America, they first set-
tled in Illinois, later removing to Steele county, in the early six-
ties, where the father followed farming till their retirement to
Morristown. Rice county, their present place of residence.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUxXTIEj 14:^7
Carlton W. Sanfoid was an honored and respected citizen of
Faribault, Minn., a native of Belfast, Alleghany county, N. Y.,
his date of birth being February 22, 1835. lie received his edu-
cation in the public schools of his birthplace, and at the age of
thirteen years emigrated West with his parents, settling in
Walmuth county, Wisconsin. Here he passed the rest of his
boyhood days, and later was in the drug business for some time.
Then he returned to his native state and was engaged in photog-
raphy there until his removal to California, where he followed
mining for five years, meeting and overcoming the obstacles and
privations common to those rough pioneer times. Coming East,
he located in Richland township. Rice county, on a farm of 400
acres and gave his attention to general diversified farming till
1883, when he sold out and removed to Faribault, going into the
insurance business, which he conducted until his death, in April.
1910. He also conducted a sixt3--acre farm within the city limits.
Mr. Sanford was in his seventy-fifth year, and very clearly
remembered the CNi)eriences and perils of the early times, espe-
cially those of the Indian Outbreak in which he bore arms
against the savages. In politics, lie adheres to the principles of
the Republican party. He served as supervisor of his township
in Walmuth county, Wisconsin. He was a member of the Con-
gregational church. January 8, 1863, he was united in marriage
with Sarah Vose, of Wisconsin, daughter of Gilnian and Olive
(Nicholas) Vose, who have since deceased. Five children have
blessed this marriage, named in order of births, respectively :
Stella Honegate, of Minneapolis ; Winnie E., a stenographer of
Minneapolis; Carlton C. who is a real estate dealer of Minne-
apolis; Mrs. Sadie O. Franz, of Denver. Colorado; and Morton
W., who is a printer at Faribaul'.. Abram and Susan (Wads-
worth) Sanford, parents of our subject, were born and raised
in New York, and followed farming as an occupation all their
lives — first in their native state, then in Wisconsin, later return-
ing East again, then west to Wisconsin, finally locating in Rice
county where they deceased.
Willis Sheridan Shaft, a promincnl business man at Fari-
bault, Minn., was l)urn at Elmyra, Chemung county. New York.
July 15, 1865. His education was received in the jjublic schools
of Hastings. Minn, where he removed with iiis parents from
New York when si.\ years of age. When eleven years old, he
was given employment as a newsboy on the Hastings & Dakota
Railway, in which capacity he served for two years. He was
then employed in the "Hastings Gazette" office for some five
years and became pretty well versed in the printing business.
In 1884, he went to Aberdeen, S. D., and embarked in a gen-
eral merchandise business. Two years later he opened a retail
1428 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
shoe store under the style of "Shaft, the Shoe Man," and built
up a large and thriving business there, which he continued
until 1891. wlien he engaged in the shoe manufacturing business
in connection witli the retail store. A year later. Mr. Shaft
sold out his retail business and removed the manufacturing
plant to Minneapolis, Minn., and in 1903, transferred his estab-
lishment to Faribault, where he has continued the manufacture
of shoes to the present time. His company, known as the Shaft-
Pierce Shoe Company, has won a Vv-ide reputation for its goods
throughout the entire northwest, having a steadily increasing
call for its product. They now operate to the full capacity, a
large plant at Faribault covering a floor space of 25.000 square
feet. The success of the business is largely due to the efforts
of its president, Mr. Shaft.
He is also vice president of the Hathaway-Shaft Shoe Com-
pany of Minneapolis. Minn., shoe jobbers. The Republican
party values him as a staunch s'.ijjportcr, and he is interested
in all that pertains to the welfare of his city, cotmty and state.
He is at jiresent serving as a director of the Faribault com-
mercial club and is also a member of the Minneapolis com-
mercial club. Numerous fraternal organizations count him an
active supporter of their respective associations, including the
Masonic Order, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the
Cathedral club, of which he is president. While in Aberdeen.
Mr. Shaft was associated with the Pioneer Builders of that city.
a member of the fire department, a member of the common coun-
cil and of the school board.
On May 15, 1889, at Aberdeen. S. D., he 'was united in
marriage with Emma May Callender, born February 21. 1867,
to Mr. and Mrs. James C. Callender. of Harvard. 111. The father
deceased in 1880, and the mother in November. 1908. Mr. and
Mrs. Shaft have three children; Dorothy H., born December
23, 1904, Willard S.. born April 30. 1907, and Helen G.. who
was born December 8, 1908. The family have a beautiful home
on the corner of Fifth avenue and Seventh street. As to re-
ligious faith, they adhere to the tenets of the Episcopal catholic
church. Alpheus D. Shaft, father of our subject, was a native
of England; Margaret M. (Curtis) Shaft, his mother, was born
in Pennsylvania, but of Scotch descent. The father came to
America from his home in Shaftesbury. Eng., at the age of six
years, with his parents locating in New York where he received
his education. After finishing school he held different positions
on the Erie Railroad, and was master of mechanics for this com-
pany at the time of his death, in November. 1867. The mother
died August 16, 1898.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1429
Warren Smith, sole proprietor and owner of the Faribault
Cement and Pavement Works, was born in Monroe township,
Waldo county, Maine, December 31, 1849.
At an early age, he emigrated West with his i)arcnls who
located in Forest township. Rice count}-, Minnesota, and here
he passed his boyhood, having the usual experiences of a farmer
boy in those pioneer times and acquiring his education in the
district schools and in the jiublic schools of Faribault. After
school, he worked with his father on the home farm until he
arrived at his majority, and then entered the Polar Star Mills,
of Faribault, in which he thoroughly learned the miller's trade
during the following two years. Removing to Medford, Steele
county, he continued in his chosen vocation for the next three
years, subsequently locating in Owatonna four years, and then
two years in Janesville. Minn., all the while being engaged in
Iiis former line of work. In 1886, he returned to Faribault, being
connected with the Sheffield Mills for a year and then with a
mill at Xew Prague for six months. In 1888, he again returned
to Faribault and bought out the cement works, now known as
the Faribault Cement and Pavement Works, of which he is still
sole owner and proprietor, engaging in general cement con-
tracting and building in which he has been very successful,
catering to a large and growing trade, and employing from six
to fourteen men constantly. As to politics, the Republican party
claims his allegiance, though he has never aspired to public
office. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of .America,
the Mystic Toilers, and has been associated with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows for the past thirty-five years. December
27, 1876, at Faribault, he was married to Rosana Van Osdale,
of Wells township. They have three children : Arthur L.,
born November 20, 1877, now in business with his father, served
in the Spanish American War and afterwards remained in the
regular army seven years; Ella E., born March 1, 1879, died
October 27, 1881 ; Elda R., born February 28. 1886, is the wife
of C. F. Britt and has one child, Gerald L. ; and .\rthur, married
to Helfreda Faugher, is engaged at present with the city of
I^aribault as City Inspector, inspecting Portland cement and
tests of cement and brick business. The family residence is
located at 623 First street. West. They attend worship at the
Methodist Episcopal church. Hugh and Huldah (Garland),
parents of our subject were natives of Maine, where the father
followed farming. Coming West in April, 1853. they settled in
Forest township. Rice county, and homesteaded a quarter sec-
tion of wild land, which the father subdued and cultivated under
the trying conditions f)f those pioneer days, being engaged in
general farming until his death, December 21, 1885. The mother
1430 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
passed away August 25, of the i'ollowing year. Mrs. W'arren
Smith is a daughter of Simon and Elizabeth Van Osdale, the
father following farming in Wells township, Rice county, up
to the time of his death in '97. His wife deceased in 1872.
D. F. A. Skinner, a wideawake business man of Faribault,
Minn., was born July 15, 1869, in Chatauqua county. New York.
His early education was received in the district schools of his
native county, supplementing this with a course in the State
Normal School at Fredonia, N. Y.. and later being graduated
from a school of business in Burlington, Iowa. His school days
over he held several positions in Burlington until '88, when he
enlisted in Company E, Third Regiment of Infantry of the
United State Regular Army, participating in the campaigns of
'88 and '89 against the Sioux Indians, and receiving his baptism
of fire in an engagement at Fort Custer, near the scene of the
gallant General Custer's last stand. After two years service,
he was honorably discharged and came to St. Paul, being con-
nected with various wholesale houses until 1892, when he be-
came interested in a wholesale harness and saddlery business,
the company being retired during the financial depression of
the following year. In 1895, he removed to Walcott township,
Rice county, and six 3'ears later cime to Faribault, and started
a creamery and ice cream business on First avenue, North, hfs
increasing business soon compelling him to seek larger quar-
ters in a two story brick building, situated on Second street, be-
tween Central and First avenues. The building is admirably
adapted to the uses to which it is ])ul, being thoroughly modern
and sanitary in every respect, and ideally equipped to handle
his extensive and ever-growing trade in the retailing of milk
and cream, butter and ice-cream — which he manufactures, and
apples, eggs and dairy produce. Mr. Skinner also has com-
fortable apartments in the same structure, occupied by himself
and family as residence. In politics, he inclines towards the
tenets of the Republican part}', being a firm believer in pro-
tection by tariff. The Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen count him a
valued member of their respective organizations. October 18,
1893, he was united in marriage with Nellie B. Cowden, of
Fredonia, N. Y., by whom he has two children : Lillian Louise,
born in St. Paul, September 23, 1894, and Genevieve Cowden,
born February 19, 1897, in Walcott township.
Addison A. and Laura (Tambling) Skinner, parents of our
subjects, were born and reared in New York State. The father
served two enlistments in the War of the Rebellion, being once
mustered out on account of light weight. He met his death in
the service of his country at Fort Snelling. He was a college
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1431
graduate, ami while in civil life was engaged in farming in
Chautauqua county, New York. His wife died in 1881.
Everett Spear, one of the substantial men of Northfield,
Minn., cunics uf siurdy New England stock, and numbers
among his direct ancestors three great grandfathers who served
in the Revolutionary War. He is a native of Racine, Wis., and
was born May 9, 1844, to Edward and Mary (Sawyer) Spear,
who removed from Vermont, their native state to W^isconsin
in the early thirties. The father was a manufacturer by trade;
but in his later life he engaged in farming, and died at Wyocena,
Wis. Our subject acquired a common school education and
taught school one year. In 1864 he enlisted in Company F.
First Heavy Artillery, and was assigned to duty with the Army
of the Potomac, and guarded (he Forts around Alexandria.
After his honorable dishcarge, at the close of the War, at
Milwaukee, he returned to his home, and in 1866 removed to
Rice county and for a number of years was engaged in farm-
ing in Northfield township with good success. He also, in addi-
tion handled all kinds of farm implements. He was thus en-
gaged difTerent times till 1880, and the following year had a
position with the St. Paul Harvester Works which he held till
the latter part of 1882. He sold his farm of one hundred and
sixty acres in 1894.
Mr. Spear next turned his attention to well drilling, operating
two machines. He conducted this line of work eight years, cov-
ering almost the entire county. Since 1887 he has made his
home in Xorthficld, having forty-live acres of land within the
city limits; and here he carries on dairy farming, having a fine
lot of Jersey cows, selling his products to the creamery at
Northfield, in which he is a stockholder. Mr. Spear built a
number of houses in Northfield and is counted among her enter-
prising citizens. He has been a member of the school board of
ditsrict No. 78 a number of years, and at the present time —
1910 — is a member of the common council of the city. In
politics he is independent. Since this was written without be-
ing a candidate or having his name on the ballot he received 316
votes for Mayor and came near being elected. There was two
candidates with their names on the ballot, Dr. W. A. Hunt,
and R. D. Barrett.
On November 22, 1871, Mr. Si)ear married Miss Lizzie A.
daughter of Lambert and Martha (Martin) Watts. Of two chil-
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Spear, the elder, Lambert E. is a
manufacturer of gasoline engines, Maude is married to Mr. D.
D. Brubaker.
John W. Snyder, whose varied experiences have given him an
extensive knowledge of affairs, is one of the prosperous busi-
1432 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
ness men of Faribault, Minn. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio,
August 10. 185S, to Casper and Elizabeth (Lyford) Snyder,
natives of Germany. The father was a wood turner by trade
and on coming to this country settled first at Cincinnati where
he married, and thence moved to W'atertown. Wis. In 1867 he
went to Faribault and for a time was employed in the W'andel
Fruit Factory in various kinds of work. He afterwards followed
his trade in St. Paul and removed to Rochester, Minn., where he
died in 1902, and where his widow died in 1907. John W. grew
up in Watertown, Wis., and acquired his education and here
worked with his father learning the trade of wood turning, and
followed it ten years. During this time he became an expert
bicycle rider and spent three years as a fancy trick rider, and
racer, with the high wheel. Coming to Faribault, he turned his
attention to the bicycle trade, and sold the first safety bicycle
that was sold there. Mr. Snyder continued in this business with
good success, till 1895, and then began the bakery business that
has engaged his principal attention ever since, supplying goods
for both the retail and wholesale trade, sending his products
to Morristown and various southern points and having an ex-
tensive local trade with the hotels and restaurants of Faribault.
Mr. Snyder is active in fraternal and benevolent organizations,
being Past Chancellor of Knights of Pythias, and a member of
Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and the Eagles. He was the prime mover in
organizing the Faribault Guards and served five years as first
lieutenant of the company. In November. 1878, Mr. Snyder
married Fannie, a daughter of Albin and Mary Flye. natives of
Boston. Mass. Mr. Snyder is a Republican in political sentiment
and with Mrs. Snyder, is affiliated with the Episcopalian church.
George H. Shipman was born August 12, 1869, at Faribault,
Minn., and has lived there all his life, and is one of the pros-
perous and wide-awake busines men of the city. His parents,
George and Margaret (Weben) Shipman, came from Germany,
their native land, in 1866. and settled at Faribault, where they
still live, the father being well known as a painter and decorator.
They have besides our subject, a daughter. Flora Cecelia, who
lives with her parents. George H. acquired his education in
the German Lutheran, and public school, worked with his father
as a painter and decorator, becoming a skillful and expert work-
man. He continued with his father till 1909 and then branched
out on his own account, thoroughly prepared and fully equipped
to furnish estimates, and take and carry out contracts for paint-
ing and all manner of work relating to decorative art. Mr.
Shipman always devoted himself closely to his chosen work, but
gives a reasonable amount of time to social and outside afifairs.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1433
He is a member of the Commercial club of Faribault, and be-
longs to the Mutual Life Association. He is a Republican in
political faith and in his religious affiliations is connected with
the (lerman Lutheran church. On October 7, 1898, Mr. Ship-
man married Margaret Miller, whose parents, Jaques and Car-
oline Miller, came from Germany, their native land, about 18 —
and settled in Brooklyn, N. V., moving, five years later to Rice
county, Minnesota, where the father bought and settled his
family on a quarter section of land in Morristown and engaged
in general farming, and where he and his wife still live. Mr. and
Mrs. Shipman have two children named, respectively. Serena
Isabella and Helen Ardelia.
Walter Scott, proprietor of the Fariott Garage and Engine
Factory is a native of Rice county, Minnesota, and was born at
Morristown, June 19, 1866, to James G. and Lucia A. (Wood)
Scott, natives of New Jersey and Illinois, respectively. The
father was one of the early settlers of Rice county and did much
towards its development in the early days. He carried on gen-
eral farming and sheep raising in Richland township and later
in Morristown. In 1871 he sold his interests here and purcha.sed
milling property at Robert Lake, and was a leading and influ-
ential man in his community. His death occurred in 1885, bul
his widow survived till 1907, when she passed away. Walter
acquired his education in the public schools and when twenty
years old, in 1885, entered the works of F. W. Winters and
Company of Faribault, and learned the machinist's trade and
remained there five years. The next five years he was em-
ployed as engineer for M. B. Sheffield, at Walcott, after which
he went to Stillwater, and was there in the bicycle business till
the year of 1900. In the fall of that year he returned to Fari-
bault and for a year worked in the automobile factory of the
Chicago Electric Vehicle Company, and since that time, in one
way or another has been interested in, and connected with the
automobile trade. His present factory was established January
1, 1909, and besides the manufacture of gas engines and motor
boats, he does an extensive business in automobiles and other
repairs and in supplies of every kind in this line, and is the
representative of the Olds, the Btiick and the Oakland machines
for Rice, and a half of Goodhue counties. Mr. Scott is a member
of the Automobile club and Boat club of Faribault, and also
belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America, and for three
years, 1905-8, was state game officer. He is independent in his
political sentiments and actions, and in religious belief, adheres to
the faith of the Presbyterian church. On October 23, 1888, Mr.
Scott married Edith M., daughter of J. W. and Ella R. Brierton,
natives of Illinois and Pennsylvania, respectively. They were
1434 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
early settlers of Olmstead county, Minnesota, and in 1869 set-
tled on a farm in Steele county.
Charles N. Stewart, ex-sheriff of Rice county, was born in
Madison count}-, Xew York, June 18, 1826, and was brought
to Wisconsin by his parents as a lad of fourteen. He then
remained on the home farm workmg for his father until 1854
when he came to Rice county, arriving at the present site of
Northfield, October 20, of that year. He made a claim in North-
field township on Prairie creek, built a cabin and returned that
fall to \\isconsin. On account oi his health, Mr. Stewart was
unable to return inside of the required si.x months and conse-
quently lost his claim right. Not daunted, he returned about
the middle of July, 1855, and bought a claim of 160 acres from
a Mr. Trolley in the township of Bridgewater. Here he lived
for forty-seven years, winning h.is way in the esteem of his
fellow citizens, and becoming one of the most honored, respected
and trusted citizens of the county. In 1902 he moved to the
city of Northfield where he nov.- resides. Mr. Stewart was
elected sherifl:' of Rice county in 1888 and served four consecutive
terms. After returning from this office he took charge of the
state farm which is conducted -.a connection with the state
school for defectives, and remained about two years. He has
now retired from the more strenuous duties of life and is enjoy-
ing a well-deserved rest. Mr. Stewart has been a life long
Republican. He was married October 30. 1860, to Olive Jose-
phine Hull, born in Munnsville, Madison county, New York,
September 15, 1833. To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were born four
children, two of whom are living. Birney Sinclair was born
September 1, 1862. and died July 6. 1864; Charles S. was born
July 18, 1865, and died January 31, 1901 ; Theodore A. was born
May 10, 1867, and now lives at Hibbing, Minn.; Clara M. was
born March 22, 1869, and married Herbert Clement, of Fari-
bault, Minn. The family faith is that of the Congregational
church.
The parents of Charles N. Stewart were Alexander and
Margaret (Sinclair) Stewart, both natives of Scotland, married
in Johnstown, Montgomery county, New York. Alexander
Stewart moved to Waukesha county, Wisconsin, in 1840 and
there followed the occupation of farmer. He and his wife are
both dead. They were the parents of eleven children as fol-
lows: Mrs. George Stewart, of Oneida, Madison county. New
York; Mrs. Henry Gilbert, of Monmouth, 111.; Robert A.
Pewauke, of Waukesha county, Wisconsin; John, of Jackson,
Mich. ; Wiliam D., of Rice county, Minnesota ; Mrs. A. B. Par-
sons, of Delaware, Wis.; Janett Stewart, of Delaware, Wis.;
Joseph A., of Northfield, Minn.; Archibald S., of Nyack, New
f"
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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1435
York; Charles N., of Northfield, and James T.. of Waukesha,
Wis. The parents of Mrs. Charles N. Stewart were Samuel W.
and Mary L. (Frost) Hull, both natives of New York, the
former born April 12, 1803, and the mother September 20,
1808. They were married September 21, 1826. The father died
May 30, 1881, and the mother September 2, 1884. They were
the parents of six children: Adelaide A., who died in infancy;
Mrs. William Minton, of Brockton, Chautauqua county, New
York; Mrs. Charles N. Stewart, of Northfield; Mrs. James De
Grey, of Clinton, East Felisiana Parish, La. ; Helen Adel, who
died in infancy and David Virney, of Chautauqua county, New
York.
Miron W. Skinner, now deceased, was for many years prom-
inently identified with the life of Northfield. He was born at
Jericho Center. Vermont, June 2, 1834. His parents, though
having little of this world's wealth, were of sturdy New Eng-
land stock, and rich in the virtues of the Puritan character.
His mother was a Chapin, a name well known and honorably
associated with much of New England history. Losing his
mother when but eight years of age, and compelled to begin
earning his own livelihood at fifteen, he early developed the
independence and self reliance that were such important elements
of success to him in after life. His education was received in
the public schools and in the academy of the neighboring town
of Underbill. His business training began with three years of
clerkship in Burlington and Underbill. In 1853 he went to
Dubuque, Icwa, where he remained one year, and then to Galena,
111., where he remained two years, as clerk in a wholesale house,
and where business connections first called his attention to the
possibilities of the Northwest. In 1856 he joined his two
brothers in Jamestown, Wis., where they were engaged in the
mercantile business. In the fall of the same year, with his
brother, Martin P. Skinner, he went to Northfield. and estab-
lished a similar business, the three brothers conudcting the two
stores in partnership until the death of the Wisconsin brother
in 1864. Northfield was then but a rude promise of a town.
There was not a plastered house within its limits, and every-
thing was in a corresponding state of crudeness. Of what it
subsequently became, Mr. Skinner contributed his full share.
By ability, industry, integrity and fair dealing, he not only
achieved a substantial business success, but won the respect and
esteem of his fellow citizens and contributed in many important
ways to the best interests of the town. In 1866, his brother.
Martin, died, and Mr. Skinner associated himself with other
partners, from time to time— Mr. Jenkins. Mr. Lockwood and
C. A. Drew, the partnership with the latter continuing for
1436 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
eighteen years. Meantime Mr. Skinner was frequently en-
trusted by eastern people with money for investment, and he
conducted such negotiations with so much sagacit}-, and so much
to the satisfaction of both borrowers and lenders, that he grad-
ually developed a loan business of such magnitude that he was
obliged to devote his entire time to it, withdrawing from his
mercantile pursuits for that purpose. It is a fine tribute to both
his business and his moral qualities that in the more than forty
years that this business continued, not a dollar thus invested
for other people was ever lost, and no mortgaged property
came back upon the hands of the investors. The confidence
which his neighbors had in him was attested in many ways.
He was for several years officially connected with the Citizens'
Bank, of Northfield, and was for twenty-one years, a director
and for fourteen years the vice president of the First National
Bank. The welfare of Northfield and its people was ever dear
to him, and he was foremost in every enterprise which he be-
lieved to be for the general good. In 1892 he was elected as a
member of the city council, and was twice re-elected, making
his office six years, after which, in March, 1898, he was elected
mayor, which ofifice he held four years. It was during this
official period of his life, and largely through his efforts and
influence, that some of the most important and progressive im-
provements were introduced, including the system of water-
works, to which he gave so much time and attention. .September
5, 1859, Mr. Skinner was married, in Anoka, Minn., to Emily
Willey, daughter of the Rev. Austin Willey, then pastor of the
Congregational church in that place. The union was a sing-
ularly happy and fortunate one, securing him a companion and
helper whose sympathy, capacity and co-operation were of in-
valuable service to him in every walk of life. Their home was
a charming social center, where their friends and neighbors
delighted to gather, and overflowed with the most generous
hospitality to the large circles of guests, whether acquaintances
or strangers. Mr. Skinner's religious character was as marked
and earnest as his business enterprise. He was from childhood
seriously inclined, and a regular attendant at church and Sunday
school. In March, 1858, he joined the Congregational church
at Northfield, and was one of the most exemplary and active
members during the remainder of his life. He engaged actively
in .Sunday school work, and was a regular attendant at the
devotional meetings of the church. He served it as clerk, treas-
urer, deacon and trustee, and was a generous giver to ver}- good
cause. His piety was of a kind that begins at home, where
family worship was regularly maintained, and the many interests
that were dear to him were daily remembered. In no organi-
HISTORY OF RICE AND SlTTELE COUNTIES 143;
zation was he more interested than in the Old Settlers Associ-
ation, and its unusual success has been largely due to his energy
and ingenuity. He was a member of the first board of trustees
of Carleton college and served in that capacity until his death.
His interest in the college was intense, and his gifts of time and
money extending over a period of more than forty years, were
many and generous. Although doing such a prodigious amount
of work, Mr. Skinner, was, during a large part of his adult life,
a sufferer from impaired health. Before he was thirty years old,
he developed pulmonary difSculties that threatened his life, but
from which, rest, temporary change of climate and skillful nurs-
ing brought him gradually back to health, though with some
remnants of the old troubles from which he was never entirely
free. During the last three or four years of his life he was a
sufferer from other serious disorders, which, in spite of all that
medical and surgical skill and devoted care could do, culminated
in his death, on July 19, 1909. His death was felt as a personal
and public loss. Places of business were closed during the
funeral hour, and his neighbors and associates went enmasse
to the service. Mr. Skinner left a wife and one daughter. An
infant son died in 1863.
Adam Smith, a retired farmer, now living in Northfield.
Minn., is a native of Germany and was born May 10, 1839. His
parents, Nicholas and Mary (Wolf) Smith immigrated from
Germany, their native land, in May, 1846, and settled on a farm
near Buffalo, N. Y., where they reared their family and spent
their lives. Here our subject spent his boyhood on his father's
farm, and acquired his education attending school, held in a log
cabin. He left home in 1857 and coming to Minnesota, reached
Northfield October 7th, and during the following six months
lived on what was known as the Captain Ives farm near the then
Village after which, until 1862, he was employed as a farm hand.
After the opening of the Civil War. he enlisted in Company A.
Seventh Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers, infantry, and after
serving one year in the Indian Expedition, was transferred to
St. Louis, Mo., where he was on parol duty for a time, and then
with his regiment, went to Paducah, Ky. He continued in the
service till the close of the war in 1865, participating in the
numerous battles of the various campaigns and was honorably
discharged, being mustered out at Fort Snclling. Rcturninc;
home, Mr. Smith resumed farming, settling in Sciota township
where he continued three years, after which he farmed two years
in Waterford township, and then for a period of ten years con-
ducted a teaming business, carrying between Cascade and North-
field. Through these years of industry, economy, and thrift.
Mr. Smith accumulated sufficient capital to buy a farm of one
1438 PIISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
hundred and sixty acres in Stanton township, Goodhue county
where he settled in 1879 and which he conducted with eminent
success for a period of twenty years, carrying on general farm-
ing and dairying. Mr. Smith still owns this farm, but since
1899 has lived in Northfield where he enjoys the well-earned
fruits of his labors in his fine home on Union avenue. On Sep-
tember 24, 1863, Mr. Smith married Julia H., daughter of the
late Josiah Austin, a pioneer farmer of Goodhue county, a native
of Vermont, and who recently died in Washington. Of three
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the eldest, Tda is married
to Arthur Drake, a carpenter, of Northfield, Lillian is married
to Simon La Pointc. a farmer, in the outskirts of Northfield. and
Sidney S.. who married Lizzie Dack. is engaged in farming near
Northfield. Mr. Smith is a member of the G. A. R., Heywood
Post. Grand Army of the Republic, at Northfield. and he was the
last man to whom Mr. Heywood handed money over the bank
counter before the bank robbery.
Henry A. Swartwood, retired farmer of Faribault, and former
member of the legislature, was born in Wyoming coimty, Penn-
sylvania, July 20, 1836. After receiving the usual education of
the boys of his period, he followed farming until 18.V on the
home farm in Pennsylvania. After coming to Cannon City
township with his parents, he still farmed with his father until
1859 when he purchased 100 acres of his own. To this he added
until he owned 220 acres, which he improved and cultivated, suc-
cessfully conducting general farming. During this period he
rose to distinction among his neighbors. For many years he
served on the school board and for two terms was supervisor of
his township. In 1887-88 he was a member of the state legis-
lature and reflected credit upon himself and the district he repre-
sented. During the Indian outbreak, he received a commission
as second lieutenant in one of the companies raised for frontier
service, but he did not leave home. In 1899, Mr. Swartwood
rented his farm and purchased a comfortable residence at 625
Seventh street, Faribault, where he is now enjoying the fruits
of a well-spent life. In politics he is an independent Republican.
Mr. Swartwood was married in March, 1859, to Harriet Shcpard.
who died in April. 1896. To this union were born six children:
Fred A., a physician in Waseca ; Frank I., an insurance agent in
Minneapolis ; Wilbur E., secretary of the Minneapolis Paper
Company, in Minneapolis; Clifford H., in the mining business at
Cripple Creek, Col.; Jennie M.. married to Edward A Pike and
living on the old homestead; and Carlton H., of Minneapolis.
Mr. Swartwood was married y\pril 20, 1899, to Alice E. Covert,
daughter of Joseph Covert, of Wheeling township, born March
2, 1859. Mr. Covert died April 20, 1803, and Mrs. Covert died
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1439
April 28, 1898. The family faith of the Swartwoods is that of the
Episcopal church.
Henry and Catherine (Brunges) Swartwood parents of Henry
A. Swartwood were natives of Pennsylvania, their oldest son,
Charles came in 1855 and the father in 1856, and returned the
same year to his old home and moved his family in 1857. having
purchased 320 acres and followed farming until their retirement
in 1884. Mrs. Swartwood died February 27. 1886. and Mr.
Swartwood October 31, 1895.
Andrew J. Stauffer, son of one of the pioneer Minnesota
families, was born in territorial days, at Afton, Washington
county, Minnesota. September 4, 1856, and spent his boyhood
in that place. In 1869 he came with his parents to Faribault
and continued his schooling in the public schools of this city.
After completing his studies, he still remained at home, and in
1881 took chage of the home farm, coming into possession of
the old homestead at the time of his father's death. From 1889
to 1895 he engaged in a general mercantile establishment in
Idaho, but with the exception of those years, has devoted his
life to farming. In 1903, the farm house, which had stood many
years, was burned, and the family moved to 516 West Fifth
street. Mr. Stauffer, however, continued to carry on general
farming on the home place with great success. The farm, which
is a fertile one, is located within the city limits and is in a
high state of cultivation. Mr. Stauffer is a loyal Prohibitionist.
and belongs to the Modern Samaritans and the Equitable Fra-
ternal Union. He has never sought public office. April 30,
1881, Mr. Stauffer was married at Cannon City to Lina J.
Covert, born September 1, 1860, daughter of Hon. Joseph
Covert. To this union have been born three children: Leslie
J. was born June 11, 1884, and was married September 28. 1907,
to Ruby P. Rawson ; Roy J. was born April 14. 1888, and died
March 26, 1892; Hazel T. was born April 30. 1899. and lives
at home. The family faith is that of the Congregational church.
John and Hannah (Shull) Stauffer, territorial pioneers, parents
of .'\ndrcw J. Stauffer, were born in Pennsylvania, and there
spent their early life, migrating to St. Anthony Falls in 1854.
Subsequently they lived in Afton, Minn., where their son was
born, and in 1869 came to Faribault and purchased the Ilulett
farm, where they conducted general fanning until 1881, when
they retired. The mother died November 28. 1885, and in 1887
the father returned to Pennsylvania, where he died at York, in
April, 1894. To John Stauffer belongs the credit of originating
the raising of clover in both Washington and Rice counties.
Sylvester Statelar, one of the sturdy old pioneers of Minne-
sota, was born in Ohio, March 14, 1817, in which state he re-
1440 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ceivcd liis cducalion. After his school days, he served an appren-
ticeship in a blacksmith shop, following this line of work for
several years in his native state and continuing it after his re-
moval to Stillwater, Minn., in 1842. He remained in Stillwater
till 1846, when he removed to Lake Superior, staying there
one year. In 1847, he was appointed government blacksmith
for the Chippewa Indians, being stationed at Crow Wing, Minn.,
holding this position until 1862, and experiencing the usual hard-
ships and perils incident to the early pioneer days. He then
came to Rice county and located in Warsaw township, where he
purchased a quarter section of land and entered into agriculture
with his characteristic energy and vim, remodeled the house,
erected new outbuildings and made numerous other improve-
ments. Mr. Statelar's farm is known as one of the best in the
township. Besides carrying on general farming, he has made
a specialty of gardening, also of grape culture, in which he has
met with very marked success. In connection with his farm,
he has always conducted a blacksmith shop for the purpose of
doing his own work in that line, and has also helped out his
neighbors on numerous occasions. He has occupied much of his
time in his advanced age in fine metal work, especially in the
making of carving sets, having made five sets after his eighty-
fifth year. As to politics, Mr. Statelar is a follower of the Demo-
cratic party, and has been honored with various local offices,
having served his town for many years on the school board as
well as in other town offices. In religion, he is a believer in the
teachings of the Episcopal church. He is identified with the
1849 Territorial Association, organized in "57. Mr. Statelar is
now in his ninety-fourth year, but is still hale and hearty and has
a very vivid recollection of the early days with their privations
and trials. He is universally loved and esteemed by all with
whom he comes in contact. December 21, 1863, at Little Falls.
Minn., he was married to Sarah J. Elwell, who died February
3, 1907, leaving two daughters and one son. Chlora, the eldest,
married Charles Murray, now of Merriam Park. James S., the
second in order of birth, has always been engaged in general
farming with his father on the old homestead, looking after the
interests of the farm and caring for his father in his old age. He
also owned and conducted another large farm in connection with
the old homestead for some years. As well as other business
enterprises, chief of which is a large interest in and the presi-
dency of the Faribault Canning Company. Sarah A., like her
brother has always remained at home, caring for her father and
attending to the household duties that her mother so faithfully
performed before her passing to the Great Beyond.
There were three older children by a former marriage, Nannie,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1441
who resides in St. Paul ; Truman, who tlicd in I'JOG, and Sophia,
married to Henry Sidebottom, who died in 1901. There is one
grandson, Radclyffe Sidebottom, born in England, in 1895.
John Sery was born in Bohemia, June 24, 1866, son of Albert
and Annie (Cecka) Serj^, natives of Bohemia. The father acted
as foreman imder Prince Swartzenburg, and also as road over-
seer in his county for forty years, he died in 1849. John Sery
was educated in Bohemia, and came to tliis country with his
mother and sister in 1880, they first located at New Prague
where he and his sister worked in a hardware store for one year.
He then went to work on a farm for two years in that vicinity,
and then worked one season on a farm in Dakota county in
order to learn the English language. He then went to Dakota
where he worked out on a farm for four years. Returning to
Minnesota he went to St. Paul and entered the butcher business
which he followed for one year. He then returned to Rice
county and worked at odd jobs for one year, then moved to
Tacoma, Wash., where he entered the wood business and con-
tinued in that for about three years, when he again returned to
North Dakota. In 1894, he removed to Minneapolis and entered
the butcher l:)usiness but he followed it for only a few months,
when he returned to Rice county and farmed for one year, and
then moved to Pine county, where he farmed until 1902, going
from there to McHenry county, N. Dakota where he took up a
homestead. In 1905 he sold out and returned to Rice county
where he bought eighty acres in Wheatland township, section
23, and now does a general farming. In 1887 he was married
to Johanna Cihlar, a daughter of Mithias and Elonor Cihlar who
were natives of Bohemia. Four children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Sery: John, now in the hardware business in Dakota;
Annie and Nora, twins, living in Minneapolis, and George lives
at home. His wife died in 1902. He married as his second wife
in 1905, Mary Kotraba, widow of Chas. Kotraba. He has one
child by his second wife, Emma, who lives at home. In his
religious belief Mr. Sery is a Roman Catholic, and his political
affiliations are with the Republican party. He has served as
supervisor and town chairman of Wheatland township, and also
on the school board. He is now serving as chairman of the
village board of \\'healland. He is also president of the \Vheat-
land Creamery Compan}'.
O. H. Stenbakken, a retired farmer of Wheeling township, is
a worthy example of those men of sturdy race, who left the
shores of Europe for the new world to achieve for themselves
a name and fortune. He was born in Norway, September
17, 1848, .son of H. O. and Carrie (Erickson) Stenbakken, who
emigrated to America and located in Rock county, Wisconsin.
144? HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in 1854. The father was engaged there as a laborer until 1856
at which time he moved to Minnesota and located in section
12, Wheeling township, where he bought 160 acres of land, which
he improved and engaged in general farming until 1875. At this
time he retired and lived with his son until the time of his
decease in 1899. The mother died in 1862. Our subject attended
school onl}' six months, acquiring his education by diligent study
during spare hours at home. He started life on the old home-
stead on which he continued to do general farming until 1907
when he retired from active life. He still makes his home on
the old homestead with his son. Mr. Stenbakken was married
December 13, 1875, to Bergit H., daughter of H. K. and Sigre
(Rustan) Rank, natives of Norway, who emigrated to America
in 1859. and located in section 7. town of Holden. Goodhue
county, where the father farmed until 1892 at which time he
retired and moved to Blooming Prairie. Steele county, where
he died. ^Irs. Rauk lives in Minneapolis with her daughter,
Mrs. O. H. Veblen. Mrs. Stenbakken died in 1895.
Mr. and Mrs. Stenbakken have had five children: Carrie M.,
deceased; Planna Sophia, married to J. O. Hellerud, who lives
in the town of Wheeling: Gine K.. married to Joseph Hellerud,
and lives in Wheeling: Hans O. has charge of the farm; Serana
B., now Mrs. A. B. Larson, member of the hardware firm of Held
& Larson, at Nerstrand. Mr. Stenbakken is a Republican, and
in religious faith he belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran Church.
He has filled a number of local offices in the township, such as
supervisor, justice of the peace, constable, township treasurer
and clerk for the school board twenty years. He is also an active
worker for the co-operative institutions in the community, being-
president and director of the Wheeling Mutual Fire Insurance
Compan}- ; vice-president and director of the Farmers' State
Bank at Nerstrand ; stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative
Creamer}-, and a director in the Northfield Telephone Company,
and assessor of the village of Nerstrand for twelve years.
Thomas Skluzacek was born in Wheatland, March 31. 1887.
a son of Joseph and Katherine (Sticha) Skluzacek, natives of Bo-
hemia. The father was by occupation a farmer, and came to this
country in 1855, locating at St. Louis, remained there about one
year, and then came to Minnesota, settling at Jordan, where he
resided for six months. He then moved to New Prague, where
he was in the hotel business for about eight years ; from there
he moved to Wheatland township, where he bought a farm in
section 19, which he carried on until 1890. He deeded the prop-
erty over to his oldest son, Joseph F., and moved two miles fur-
ther south, where he farmed until 1907. He moved to Lonsdale,
where he now lives. Mr. Thomas Skluzacek was educated in
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1443
the district schools of Wheatland, and at Montgomery. He spent
seven months at a business college in Mankato. After leaving
school he took up banking. He started as bookkeeper in the
State Bank of Lonsdale, and is now cashier. He is one of a
family of fourteen children. In his political views he is a Re-
publican, and is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He
is now the village recorder and is a stockholder in the Lonsdale
Bank.
P. H. Shields is one of the substantial farmers of Wells town-
ship, Rice county, Minn., who has attained his honorable place
in his community by force of character, energy and hard work.
A native of Waukesha county, Wisconsin, he was born in 1846
to Charles and Catherine (Muldown) Shields, who came from
Ireland, their native country, in 1839 and settled in Providence,
R. I., where the father followed his trade as a shoemaker. In
1844 he removed with his family to Waukesha county, Wiscon-
sin, where he followed his trade and also conducted a store for
a time and pre-empted a tract of 120 acres of land. The mother
died there in 1882 and in 1883 the father moved to Minnesota
and lived with his son the remainder of his life.
Our subject spent his boyhood at home and attended the
public schools, and in 1868 bought eighty acres of land in Wis-
consin, and engaged in farming; selling out his interests in 1883,
he came to Rice county, Minnesota, where he bought eighty
acres of land, which he has improved and developed, and where
he has made a beautiful home and carries on diversified and gen-
eral farming with eminent success. Mr. Shields is an energetic
man of affairs, prosperous and thrifty, and has served the com-
munity in numerous local offices for many years, such as asses-
sor, chairman of the town board, clerk of the school district, etc.
He has held high positions in the Ancient Order of Hibernians,
and been prominent in temperance work, is a Democrat in poli-
tics and, with his family is connected with the Catholic Church.
He is also financially interested in the Faribault elevator and
other local enterprises. On January 25, 1873, Mr. Shields mar-
ried Mrs. Bridget Aspel, whose parents. Michael and Anaslasia
Connors, were natives of Ireland, and who came from their
native land in 1850 and settled first in New York state, whence
they moved to Wisconsin in 1854, and settled on a farm where
they passed the rest of their lives, the mother dying in 1896 and
the father in 1904. Of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Shields, the eldest, Katherine, is married to Mr. M. Greenwood,
and lives in Otter county, Minnesota; Anastasia married John
J. Sullivan and lives in Erin township. Rice county; Bridget,
who is the wife of Mr. John Welch, lives at Faribault; Eliza-
beth lives at home with her parents; Anna E. is a teacher in
1444 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Rice county ; Charles P. lives at home ; Nora is the wife of
,Mr. J. P. Sullivan, of Erin township. Rice county ; Martin M.
lives at home, and Mary attended a business college and is a
teacher by profession.
Edwin Schwake resides on a farm in Wheeling township,
Rice county, where he was born February 26, 1883. to Fred and
Frederika ( Mahl) Schwake. natives of Germany, who emigrated
to America in about 1858 and located in Illinois, where the
father farmed until the Civil War broke out. The father en-
listed in the army and served all through the war. After the
close of the war he came to Miimesota and located in Richland
township. Rice county, where he bought a farm, which he im-
prov^ed and on which he did general farming until 1878. He
sold this farm and bought 200 acres in section 16. Richland town-
ship, remaining there until 1879. He then returned to Wheeling-
township, where he bought 160 acres in section 27. on which he
was engaged in general farming up to the time of his decease
in 1905. The mother died in 1901. Nine children blessed the
home of this family : John lives on a farm in Richland town-
ship ; Martha, now Mrs. Ernest Schuette. lives on a farm in
Steele county ; Emma keeps house for the two brothers on the
old homestead ; Albert, a farmer, is married, and lives in Dodge
county; Margaret married \\'. H. Lindenburg. clothier at Fari-
bault; Anna married H. A. Buchring and lives in Ellington,
Minn.; Edwin, the subject of this sketch, and Arthur are both
engaged in farming on the old home place ; Alma makes her
home on the farm and at Faribault. Our subject was educated
in the district schools of Wheeling, which was supplemented
b)' a course at the Dunker's Business College at Faribault.
Leaving school, he returned to his father's farm, where he is still
engaged in farming. In politics his sentiments are with the
Republican party. He is a member of the German Evangelical
Church.
J. W. Stoos, a progressive farmer of Richland township, was
born there March 18. 1876, to N. H. and Sarah J. (Thompson)
Stoos. natives of Germany and New York, respectively. The
father came to America in 1850. with his parents. He came to
Rice county as a young man and located in Richland township,
sections 19 and 20, where he erected farm buildings, made im-
provements and did general farming until 1904. at which time
he rented the farm to his son. J. W.. and moved to Owatonna,
where he lives at the present time. The subject of this sketch
acquired his education in the district schools of Richland, which
was supplemented by five years' schooling at Pillsbury Academy
at Owatonna. Leaving school, he came back to the old home-
stead, where he still remains, carrying on general and diversified
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1445
farming. Mr. Stoos was married in 1904 to Floy, daughter of
H. B. Chambers, of Owatonna. The fruits of thi.s union are two
children, Everett W. and Ruth H., who are both living with their
parents. In politics he is affiliated with the Prohibition party.
In religious faith he with his family belongs to the Baptist
Church. He has served as clerk of the school board in district
No. 21 for the past nine years.
Carl Schmidt, an esteemed farmer of Wheeling township,
has reason to be proud of the record he has made as a pro-
gressive citizen. He was born in Germany, November 19, 1847.
He is the son of Gotfred and Hanna Schmidt. The father was
a farmer, which occupation he followed until the time of his
decease in 1884. The mother died in 1889. Carl was educated
in the schools of Germany. Leaving school, he worked on a
farm until 1869, when he emigrated to America and located in
Michigan, where he worked in the copper mines, which occupa-
tion he followed for a year, and then came to Minnesota and
located in Rice county, township of Wheeling, where he worked
on a farm. In 1877 he bought eighty acres of farm land in sec-
tion 26 and ten acres of timber land ; remaining there until
1883. He increased his farm by an additional purchase of eighty
acres in section 26. on which he made extensive improvements
and carried on general farming until 1908, when he retired from
active life, renting his farm to his son Carl. Mr. Schmidt was
married June 15, 1877, to Caroline, daughter of Louis and Wil-
helmcna (Lange) Hansing, natives of Germany, who emigrated
to America in 1846, locating in Illinois, where the father worked
on a farm until 1856. They then moved to Minnesota, and lo-
cated in Rice county, township of Wheeling, where the father
was engaged in farming until the time of his decease, in 1876.
Mrs. Hansing died in 1898. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt
was blessed with three children: Carl, who is married and lives
on the old homestead; Wihelmena died at the age of five; Her-
man died when six years old. Mr. Schmidt has served on the
school board for five years as director. He is a stockholder in
the Nerstrand Creamery. In politics he is affiliated with the
Republican party. In religious faith he belongs to the German
Evangelical Church.
A. B. Story, a farmer of Richland township, first saw light
in Essex, Mass., November 27, 1852. He is a son of Andrew and
Lucy Story, natives of Massachusetts. The father, a ship-
builder, worked at his trade until 1862, when he moved West
with his famil)' and located in sections 2 and 3, Richland town-
ship. Rice county, where he did general farming up to the time
of his decease, which occurred in the month of December. 1900.
The mother is also dead. Our subject was educated in the dis-
1446 HISTORY OF RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES
trict schools of Richland township, also in the public school at
Kenyon. Leaving school, he worked on his father's farm until
1876, at which time he bought 160 acres of land in Dodge county,
on which he carried on general farming, but continued to reside
with his parents. He later sold this farm and bought another
160 acres, which he still owns. He makes his home on the old
homestead, and has about 460 acres of land in all. Mr. Story
was married March 4. 1890, to Annie, daughter of George and
Celia (Howard) Wheeler, natives of King county, Illinois. Mr.
Wheeler's occupation was that of a farmer. He came to Min-
nesota in 1857 and located in Richland township, where he
bought 160 acres of land, on which he farmed until 1865. He
then sold this farm and bought eighty acres or railroad land,
on which he farmed until 1875, at which time he again sold and
bought another farm in the western part of Richland township,
remaining there until 1897, when he again sold and bought
what is known as the Lockwood farm, where he remained until
1907. He then gave up active work and moved to Kenyon,
where he expired April 18, 1909. Mrs. Wheeler now makes her
home with her daughter, Mrs. Christ Dahl, who lives in Rich-
land township. Mr. and Mrs. Story have three children, Andrew
H., Albin Loyd and Annie Laurie, who are all living at home.
Mr. Story believes in the principles of the Republican party. In
religious faith he is affiliated with the Universalist Church. He
has shown an active interest in public affairs, and has aided in
a number of progressive enterprises in his community. He
served as director on the school board for six years ; also as
director and treasurer of the Richland Creamery from 1906 to
1908. He is a stockholder and director in the Farmers' Ele-
vator in Kenyon. He is also a director and one of the members
of the board of examining committee of the Farmers' State
Bank at Ken3'on. He also served six years on the board of
supervisors.
Joseph F. Skluzacek was born in Wheatland township,
March 18, 1868. He is a son of Joseph and Katherine Skluza-
cek. He attended the district school at Wheatland, spent four
years in the parochial school at New Prague, about seven months
at La Sueur, and five months at the parochial school at Fari-
bault. After leaving school he farmed with his father, and in
1891 his father deeded to him 120 acres. He has added to this
and now has 270 acres on which he has done general farming up
to the present time. He also raises pure-bred Pcrcheron horses
and mixed Shorthorn cattle. He was married in 1891 to Eliza-
beth Trnka, and eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Skluzacek: Ludmilla, Joseph, George, John, Jaroslav. Edward,
Theodore and Frank. In politics Mr. Skluzacek is a Democrat.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1447
and in his religious belief he is a Catholic. He is a member of
the Society of Catholic Workmen, Z. C. K. J.; clerk of the school
board, and president of the Rice County I''armcrs' Elevator Com-
pany at Lonsdale, and also secretary of the Wheatland Horse
Company.
Herbert W. Tuttle, retired business man of Faribault, was
born in the city w here he now resides, July 9, 1869, son of Lyman
and Ruth (Hoynton) Tuttle, New Englandcrs b}' birth and
ancestry. Herbert W. received his education in the public
schools and at Shattuck school, graduating from the latter insti-
tution in 1890. He then enteretl the employ of the l''aribault
Boot and Shoe Factory as bookkeeper. In 1896 he accepted a
similar position with the Security Bank, later being promoted
to assistant cashier. In 1904 he resigned his position and took
charge of his father's business until 1907, when he sold out and
retired. A Republican in politics, he keeps well abreast of all
the public questions of the day, but has never been an aspirant
for public office. He has shown his interest in Faribault b}-
joining the Commercial Club, and he also belongs to the Royal
Arcanum and other fraternities. Air. Tuttle was married July
27, 1898, at Faribault, Minn., to Jane E. Weston, born in Bur-
nett, Wis., October 30, 1872, daughter of Charles Weston, who
died May 17, 1908. Mrs. Weston is still living.
Lyman Tuttle, a pioneer, was born in New Haven, Conn..
August 2v3, 1836, being one of the well-known Tuttle family of
that place. When seventeen years of age, he entered the employ
of a mercantile house, and remained until 1856, when he came
to Faribault, and located, identifying himself with the meal
business. From tliat dale to 1864 he had ditTercnt partners in
the business, the market being known as the Excelsior Market.
In 1864 he became sole proprietor and so remained up to the time
of his death. He was a strong Republican, taking a great inter-
est in public affairs. He served as alderman from the Third
ward and was a high degree Ma.son, being a member of the
Knights Templar. He was unusually public-spirited, always
helping in a financial way any enterprise that might be for the
benefit of his town or a help of its citizens, and always giving
generously to charity. He was married October 14, 1868, to
Ruth Boynton, who died January 19, 1894, leaving one .son, Her-
bert W. Mr. Tuttle died September 14, 1906.
August Timm is a leading and influential citizen of Rice
county, Minnesota. He was born in Germany in 1854, and
there acquired his schooling. He came to the United States in
1873 and settled on a small farm in Dodge county. Wisconsin,
and lived there ten vears. in the meantime, in 1881, having mar-
ried, his wife's maiden name being Anna Wolf. In 1884 Mr.
1448 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUxXTIES
and Mrs. Timm moved to Grant county, South Dakota, but nine-
teen years later returned and lived in Warsaw township, Rice
county, Minn., two years, and in 1905 bought from Mr. W. C.
Knauss two farms of eighty acres each, and one farm of eighty
acres from A. G. St. Dennis, in Morristown township, where
he has since made his home. These farms, comprising 240 acres,
are all under cultivation, and finely improved with good build-
ings and modern equipments. Since settling here Mr. Timm
has remodeled the barn and erected a silo, a commodious wagon
shed, and granar_\', and among other modern appliances has put
in a fine feed mill, operated by engine power, and constructed a
system of waterworks which by windmill power supplies water
to his elegant and substantial farmhouse. Mr. Timm has three
sons, George R., Ervin L. and William F., the two first named
being associated with him under the name of August Timm &
Sons, as proprietors of the Pleasant View and Cedar Lawn
Dairy Farms, which are stocked with registered and high grade
Holstein-Friesian cattle and Poland-China swine. Mr. Timm
is also president of the Morristown Telephone Company. Since
1872 he has been affiliated with the German Baptist Church, and
is an active church and Sunday-school worker, having been
Sunday-school superintendent for more than twenty-five years.
In 1886 he began preaching the gospel, in addition to his other
activities, and preached his first pulpit sermon at Big Stone
City, S. D. He also supplied the pulpit of the Baptist Church
at Morristown for two months during the illness of the pastor,
Rev. Reynolds. Mr. George R. Timm, the eldest son, married
Lydia Witte, and they have one child, named Evelyn, who is
the only grandchild of our subject. Mr. Timm is a man of sturdy
character and strong convictions, and is recognized as a leadei
in the community and in all that makes for the elevation and
betterment of his fellows.
Dr. Arthur Taylor, osteopathic practitioner of Northfield, has
won for himself a worthy position in the community. Among
other achievements, he organized the "Science Circle" in the
state of Minnesota, and is the present state leader. He was
born in Red Wing, Minn., September 10, 1879, a son of Benja-
min and Margaret (Featherstone) Taylor, the former a native
of Canada and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father died
June 12, 1903, and the mother still makes her home in Red
Wing. Arthur was the youngest of three, the others being
Lily, of Kirksville, Mo., and Clarence T., of Red Wing. The
subject of this sketch received his education in the public
schools of Red Wing, and also took a normal course in that
city. He then went to the Still College of Osteopathy, in Des
Moines, Towa, where he graduated in June, 1903. He at once
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1449
commenced the practice of his profession in Winona, Minn.,
remaining three months, after which he came to Northfield,
where he has since remained, building up a large practice, being
now one of the esteemed citizens and professional men of the
city. Fraternally, he is a member of Social Lodge, No. 48,
A. F. and A. M.; Northfield Lodge, No. 50. L O. O. F., and
Northfield Camp, No. 701, M. W. of A. Dr. Taylor has held
the office of vice-president of the Minnesota State Osteopathic
Association for four years, and has also allied himself with the
National Association. He was married May 4, 1904, to Lavina
M. Hawkins, born in Red Wing, April 25, 1880, a daughter of
O. Hawkins, of Red Wing. The Taylor home has been blessed
with two children : James A., born September 24, 1905, and
Lloyd W., born September 2, 1909.
James W. Trenda, an energetic and live citizen of Faribault.
Minn., is a native of Veseli, Wheatland township. Rice county.
Minn. He received a public-school education at Veseli, then
entered St. John's University, where he took a commercial
course, graduating in 1900. He was a student at the Mankato
high school for one year, and directly after leaving that institu-
tion taught a term of school at Veseli. A year in the State
Normal School at Mankato completed his education, after which
he taught two terms in Wheatland township. Mr. Trenda has
always been a loyal adherent of the Republican p.arty and poli-
tics now claimed his attention. September, 1905, he was ap-
pointed deputy county auditor, and held that office until Janu-
ary, 1909, when he was elected county auditor, which position
he still holds (1910). Mr. Trenda was married to Miss Margaret
B. Healey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Healey, of Faribault,
August 25, 1908. They have on child, who was born September
15, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Trenda are members of the Catholic
Church. Mathias and Josephine (Kasparek) Trenda, parents
of James W. Trenda, are natives of Bohemia. They emigrated
to America in 1867, first locating at Shakopee, Scott county.
Minn., thence removing to Webster township, where they pur-
chased 160 acres of land, and followed farming for a short time.
In 1878 they moved to Veseli, where they now live, and carried
on a general mercantile trade till their retirement in 1903. Mr.
E. J. Healey, father of Mrs. J. W. Trenda, died December, 1905.
Mrs. Healey still survives and lives at Faribault.
George C. Thorpe, a citizen of Northfield, was born in Ver-
mont, December 23, 1834, to George and Christianna (Ball)
Thorpe, both natives of that state, where they passed their lives.
After attaining his majority the subject of this sketch settled
upon t tract of land near the present villagco f Dcnnison, in
Northfield township. He carried on farming there until 1877,
1450 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUXTIES
when he moved to riancock, Minn., where he carried on an
extensive business in real estate, insurance and loans until 1905 ;
in that year he retired from active business and moved to North-
field. He still owns several farms in Stevens county, which he
leases.
A man of broad sympathies, Mr. Thorpe has always had a
wide influence in public affairs. In the early days of Rice county
he served on the first elected board of supervisors, and was asses-
sor for the township of Northfield. which then included the vil-
lage of Northfield. In Stevens county he served as chairman of
the county board, as president of the village of Hancock, as
county commissioner, treasurer of board of education, and for
eight 3'ears as a member of the state board of equalization.
When he left that position his many friends and associates pre-
sented him with a beautiful loving cup as a token of their high
regard. Mr. Thorpe is an active Mason and is ne.xt to the earli-
est surviving initiate of the Northfield Lodge. In politics he
has always loyally espoused the Republican cause. He is fond
of travel and spends much time visiting relatives and friends
from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts, passing his winters for
the most part in California.
In 1861 Mr. Thorpe was married to Adelaide Corinne Car-
penter, daughter of McKenzie and Juliaet (Walker) Carpenter,
all natives of V^ermont. Of the surviving children of this mar-
riage, Arthur, a graduate of the medical department of the
Universit}- of Minnesota, is a leading physician and surgeon in
Los Angeles, Cal. ; George C, Jr., an alumnus of the college and
law department of the New York L'niversity. is a major of
marines, having entered the Naval Academy in 1894; and Clar-
ence McK., the youngest, is a Western representative of an
Eastern drug house. The mother of these children died in 1897.
Mr. Thorpe contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Margarc
Johnson, the mother of two children by a former marriage.
George W. Tower, the first mayor of Faribault, and one of
its most honored citizens, was born in Seneca county, New-
York, June 7. 1822. He received his early education in the dis-
trict schools of his native locality, completing with a course in
the Burleigh Academy of Beloit. Wis., after his removal West
in his youthful days. Leaving school, he went to the state of
Iowa and engaged in farming a tract of wild land, learning by
actual experience what it meant to be a pioneer. A year later,
in 1854, he came to Faribault, then but a rude village, far dif-
ferent from the present metropolis, and started a general mer-
cantile establishment, which he managed with much success for
over sixteen years, becoming widely known as a business man
of the strictest integrity. During the rush to California after
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1451
the discovery of gold in 1849, he caught the fever, joining the
pilgrimage and spending four years on the coast as a gold miner.
He is now conducting a land business at Faribault. In politcs
he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and has served
the community in many positions of trust, being his city's first
mayor, and having held the office of county treasurer six years
and that of city treasurer four years. Mr. Tower was also
president of the board of directors of the State Deaf and Dumb
School five years. In 1855 he was married to Jane E. Morse,
of Iowa, who died in 1904, leaving two children: Mary, wife of
E. A. Taj'lor, of Faribault ; and Carrie Belle, connected with
the St. Paul "Pioneer Press." The family attend worship at the
Congregational Church.
Nicholas Travis, one of the oldest pioneer residents of Fari-
bault, Minn., was born in Saratoga count)-. New York, April
24, 1824. Here he passed his early boyhood and acquired the
beginnings of his education in the district schools, coming West
with his parents, at the age of nine years, to Ohio, where he
finished his schooling. He then worked at the shoemaking
trade with his father till he reached his eighteenth year, when
he started a shop of his own, continuing to follow this line of
business for three years in Ohio, and for two years after his
removal to Faribault, Minn. Farming then claimed his atten-
tion, and so he pre-empted a quarter section of wild land which
he cleared and cultivated with the rude tools of those early pio-
neer days, gradually improving his land until he had a mode!
farm, which he is still engaged in working. The farm is very
desirably located, being partly inside the city limits. Mr. Travis
has never sought public office, other interests demanding all his
time and attention. He is a follower of the teachings of the
Spiritualists. October 28, 1848, he was united in marriage with
Mary E. Hoover, at Washington, Ohio. She is a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. John Hoover, who were engaged in farming in
Ohio till 1855, when they migrated West, settling in Cannon
City township, Rice county, Minn., where they followed farming
for the remainder of their lives. Samuel and Elizabeth (Orr)
Travis, parents of our subject, were natives of New York, where
the father followed shoemaking till his migration West in 1855.
first locating in Ohio, where he remained, engaged at his trade,
for twenty-two years, thence going to Cannon City township,
Rice county, and from there back to Bristol township, Trum-
bull county Ohio, where he followed his trade till his death, at
the age of ninety-three years and nine months. The mother died
ten days atfer her eighty-eighth birthday.
H. W. Taylor, proprietor of an omnibus line at Faribault,
Minn., is a native of Massachusetts, and was born June 20, 1833,
1-153 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the son of Ansel and Betsey (Sears) Taylor, natives of Massa-
chusetts. The father was a farmer all his life and passed away
at the advanced age of eighty-four years, his death being fol-
lowed by that of the mother four years later, at the same age.
Our subject acquired his schooling in his native state and in
1856 went to Michigan, whence he moved the same year to
Steele county, Minnesota, pre-empting a quarter section of land
in Merton township, which he subdued and improved with good
buildings, and where he carried on farming ten years. He also
bought eighty acres, which he cleaned and improved. He was
two years in the milk business, and in 1872 he started the bus
line, to which he afterwards gave his attention, and in the man-
agement of which he achieved marked success, continuing it till
October 1, 1909, when he retired from active work. Mr. Taylor
has never given any special attention to political matters more
than to perform his duties as a good citizen, but has served as
assessor of the town of Merton. He is a Republican in political
opinion, and in religious belief affiliates with the Congregational
Church. On January 1, 1860, Mr. Taylor married Leonora,
daughter of Moses and Julia Kendall, who came from Massa-
chusetts, their native state, in the spring of 1856 and settled on
a farm in the town of Merton, Steel county, Minn., where they
both passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have two sons and
one daughter.
Benjamin J. Townsend, deceased, who was one of the pio-
neer residents of Faribault, Minn., was a native of Shenango
county. New York, his date of birth being July 28, 1834. Here
he passed his boyhood and acquired his education in the dis-
trict schools, coming West in 1855 and locating at Faribault,
Minn., where he was engaged in gardening until his decease,
March 6, 1906. In politics he was an independent, believing
that nothing should dictate his vote but the best interests of
the public. As to religious belief, he was a follower of the
Catholic Church. October 20, 1867, he married Margaret Brady,
of Steele county. Six children blessed this union, named, respect-
ively: Charles, a painter, of Great Falls, Mont.; Alice, who
is married to Frank Blair, of New York ; Anna, who is
the wife of William Powers, of Barnesville, Minn. ; Margaret,
of Fort Wayne, Ind. : George G., of Butte, Mont., and Will-
iam, who is serving as a postal clerk at Faribault, is married.
His wife's name before her marriage was Loretta Healy. They
have one child, Leo. Mrs. Benjamin J. Townsend is a native of
Canada, being born September 22, 1838. At the age of seven-
teen, she removed to Steele county, Minnesota, with her par-
ents, where the father followed farming on his farm in Deer-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1453
field township till liis decease, January 10, 1901. The mother
had previously died in 1896.
Dr. James N. Tate, the efficiciu superintendent of the Minne-
sota School for the Deaf, at Faribault, has made what has been
practically a lifelong study of the best methods of preparing
deaf children for their battle with the world, in which they are
obviously handicapped by the omission from their God-given
faculties of the sense of hearing. Dr. Tate was born in Fulton,
Mo., October 14, 1851, and after receiving his preliminary training
in the public schools of Calloway county, graduated from West-
minster College with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1873.
His post-graduate course was completed in 1875, when the de-
gree of Master of Arts was granted him. In 1904 his alma mater
bestowed upon him the degree of LL. D., in recognition of his
worth and achievements. His first experience as a teacher was
in the public schools of his native state, after which he accepted
a situation in the Missouri School for the Deaf, at Fulton, that
state. As time passed, his interest grew, and, not content with
performing merely the routine duties of his position, he made a
thorough study of the more profound psychological and peda-
gogical aspects of his work. After several years of service he
was made assistant superintendent of the institution and later
became its superintendent. His success there has left an indeli-
ble impression on the methods for the care of the deaf in that
state. Under his charge the Missouri school rose to sixth place
in point of attendance among the schools of its kind in the
United States. Its magnificent buildings, its well regulated sys-
tem, and its wonderful degree of efficiency stand to-day, in a
great measure due to his successful management. So highly
esteemed was he by rea.son of this work that in 1896, when the
venerable Dr. Noyes retired from the head of the Minnesota
School for the Deaf, the board of managers, in looking over the
field, selected Dr. Tate, declaring at the time that no better man
could be found. Aside from his work at the school. Dr. Tate
has taken an active interest in the welfare of F'aribault and
vicinity and has identified himself with its progress. He is a
Democrat in politics, a Congrcgationalist in religion, and a
thirty-second degree Mason in fraternal affiliation. Dr. Tate
was married .\ugust 14. 1878, at Fulton, Mo., to Mary C. McClel-
lend, at that time one of the most valued teachers in the institu-
tion there. Mrs. Tate has been an able helpmeet of her husband
in all his undertakings. The Tate home has been blessed with
two children: I. N., of Duluth. and Elizabeth, a student in the
Minnesota University. Col. Isaac Tate and Jane W. (Hender-
son) Tate, parents of Dr. Tate, were sturdy old pioneers of Cal-
loway county, Missouri. The former was a Kentuckian and the
1454 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
latter a Virginian, both being of Scottish descent. Colonel Tate
received his title from his position in the Missouri National
Guard. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
William A. Thompson was born in Prairieville, Cannon City
township, Rice county, Minn., June 25, 1858, and is a son of
John and Nancy Thompson. His father was a native of Scot-
land, and his mother a native of the state of Ohio. His parents
came to America when he was three years old and settled in
Canada, where they remained until 1852. In that year they
came to Faribault, Minn., remaining only a few months, when
the father went to California, prospecting for gold. He remained
there only a short time. Returning to Minnesota, he worked in
a saw mill at Prairieville for several years, and then bought 120
acres of land in Cannon City, on which he has done general
farming up to the present time. He is now eighty-nine years
old, and his wife is in her seventies. William Thompson was
educated in the district schools of Cannon City. After leaving
school he worked on his father's farm until 1885, when he bought
eighty acres in section 1 of Walcott township, where he has
carried on general farming ever since.
In 1885 he was married to Dolly Orcutt, a daughter of B.
and Sylvia (Dunning) Orcutt, both natives of the state of New
York. Mr. Orcutt was a farmer by occupation. He came West
and located first in Wisconsin and later in Cannon City. Minn..
where he bought a farm on which he carried on general farming
until his death. Mrs. Orcutt died in 1908. Mr. Thompson's
first wife died in 1889, leaving three children : Neal, Francis W.
and Mark C. All are living at home with their parents. In 1890
Mr. Thompson was married to Oltelia Zable. a daughter of
William and Henrietta Zable. both natives of Germany, who
came to America and located in Richland township, Rice county,
where for a while he worked out on a farm, and later he bought
eighty acres and did general farming until 1905, when he retired
and moved to Faribault, where he died in 1906. Mrs. Zable is
still living in Faribault.
Mr. Thompson had five children by his second wife: George
M., John W., Walter J., Anna and William, all living at home
with their parents. In politics Mr. Thompson is a Republican.
He was elected as a member of the school board in 1899 and
served for seven years. In 1905 he was elected town supervisor
and is still holding that office. He is a stockholder in the
Farmers' Elevator Company of Faribault. He is a member of
the Presbyterian Church and of the Modern Woodmen of
America.
Theodore Thorn, a prominent farmer of Richland township,
was born in Germany, January 20. 1837. to John and Katherine
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1455
(Heins) Thorn, natives of German}-. Tlicy came to America in
1847 and located in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, where the elder
Mr. Thom bouglit 140 acres of farm land in Paris township, on
which he did a general farming up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1865. The mother expired two months later
the same j'ear. The subject of this sketch acquired his educa-
tion in Germany. After coming to this country, he worked on
his father's farm until 1855 ; he then went to Pierce county,
Wisconsin, where he bought 180 acres of wild timber land,
remaining there until 1857, when he returned to his father's
home, staying there until 1858. He then went back to Pierce
county, sold his tract of timber land, buying in place of it 120
acres of prairie land, where he carried on general farming until
1861, at which time he sold this farm and bought the Union
Hotel at Prescott, \\'is., following the hotel business until 1864,
when he sold out. The month of June and Jul)', 1864, were
spent in traveling through the country for the purpose of finding
a suitable location for a farm. This was found in Richland
township, Rice county, Minn. Here he bought 160 acres of
land in sections 17 and 18. Later he added an additional 240
acres, making a farm of 400 acres in all. By hard work and
persevering effort, Mr. Thom has improved iiis farm until it is
now one of the best farms in the country. In addition to carry-
ing on general farming, he raised Coach and Percheron horses ;
the raising of horses, however, was discontinued in 1898, and at
that time he went into the raising of Shorthorn cattle for beef
and dairy purposes, which he still follows with success. His
farm is known as the Richland Stock Farm. It is modern in
every respect, and is equipped with all the latest farm machin-
ery. Mr. Thom is a good, broad-minded man, always willing
to promote the welfare of his community. He has served on
the school board in all its branches ; has served on the town
board as chairman, treasurer and supervisor; is a charter mem-
ber and assistant in organizing the Walcott Farmers' Mutual
Fire Insurance Company ; and has served as president since the
time of the organization. He is also president of the Farmers'
Co-operative Elevator Company of Faribault. Mr. Thom was
married in 1859 to Josephine, daughter of Joseph and Josephine
Dauser, natives of Whitenburg, Germany. The father was a
cabinetmaker by trade and emigrated to America in 1850. He
located in Schuylkill county. Pennsylvania, working in the coal
mines there until 1856. He then came West to Wisconsin and
located in Pierce county, where he bought government land,
which he improved and on which he did general farming until
1865, when he sold the farm and came to Minnesota, locating in
Richland township, Rice county, where he l)ought 160 acres, on
1456 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
which he did general farming up to the time of his decease.
Mrs. Dauser is also dead. Mr. and Mrs. Thorn have five chil-
dren, named, in the respective order of their birth : Mary, who
died May 28, 1879; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Henricks, attend-
ant at the state asylum at Faribault ; Fredrick, who farmed in
Richland township, died August 31, 1896; Joseph, who is mar-
ried and conducts a grocery business in Faribault ; John is an
electrician at the state asylum in Faribault. Mrs. Thom died
in 1877. Mr. Thom was married a second time in January 21.
1878, to Miss Susian Henricks, daughter of Micholas and Mar-
garet (Hermies) Henricks, natives of Germany. The father,
who is a farmer, came to America in 1862, located in St. Paul,
where he worked as a general laborer until 1864, when he moved
to Faribault, where he lived until his death, March 12, 1899.
Mrs. Henricks died in 1882. To this union there were nine chil-
dren born, viz.: Margaret died August 14, 1879; Mary, now
Mrs. Nichol Sclnveistal, farmer in Warsaw township : Josephine,
who is married to Joseph McCall, farmer in Montana; Anna.
Dominican Sister at Dubuque, Iowa ; Everet, Anthony, Christo-
pher, Katherine and Verna, who are all residing with their par-
ents. Mr. Thom does not favor any political party, but votes
for the candidate whom he considers best fitted for the office,
regardless of party affiliations. He with his family belong to
the Roman Catholic Church.
Jonathan Peterson Temple, a retired farmer of Morristown.
Minn., is a native of St. Lawrence county, New York, and is the
second of a family of six children born to Jacob and Lucy
(Eddy) Temple. The father, who was a homeopathic physician,
was born at Heath, Mass., March 6, 1812. He married Decem-
ber 31, 1834, his wife being a daughter of Leonard and Phoebe
Eddy, of Coloraine, Mass. Dr. Temple went to St. Lawrence
county. New York, in 1835 and practiced farming there till
1854, when he moved with his family to Mason City, 111. Eleven
years later he settled in Morristown, Minn., where he practiced
medicine, and there died, February 16, 1884. Both Dr. Temple
and his wife were active members of the Baptist denomination,
she uniting with the church in 1831, at Coloraine, and his mem-
bership extending over a period of more than fifty years ; and
in the churches of the different places where he lived he served
in the various offices of clerk, trustee, deacon, etc. The mother
died January 30, 1891, and her body rests beside that of her
husband, in the Morristown cemetery. Dr. Temple was a mem-
ber of the Masonic order.
Of their six children, the eldest, David A., was born June 10,
1836. and died at Morristown. The third child, Phoebe Olive,
was born September 12, 1841, and on January 1, 1861, was mar-
PUBLIC
JOHN THOMPSON
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1457
ried to Sterling R. Hess, and lives in Mason City, 111.; Lucy
Belinda, born December 19, 1844, was married December 30,
1863, to Elibha O. Hess, and lives at Mason City, 111.; Marshall
Allen, born November 14, 1846, in Rice coimty, Minnesota,
lives in Dundas. and Jiidson C. the youngest, born October 12,
1850, is employed as accountant with the Duluth and Iron Range
Railroad Company. Our subject acquired his education in his
native place, and at Mason City, whither tlie family reinoved in
1854. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-fifth Regi-
ment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of
the Civil War. On his return home he engaged in farming. In
the spring of 1869 Mr. Temple moved from Mason City to Rice
county, Minnesota, settling on a farm he jiurchased. in the
northwest corner of Morristown township, but two years later
he bought a store and moved into the village of Morristown,
and for twelve years was engaged in clerking. During that
time the village received its first charter, and Mr. Temple was
chairman of the council, after which he resumed farming, and
continued it until his removal to the village in the fall of 1891.
He then had charge of the elevator for seven years, and was
postmaster for five years. Mr. Temple has always been more
or less active in public affairs and has served in numerous offi-
cial positions. He has been chairman of the township l)oard,
also served as clerk, assessor and school treasurer, and in 1906
was president of the village council, having held this office sev-
eral times previously. In 1888 he was elected to the state legis-
lature and served one term. In religious faith he is affiliated
with the Baptist denomination and has served in the various
church offices of trustee, clerk, etc. On January 1, 1861. Mr.
Temple married Diantha Osborn, who was born in Steuben
county, New York, in 1835. They have had a family of eight
children, of whom Ida. the eldest, born September 27. 1861. is
married to Lewis Youells; Arthur, born April 15, 1866, died
in Washington, D. C. ; Lewis, born January 8, 1868, lives on
the home farm ; Irwin Osborn was born October 7, 1869; Rollin.
born November 16, 1871, died in Califoinia, December 21, 1896;
Vernon, born August 15, 1878, lives on the family homestead;
Gertrude, born January 15. 1878. is married to William Davis,
and lives at Fergus Falls; and Cecil, the youngest, born August
7, 1881, is a farmer in Morristown township.
John Thompson, a retired farmer of Faribault, Minn., is a
native of Perthshire, Scotland, and was born January 28, 1829,
to Alexander and Cecelia (Robinson) Thompson, who came
from Scotland, their native land, in 1832, and settled on a farm
in eastern Ontario, and there passed their lives. Our subject
acquired his education in the public schools of his Canadian
1458 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
home, and at the age of eighteen years began life on his own
account, lumbering in the surrounding county. Going to Cali-
fornia in 1852, he spent three years there prospecting, but in
the fall of 1855 returned, and came to Minnesota, and worked
at lumbering and in a saw mill at Faribault and in a grist mill
at Cannon City. In 1859 he bought a tract of 160 acres of school
land in section 36, Cannon City township, which he at once
began to break up and improve, and where he reared his family
and made his liome till his retirement from active work. Be-
sides carr3ing on general farming. Mr. Thompson operated a
thresher for twenty-three years, and introduced and operated the
first steam threshing machine in his section of the country. Mr.
Thompson has been a representative man in his community and
has filled numerous official positions. He served in the state
legislature in 1878, 1879 and 1881, and in the last named year
and again in 1882 he was called to serve in special sessions
when the bond question was before the people. Mr. Thompson
is a Republican in his political beliefs. His religious affiliations
are with the Presbyterian Cliurch. In Jul}', 1857, 'Sir. Thomp-
son married Miss Ellen, daughter of Bevins and Sarah (McKey)
Henderson, who moved from Ohio, their native state, to Indiana,
whence in 1856 they removed to Minnesota and settled in Rich-
land township, Rice county, wdiere the father pre-empted two
quarter sections of land, and v^'here the family lived fifteen
years. They afterwards lived three years at Faribault, and
then moved to Dundas, where they passed the remainder of
their lives, the mother dying in August, 1887, and the father in
October, 1909, at the age of ninety-three years. Of three chil-
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. William A., the eldest,
is married and lives in the town of Walcott, Rice county; Alice,
the youngest, died in infancy; George W., who was born No-
vember 6. 1863, has had charge of the home farm since 1905.
and carries on general farming and stock raising. He has served
in local offices, such as supervisor, etc., and has served two
terms (1905-1907) as representative. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, and in religious faith a Presbyterian. On October 14,
1892, he married Miss Frances J. Mullan, whose parents, Robert
and Etta Howk, moved from New York, their native state, in
1880, and settled on a farm in Walcott township, where the
father died. The mother now resides at Faribault. Mr. and
Mrs. George W. Thompson have five children, named, in order
of their birth : Ella M., Cecelia G., Stanley, Eleanor and Frances.
Clarence H. Tripp, live stock dealer and farmer, is a native-
born son of this county, born in Walcott township, December 9,
1861. He received his education in the district schools of W^al-
cott township and the public schools of Faribault, after which
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1459
he clerked for a time in a store. Subsequently he farmed in Wal-
cott and Richland township, and also became a dealer in live
stock, an occupation which he still continues. He has been a
member of the school board several years, but aside from this
has not cared to participate actively in public life.
Oliver and Hannah (Gillette) Tripp, the pioneers, parents
of Clarence H. Trip]), assisted in the development of the county
in the early days. They were natives of New York state and
Pennsylvania, respectively, migrated to Wisconsin in the early
days, and in 1S55 came to this county, taking up 160 acres of
wild land in Cannon City township, where the}' spent the remain-
der of their days.
A. F. Uggen was born in Norway August 21, 1852; he is a
son of Fingar and Anne Uggen, natives of Norway, who came
to America in 1871 and located in Forest township. Rice county,
where the father rented a farm for one year, and then bought
160 acres on which he did a general farming up to the time of
his deatli, in 1883; the mother died in 1897. Mr. Uggen at-
tended school in Norway, and came to America with his parents.
In 1873 he bought 160 acres from liis father. He has added to
this and now has a farm of 278 acres in sections 13 and 14, on
which he has carried on general farming up to the present time.
He was married in 1874 to Oline Juvrud. Mrs. Uggen died in
1889. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Uggen: Fred-
rica, Mary A., Oscar, Albert, Martin E., Julia and Inga C. In
1893 Mr. Uggen was married a second time to Olina Olson, and
has a family of five children: Alma, Carl, Anne, Mabel and
Lillian. In politics Mr. Uggen is a Republican, and he is a
member of the Lutheran Church. He has served for many years
as town treasurer. He was for several 3'cars a director on the
school board, and has been clerk of the board for the past eight
years. He is a stockholder in the Northfield Elevator and in the
Forest Creamery.
Henry E. Vaux, a hustling and prominent citizen of Fari-
bault, Mimi., is a native of Warsaw township, and was born
January 17, 1865. When about seven years old, his parents
removed to a small farm near Faribault. After finishing his edu-
cation in the district schools of Rice county, he took up farming
with much success and followed that line until 1896, when he
entered the employ of the Faribault Canning Company. The
following year (1897) he was chosen superintendent of the com-
pany, which position he has ably and satisfactorily filled ever
since. Lender his shrewd and judicious management, the Fari-
bault Canning Company has grown and prospered, its products
being sold all over the Northwest. Mr. Vaux is also a stock-
holder in the Farmers' Elevator of Faribault. He is a Republi
1460 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
can in politics, but has never aspired to public office, his business
demanding all his time and attention. On October 1, 1908, he
married Lydia M. Hohenhaus, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward
Hohenhaus, prominent farmers of Wells township. Mr. and
Mrs. \'aux have a beautiful home in the residence district of
Faribault. They attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Ernest and Carrie (Johnson) \'aux. parents of Henry E. Vaux,
are natives of England and Indiana, respectively. They migrated
to Faribault. Minn., in 1856, and the father was a teamster for
a time on the road from Faribault to Hastings. Later he pur-
chased a forty-acre tract in Warsaw township, and there car-
ried on general diversified farming up to the time of his retire-
ment from active work, a few years ago. He now resides in
the city of Faribault. The mother died April 25, 1907.
Anthony J. Vogelsberg, a native of Minnesota, was born at
Faribault, November 10, 1873, and is a son of F. J. and Catherine
(Detrich) \'ogelsberg. natives of Germany. The father came
to this country and for six jears lived at Chicago, whence he
moved in 1866 to Faribault; a little later he established himself
in the retail flour and feed business, and followed it until his
decease, January 13, 1890. The mother passed away October
27, 1908. Our subject supplemented his common-school educa-
tion with a two years' course of study at St. Thomas' College,
St. Paul, and then took charge of his father's business, which
he closed out after the father's death. He then spent nine years
clerking in the grocery house of Mr. A. J. Grant, of Faribault,
then, in 1901, opened a grocery business in the store he now
occupies, in company with Mr. George E. Devery. This part-
nership lasted till April, 1904, and since that time Mr. Vogels-
berg has conducted the business in his own name. He carries
a first-class stock of groceries and family supplies, and in every
respect conducts an up-to-date store, employing four clerks and
two wagons, delivering goods to every part of the city. Mr.
Vogelsberg has always devoted himself diligently to his business
and has never held or sought any official position. He adheres
to the Catholic faith in religion, and in politics is independent
in his views and actions. He is identified with the Knights of
Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters and B. P. O.
Elks, and belongs to the Commercial Club of Faribault. On
June 19, 1900, Mr. Vogelsberg married Julia K. McCall, whose
parents came from Ireland, their native country, and settled at
Faribault, where the father, now retired, followed his trade as a
stone cutter and contractor. The mother passed away in 1901.
Mr. and Mrs. Vogelsberg have three children, named, in their
order of birth, Francis, Thomas and Robert.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1461
J. A. Valesh was born in Veseli, August 3, 1881. He is a
son of Albert and Katherine (Lamac) Valesh. natives of Bo-
hemia. The father came to America in 1877 and located in
Veseli, Rice county, where he and his wife have lived up to the
present time. Mr. Valesh was educated in the public schools of
Veseli, and also attended a business college at Mankato in 1904
and 1905. After leaving school he learned the trade of a brick-
mason, which he still follows. He was married January 23,
1905, to Maria M. Shimota, a daughter of \V. T. and Anna
(Vrtis) Shimota, the father a native of Bohemia, and the
mother born at New Prague, Minn. The father died July I,
1908, and the mother is still living in Veseli. One child has
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Valesh, Ernest, born November 24,
1906. Mr. Valesh is a member of the Roman Catholic Church,
and in his political views he is a Republican. On March 3, 1908,
he was appointed postmaster of Veseli, and he is also a justice
of the peace. He is a member of the Z. C. K. J., or the Western
Bohemian Catholic Union, and carries an old line policy in the
New York Life.
O. S. Vesledal, a thrifty farmer of Wheeling township, where
he has lived for a number of years, was born in Rock Prairie,
Wis., December 15, 1854, to S. A. and Margaret (Haugen)
Vesledal, both natives of Norway. The parents emigrated to
America in the early fifties, locating in Hudson county, Wiscon-
sin, where they were engaged in farming until 1854. Selling
out their interests in Wisconsin, they moved to Minnesota and
located in Rice county, township of Wheeling, where the father
bought 240 acres in section 10, which he improved, and on which
he carried on general farming until 1906. He then sold his farm
to his son, J. S., the parents continuing to live on the old home-
stead with the son until his father expired, August 2, 1908. The
mother died September 15, 1908. The subject of this sketch
acquired his education in the district schools of Rice county.
After leaving school he worked on his father's farm, continuing
there until 1889. Then he bought 160 acres in section 1, town-
ship of Wheeling, where he has been engaged in farming and
dairving up to the present time. He also has a fine apple orchard,
where he raises different varieties of this fruit.
Mr. Vesledal was married in 1889 to Severina, daughter of
Syver and Magdelina (Hamre) Engesetter, who were both
natives of Norway, and emigrated to America in 1850, locating
in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they farmed until 1855, when
they came to Minnesota and located in Rice county, Wheeling
township, where they homesteaded 160 acres. The father was
engaged in farming until the time of his decease, which occurred
in 1888. Mrs. Engesetter died in 1871. The home of Mr. and
1462 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
Mrs. Vesledal is blessed with six children, viz. : Sigvvart, born
September 7, 1889; John G.. born September 10, 1891, and died
September 3, 1892; John G. was born July 15, 1892; Albert O.
was born July 21, 1894; Margaret M., born January 11, 1900;
Senora O. was born November 11, 1901. All the children are
living at home. Mr. Vesledal is a Republican voter. He and
his family adhere to the Norwegian Lutheran Church. He takes
an active interest in public affairs and at this time (1910) is
serving on the school board.
J. S. Vesledal was born in the town of Wheeling, Rice county,
on July 16, 1869. He is a son of S. A. and Margarit (Haugen)
Vesledal, both natives of Norway. The father was a farmer and
came to America in the early fifties. He located in Hudson
county, Wisconsin, and farmed there until 1854, when he sold
his farm there and moved to Minnesota, locating in the town of
Wheeling, Rice county, where he bought a farm of 240 acres
in section 10. on which he carried on general farming up to
1906, when he sold his farm to his son. with whom he made his
home up to the time of his death, on August 2, 1908. The
mother died September 15, 1908. Mr. Vesledal was educated
in the district schools of Wheeling. After leaving school he
went back onto the farm, where he worked with his father
until he bought the farm in 1906. Since then he has carried on
general farming. He was married on June 29, 1905, to Inger
R. Engesth, a daughter of Ingerbrit and Dorda ( Hamre) Eng-
esth, both natives of Norway. The father was a farmer, who
came to America in the early fifties, and located in Dane county,
Wisconsin, where he farmed for a few years, and then came
to Minnesota and located in the town of Northfield, Rice county.
Here he bought a farm, on which he did general farming until
his death, November 11, 1892; the mother died September 15.
1898. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vesledal :
Mildred D. and S. Isabell, both lixing at home with their par-
ents. Mr. Vesledal is a Lutheran in his religious belief, and
his political affiliations are with the Republican party.
L. F. Von Eschen is an enterprising business man of Morris-
town, Rice county, ^linn. He was born in Le Sueur county in
1871. His father. Jacob Von Eschen, in early da_vs was pastor
of the German Evangelical Church, and later was a homeopathic
physician, and for many years ])racticed his profession in Lac
<]ui Parle county, ^Minnesota, with eminent success. He moved
to Lac qui Parle county in 1878 and died in 1898. He married
Margaret Flury, who still survives. They had a family of eleven
children, seven of whom are still living (1910). Our subject
passed his boyhood on a farm in Lac qui Parle county and ac-
quired his preliminary education in the district schools. In
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1463
1894 he attended the high school at Big Stone, and later pursued
a course of study at a business college in Minneapolis, prepara-
tory to going into business. In 1902 Mr. \'on Kschen associated
himself as a partner with Messrs. A. E. and S. R. Miller, under
the firm name of Miller Brothers & Company, established the
business that has since been conducted under that name at
Morristown, dealing in all kinds of hardware and farm imple-
ments, with all the modern and up-to-date methods. Mr. Von
Eschen gives his attention especially to the bookkeeping of the
house. Aside from his regular business, Mr. Von Eschen is
active in other matters, and is recognized as one of the enter-
prising and public-spirited men of the town. Since 1908 he has
served as village recorder, and is also secretary of the Morris-
town Telephone Company. On February 9, 1905, Mr. Von
Eschen married Julia, daughter of Mr. John Walter, who was
formerly connected with farming, but who now is retired from
active business. Mr. and Mrs. \'on Eschen have one child, a
son, named Daro.
Edgar J. Vaux, a native of Warsaw township. Rice county,
was born June 30, 1867. He passed his boyhood on his father's
farm, receiving his education in the district schools, after which
he assisted his father in the working of the family homestead
till 1889. He rented land for a few years, then purchased a tract
of thirty-five acres inside the city limits of Faribault, where he
followed general farming until 1905, when he accepted the posi-
tion of foreman of the Faribault Canning Company, which he
has efficiently filled ever since. During the winter months he
is entrusted with the entire management of the establishment.
He is still carrying on the farm in connection with the canning
factory work. In politics he is an adherent of the Republican
party, but has never aspired to public office, his other affairs
absorbing all his time and attention. He is identified with the
Modern Brotherhood of America, his popularity being attested
to by the numerous offices he has held in that body, having served
two terms as vice-president and two as president. The Meth-
odist Episcopal Church also numbers him among its supporters.
Mr. Vaux was married October 2, 1891, at the First Methodist
Church of Faribault, by Rev. Samuel H. Dewart, to Julia Cra-
ven, daughter of John and Mary Craven. They have two chil-
dren, Elroy, born April 5, 1894, a student of the local high school,
and Harold C, born October 10, 1895, who attends the Central
school. Ernest and Carrie f Johnson) Vaux, parents of Edgar
J., were among the pioneer settlers of Rice county, the father
coming from England to America in 1825: came to Minnesota
in 1855, and engaged in farming in Warsaw township until his
retirement from active work, a few years ago. He is now living
1464 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in Faribault. The mother died April 25, 1907. John Craven,
the father of Mrs. Edgar Vaux, followed market gardening in
Faribault until his death in October, 1900. His wife is still
living.
Emery F. Wheelock, a successful business man of Northfield,
was born in Steele county, Minnesota, in 1877, and is a son of
Edwin D. and Liza (McClalland) Wheelock. His father re-
moved from the East and settled in Illinois prior to 1860, and in
1863 enlisted in Company G, Seventeenth Regiment, Illinois Vol-
unteers cavalry and served through the Civil war. After his dis-
charge from the service he settled in Steele county, Minnesota
and lived there till 1878, and then moved to Watertown, S. D.,
where he still follows his trade as a miller, and where he has
filled a number of important public offices. Our subject ac-
quired his education in the public schools in Dakota, and sup-
plemented this with a course of study in a business college. Thus
equipped he, in 1901, took a position with the Laird-Norton
Lumber Company, which was organized in 1837 and is one of
the oldest in the Northwest. Mr. Wheelock has had charge of
the Company's yards in different places, but in 1905 was placed
in charge of the business at Northfield and moved thither. Mr.
Wheelock has attained satisfactory success in his business and
lives in a pleasant house on Union street. He is a member of
the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. In political senti-
ment he is a Republican. In 1904 Mr. Wheelock married Myrtle.
a daughter of George E. Hopkins, who was one of the pioneers
of Rochester, Minnesota, and who removed thence with his fam-
ily to South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock have one child,
named Winona.
Charles M. Whitney, a prominent business man of Faribault,
is a native of Dummcrston. Vt., his date of birth being Feb-
ruary 10, 1828. Received his education in the public schools of
Keene, N. H., and in Franklin academy, of Ft. Covington, N. Y.
Immediately thereafter, in 1842, he entered the general mer-
chandise business as a clerk, being located in Franklin county.
New York. This line of work claimed his attention for the next
fifteen years, the last three years of which time he was in busi-
ness for himself at Bangor, N. Y. In 1857, he disposed of his
mercantile interests and came west, locating at La Crosse, Wis.,
April 6 of the same year. He was first emploj-ed as a clerk and
then as overseer in a sawmill. Entered into partnership with
Buttrick Brothers in the fall of 1857, and was engaged in the
milling business for a time, starting one of the first flour mills
of La Crosse. October 20, 1858, he entered the employ of the
La Crosse & Milwaukee Railway Company, and remained there
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1465
till 1866. During this period he helped to organize the La Crosse
and Minnesota Steam Packet Company of La Crosse, commonly
known as the Davidson Line, running from La Crosse to St.
Paul, of which he became secretary. Selling his interest in 1866,
he started an individual line from La Crosse to Eau Claire and
St. Paul, and devoted his entire attention to this work, meeting
with much success. In 1879 he went to Canton, Mo., and en-
gaged in opposition, for Com. William F. Davidson in grain and
stocks, against the Keokuk and St. Louis Railway until Decem-
ber 1884, when he came to Faribault and January, 1885, entered
the First National Bank as assistant cashier, subsequently being
promoted to cashier in 1892. There he remained till January
1, 1905, when he turned his attention to the insurance business,
becoming manager for his son, George S. Whitney, which posi-
tion he still holds. Mr. Whitney is a Democrat, in politics, and
besides looking after his large and varied business interests, has
always found time to lend a helping hand to all projects for the
public good. He served as town clerk at Ft. Covington, N. Y.,
and was assessor in La Crosse one year. He is prominent in fra-
ternal organizations, being a member of the Masons, Knights
of Honor, and Royal Arcanum. In religious belief, he holds to
the tenets of the Episcopal Church. October 7, 1850, at Fairfax,
Vt., he was united in marriage to Delia M. Saflford. They
have two children, Harry E., professor at the Shattuck school at
Faribault, and George S., who is assistant adjutant general of
Minnesota, and also conducts a thriving real estate and insurance
business at Faribault.
George L. Weinberger is a successful business man of Fari-
bault, Minnesota, where he has carried on a successful grocery
trade for more than twenty years. He is a native of Rice county
and was born at Warsaw, March 28, 1868. His parents, Law-
rence and Frances (Wood) Weinberger, natives of Germany and
Scotland, respectively, came to this country in 1852 and settled
in Wisconsin on a farm. In 1855 the family moved to Warsaw
in Rice county, where the father pre-empted a quarter section of
land, which he afterwards sold and bought the farm of two hun-
dred and si.xteen acres where he now lives and carries on general
farming. George L. after finishing his schooling in the public
schools of his home district worked on the home farm until he
attained his majority in 1889 and then spent twelve years clerk-
ing in the grocery house of A. J. Grant at Faribault. In 1901
he formed his present partnership with Mr. Eigenbrodt, and
together they have conducted a successful grocery trade which
has grown to large proportions, in the city and adjacent country,
under their wise and conservative management. Mr. Wein-
berger has devoted himself closely to his business, so that he
1466 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
had little leisure for outside affairs, and he has never sought
or held any office. He is a Republican in his political opinions,
and in his religious belief adheres to the faith of the Episcopal
Church. He is a member of the commercial club of Faribault
and belongs to the Masonic Order. On April 12, 1899, Mr.
^^'^einberger married Laura Kirk, whose parents, Thomas and
Mary (Thompson) Kirk, came from England, their native coun-
try, and settled on a farm at Roberds Lake, Minnesota, in 1860,
and there the father spent the remainder of his life, passing
away in 1869. The mother survived till 1909.
Harry W. Wolf, well known among the prosperous merchants
of Faribault, is a native of Minnesota, and was born in Wheel-
ing township. Rice county. May 10, 1873. His parents, John B.
and Catherine E. (Filbert) Wolf, who now lives in Faribault,
are natives of Germany and Buffalo, N. Y., respectively. The
father came to this country when he was five years old with his
father's family and lived near Chicago and there acquired his
education. The family moved to Minnesota, June 1, 1855, and
engaged in general farming in Rice county and established the
family home there. Tn 1890 oiu- subject's father retired from
farming and with his wife took up his residence in Faribault.
Harry W. attended the district schools in his native place, and
also the public schools of Faribault, and began his business life
clerking in a dry goods store there. When he was twenty-six
years old, in 1899, he established himself in the dry goods busi-
ness and has since that time carried it on with marked success
in the same place ; and to-day — 1910 — is proprietor of an up-to-
date establishment, carrying a full and complete line of dry
goods, cloaks, mens' and womens' furnishings, rugs, etc., in fact
everything that belongs to the stock of first class, modern depart-
ment stores. Mr. Wolf gives his attention closely to his busi-
ness and finds little time for outside affairs, though he is a
member of the commercial club of Faribault and has served on
its committees. lie is a Republican in political sentiments, and
in religious belief adheres to the Evangelical Faith. On Sep-
tember 21, 1897, Mr. Wolf married Lydia A., daughter of Christ,
and Elizabeth (Bosshardt) Bauernfeind, the former a native of
Wisconsin, and the latter of Philadelphia. They moved to Min-
nesota about 1856 and settled on a farm. They are now living
in the village of Nerstrand. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf have two chil-
dren, viz: Harry W. and Catherine Elizabeth by name.
William Wachlin, a native of Prussia, Germany, was born
July 17, 1841. He received a good education in the public schools
of the Fatherland, afterwards emigrating to America at the age
of sixteen and locating at Madison, Wis., where he spent four
years learning the harness trade. At the completion of his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1467
apprenliccship, he came to Faribault, Minn., tlie now populous
city being but a village at that time. Shortly afterwards, dur-
ing the Indian outbreak of 1862, he with the other pioneer set-
tlers was called upon to fight for their lives against the savages.
Mr. Wachlin followed the harness business for two years bj'
himself, becoming known as an expert workman. He then en-
tered into partnership with August Mortonson, the firm con-
tinuing without change till 1898, when Mr. Wachlin retired and
has since devoted his entire attention to his duties as super-
intendent of the Maple Lawn Cemetery, which position he has
occupied since 1897. In politics, he inclines toward the tenets
of the Democratic party, but always casts his ballot for what
he considers the best interests of the community. He has served
his city as alderman of the third ward one term. Mr. Wachlin
is a member of the Congregational Church. In May, 1866, he
was married to Jane Benson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris-
tian Benson who followed farming in Goodhue county till the
father's decease in 1877. The mother died in '88. Mr. and Mrs.
Wachlin have three children. William, born May 10, 1867, who
died September 9, 1873; Albert 11., who was born May 16, 1869,
and died June 6, 1893; and Gertrude, married to J. H. Foster,
assistant general superintendent of the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Railway, located at Minneapolis. The Wachlin resi-
dence is at 309 Second street, West. Frederick and Caroline
Wachlin, parents of our subject, were natives of Germany where
the father followed gardening all his life. His death occurred
in 1849. and the mother's in '54.
William M. Wickham, a pioneer of Minnesota, was born in
Orange county. New York, June 2. 1832. He was reared in his
native state and in 18.=^5 came to Minnesota and settled in Fari-
bault. In 1860 he went to Hastings, and there operated a lum-
ber mill one year. In 1861, filled with a desire to serve his
country, he offered himself for enlistment, but on account of the
condition of his health, he was rejected by the army examining
board. He thereupon purchased a farm in Warsaw township,
Goodhue county, and remained there until 1879 when he came
to Northfield and erected the home where he still resides. Mr.
Wickham is liberal in political views, and has never sought
or held public office. Fraternally he is a member of Xorthficld
Lodge, No. 42, A. F. & A. M. He and his wife belong to the
pioneer societies of Northfield and St. Paul. Mr. Wickham was
married December 4, 1856, to Charlotte Crump, born in the city
of London, England, December 19, 1838, a daughter of Thomas
G. and Mary Crump, both natives of England, who came to
Faribault in 1855. To Mr. and Mrs. Wickham was born one
daughter, Ida M., who first saw the light of day in Hastings,
14US HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Minn., November 24, 1860. She was married June 20, 1887, to
Dr. H. C. Johnson. Dr. and Mrs. Johnson live in St. Paul and
have one daughter, Charlotte Marie, born August 4, 1891. The
family are members of the All Saints- Episcopal Church, of
Northfield. The parents of William M. Wickham were Selah
and Fannie (Morrell) Wickham, both natives of Orange county,
New York, the former born March 20, 1805, and the mother.
March 22, 1809. They spent all their days in New York. The
mother died April 9, 1848, and the father in October, 1887. The
family consisted of eijjht children: Jane; William M.; Maria
(deceased); John C. (deceased); J. B. of Faribault; Charles,
of Bradford county, Pennsylvania; Eliza Jane (deceased); and
Mrs. Charles Boss, of Sauk Center, Minn.
Stiles M. West, for many years one of Faribault's most prom-
inent and influential citizens, was born in Madison county. New
York, June 21, 1841. While still an infant, his parents removed
to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he passed his boyhood, re-
ceiving his education in the public schools and in an academv at
Albion. Dane county, Wisconsin. After school, he remained
home with his parents for a time until about 1860, when he
removed to Jackson county, Minnesota, and shortly afterwards
was elected sheriff — an honor not usually bestowed on a nine-
teen year old boy, especially in those virile pioneer times when
the office demanded the services of a man of the utmost courage
and resource— but he capably filled his position until the call
to arms in '61, enlisting at Fort Snelling together with his father
and two brothers in the Second Minnesota Cavalry. He entered
as a private, but when the company was re-organized at St.
Louis he was made Sergeant Major of his Battalion, and later
was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant of the commissary
department, which he held until mustered out in Januarv, 1865.
at Nashville, Tenn. The war over, he came to Warsaw township.
Rice county. Minnesota, and purchased a farm to which he de-
voted most of his time and attention until 1902, when he removed
to Faribault and engaged in collecting for a time. He is now
a traveling salesman. The Republican party claims him as an
active adherent, and he has served the public in many places of
trust, being a member of the State legislature in 1878. in the
revenue service from '89 to '93, and a State inspector in the
dairy and food department from 1895 to 1900. He was also
chairman of the board of supervisors of Warsaw township for
live consecutive years. The Masonic order and the Michael
Cook post of the G. A. R. know him as a valued member of their
organizations. November 16, 1865, at Faribault, he was married
to Sarah Dawes, who died in 1902, leaving seven children,
Marion, Charles and Herbert having previously deceased. The
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1469
names of the other children in the order of their births are:
Stiles H., who conducts the old home farm in Warsaw township;
Susie A., wife of Elmer Heath, living in Washington ; Rollin M.,
cashier of the Cobden State Bank of Cobden, Minn.; Angle,
married to Edward Draper, of Warsaw township ; and Nellie,
a teacher in the schools of Jamestown, N. D. ; George D.. in the
mercantile business at Miles City, Mont., with his brother Fred
R. Mr. West was again married, October 14, 1904, to Nellie
G. Bemis, of Faribault. The family are loyal members of the
Episcopal Church. David M. and Angeline (Pease) West, par-
ents of our subject, were born and reared in the state of New
York. Migrating west in '43, they first located in Michigan,
remaining here two years when they removed to Dane county,
Wisconsin, where the father wrestled a living from the soil
after the fashion of those wild pioneer times for six years, also
serving as deputy sheriff. In 1851, he came with his family to
Leon, La Crosse county, Wisconsin, and established a tavern
at this place, and stage line from Prairie Du Chien to Black
River Falls, attending to his duties as postmaser in addition.
In 1859, he came to Jackson county, Minnesota, and engaged in
farming till the breaking out of the war, in which he saw two
years of active service, being honorably discharged on account
of sickness. Coming to Warsaw township, Rice county, Minne-
sota, he engaged in farming till 1870, when he moved with his
family to California where he died November 24 of the same
year, ending a well spent and useful life. His wife, now eighty
years old, is still living at Oakland. Cal.
John M. Walden, of Northfield, well known in fraternal cir-
cles, was born at Moosehead Lakes, Maine, October 28, 1848. He
received his education in the public schools of Hastings and East
Castle Rock, Dakota county. In 1868 he came with his parents
to Webster, this county, and remained at home until 1893 when,
upon the removal of his parents to Northfield, he became en-
gaged in gardening and bee culture. At one time, Mr. Walden
kept as many as 200 stands of bees, but of late years he has
reduced that number to 80 or 90. Mr. Walden is independent in
politics, and in April, 1909, was elected alderman of the third
ward by a non-partisan vote. His four years' service on the
school board has been highly appreciated. Being of a social
nature, Mr. Walden has for many years jjeen identified with
prominent fraternities. In the local lodge of Odd Fellows he
has filled all the chairs, has represented the local lodge in the
Grand Lodge, and has been for some years a director of the Odd
Fellows home, located in this place. In Masonry he has been
no less active, being at the present time the Worshipful Master
of Social Lodge, No. 48, A. F. & A. M.. in which position he has
1470 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
served three years, having previously been senior warden two
years and senior deacon one year. He is also a member of
Corinthian Chapter, No. 33, R. A. M. His religious duties have
not been neglected, and for fourteen years he has served the
local Methodist Episcopal Church as a member of the official
board. Mr. Waldcn was married May 22, 1889, to Grace N.
Glyzer, born in Webster twonship. Rice county, August 25, 1865,
daughter of David and Caroline (Clapp) Glyzer, who settled in
Webster township in the early days, both being now deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. Walden have been born two children : Florence
E., born August 7, 1890 and Ruth D. born August 16, 1900.
John G. Walden, father of John M., was born in New York and
was married in Maine to Harriett D. Wilson, born in Maine,
April 29. 1832. They located in Hastings in August, 1855, and
the following spring pre-empted 160 acres in East Castle Rock.
Dakota county, where they remained until 1860. when the father
made a trip to Pike's Peak in search of gold. In 1868 he came
back to Dakota county, and moved his family to Webster. Rice
county, where he purchased a farm and remained until 1893 when
he moved to Northfield and there resided until his death in
October, 1893. His wife is still living. Beside John M., there
were two daughters in the family. Mrs. S. P.. Barlow is dead.
Mrs. Lydia S. Burnett lives in La Sueur Center, Minn.
Herbert A. Whittier, railroad contractor and street commis-
sioner of Northfield, was born in this city, November 5, 1863,
son of Charles F. and Margaret (Wilmarth) Whittier. He at-
tended the city schools and remained at home until attaining his
majority, at which time he established a milk route which he
conducted one year. In 1884 he leased land in Bridgewater
township and opened a stone quarry, carrying on that business
until 1896 when he started railroad contracting at which he has
since been so successful. He has had many important contracts
with different roads, among them being the building of fifteen
miles for the Northern Pacific, fifty miles for the Great Northern
at Towner, N. D., and sixty for the same road near Devils Lake,
N. D., as well as ninety miles on the coast line of the C. M. &
St. P. between the east line of Montana to Cato in the same state.
He was married March 30, 1887, to Amarit Drake, born in
Bridgewater township. Rice county, February 7, 1864. To this
union have been born three children : Grace A., October 20,
1895; Glen H., December 13, 1898 and Gladys R., July 21, 1904.
Mr. Whittier is a Republican in politics and a member of the
A. O. U. W^
The parents of Mrs. Herbert A. Whittier were E. S. and
Martha (Clark) Drake, the former born in Lake county, Ohio,
August 17, 1828, and the latter near Brocton, N. Y.. August 11,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1471
1831. They were married in Wisconsin and came to Rice county,
Minnesota, in 1855 living first on a farm four miles south of
Northfield. In 1864 they purchased a farm two miles south in
Bridgewater township. Here E. S. Drake and his wife lived
until 1895 when they retired from active life and moved to
Northfield, where the father died, April 29, 1909, and where
the mother is still living. In the family were eight children :
Arthur I., of Northfield; Joseph E., of Northfield; Isabell M.,
married to Henry Harrison, of St. Paul; Mrs. M. E. Bullock, of
Stillwater, N. D. ; Mrs. H. A. Whitticr. of Northfield; Sumner
E., of Northfield; Mrs. Charles H. Wirtz, of Knox, N. D., and
William E.. of Northfield.
Charles F. Whittier was born in Newport, N. H., and was
there married to Margaret Wilmarth, a native of the same place.
They came to Minnesota in the early days and pre-empted 120
acres in Northfield township, where they continued to reside for
many years, moving to Northfield city in 1885. Mr. Whittier
was a progressive farmer, and did much toward improving the
blood strains of his stock, having on his place the Morgan horses
and Suffolk hogs. He was also interested in dairying, and manu-
factured the Cooley creamers. He also operated a cheese factory
for some years. He was a member of the A. O. U. W. and a
charter member of the Northfield Baptist Church and was deacon
until the time of his death, in August, 1886, thus giving him the
title of Deacon Whittier by which for many years he was well
known. To Charles F. and Margaret (Wilmarth) Whittier
were born two children, Eugenie E., married to Charles Stevens,
of Hamline. Minn., and Herbert A., of Northfield. After the
death of the mother of these children, Mr. Whittier married
Theresa Cutler, of Northfield, Minn., by whom he had two chil-
dren, Blanche and Willis, both of whom died of diphtheria.
Robert C. Wilkins, pioneer, was born near Brighton, Eng.,
December 13, 1827, and about a year later was brought to Amer-
ica by his parents who settled near Rochester, N. Y. Here Rob-
ert C. was reared, receiving a common education. Later he
learned the blacksmith trade, and in 1849 opened a shop of his
own at Bushnell's Basin, on the Canal. After four years he
sold this shop, and worked in Rochester, N. Y., until 1855 when
he came to Minnesota, landing in what is now Minneapolis,
August 11. Shortly afterward he opened a blacksmith shop, this
being the third shop opened in Minneapolis. It was located
on the rear end of the lot on the corner of Washington and
Third avenue. South. After another year he opened a simp on
the corner of Second street and First avenue. North, where he
stayed about ten years. In 1869 he purchased a farm in Waseca
county, Minnesota, remaining there until 1882 when he sold his
1472 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
farm and came to Northfiekl. Minn., and retired from active
agricultural operations. Mr. Wilkins has never sought public
ofifice. but has at times consented to serve on the school board.
In 1849, Mr. Wilkins was married to Mary J. Tew, born in
Mendon, near Rochester, N. Y., in 1826. To this union were
born seven children, three of whom lived to maturity. Ernest
C. Wilkins, lives in Sumner, Wash. ; Mary Elizabeth, who died
in Northfield and Eliza Estelle, married to John H. Corliss, M.
D., of Sumner, Wash. Mary J. Tew Wilkins died in August,
1883, and Mr. Wilkins later married Louisa Feidheim, born near
Elgin, 111.
Charles and Susan (Holden) Wilkins were the parents of
Robert C. Wilkins, the father being of Scotch birth and the
mother of Welsh descent. Of their seven children, four married
and raised a family of children. Mrs. David Wood, of Kala-
mazoo, Mrs. Harvey Dean, who lived in the neighborhood of
Portage, Wis., and Frederick who lived in the same vicinity
are dead, Robert C. the only one surviving being the subject
of this sketch. Charles Wilkins brought his family from Eng-
land to America in 1828 stopping near Rochester, N. Y., where
he settled on a farm. There they lived until the mother died
when Charles (the father) came to live with his son Frederick
until his death.
The parents of Mrs. Robert C. Wilkins, nee Louisa Feidheim,
were both natives of Germany, the father born in Hanover and
the mother in Munich. They were married in New York and
came to Cannon City, Rice county, in 1855, and opened a hotel.
The father also dealt in cattle, and sold meat throughout the
county, visiting Northfield once each week, to supply his cus-
tomers. In 1861 he moved to Northfield and opened a meat
market to which he later added a grocery store. He continued in
business many years. He and his wife are now both dead. They
were the parents of seven children: Moses Feidheim, of Min-
neapolis; Caroline Feidheim, of Northfield; Louisa now Mrs.
Robert Wilkins; Louisa, now Mrs. Edward Chase, of Minne-
apolis; Lewis, of Minneapolis; Joseph, of Chicago; Rosa married
to James Butler, of Minneapolis.
James B. Wickham, a pioneer resident of Faribault, Minn.,
was born in Orange county, New York, June 4, 1844, coming
■with his parents at the age of six years to Bradford county,
Pennsylvania, where he passed his boyhood and received his
education in the district schools. He responded to the call of
arms early in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company F,
Fifth New York Cavalry, at Lyle, serving under the famous
General Custer till the disbandment of his regiment in 1865, at
Winchester, W. Va., then returned to his home in Bradford
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1473
county, where he remained about a year, emigrating west in
June, 1866, and locating at Faribault, Minn., engaging in the
engineering business which has claimed his attention ever since.
He accepted the position of chief engineer at St. Mary's Hall,
October 1, 1883, and has creditably filled the same ever since.
Mr. Wickham is a Republican in politics, and is interested in
everything pertaining to the welfare of his city. He is affiliated
with the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a prominent
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. As to religious
belief, he holds to the tenets of the Episcopal Church. November
21, 1867, he was united in marriage with Emma Cooper who died
in 1877, leaving one boy, Charles B., of Portland. Ore. He was
married a second time, February 4, 1880, taking as his bride,
Annie Atkinson, bj^ whom he has three children : Fred, of
Minot. N. D., who is an engineer on the Great Northern Rail-
way; James H. and George, who are deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Wickham have their residence at Second street and Sixth avenue
East.
Albert A. Winkley, a native of Warsaw township, Rice
county, Minnesota, was born June 27, 1857. He received his
education in the district schools, afterwards engaging in farm-
ing until twenty-eight years of age. He was one of the oldest
children in a large family and it was necessary for him to work,
and take some of the responsibilities of caring for the younger
children at an early age. At the age of eleven years he was so
unfortunate as to have his left leg taken off in a mowing machine
while assisting his father in the field. In those days there were
no artificial limbs manufactured that a person could wear with
any comfort. 'Getting along the best he could until he reached
the age of twenty-eight years, when he made and patented an
artificial limb and opened a small shop in Faribault, Minn. His
artificial limb proved a success and eleven years later he moved
to Minneapolis, where he opened and established a large shop
which was incorporated in his name and is still operated as the
"Winkley Artificial Limb Company."' In 1891 he sold his interest
in the above firm and became traveling representative for E. H.
Erickson Artificial Limb Company, remaining with these people
but a short time.
Mr. Winkley is known in every state in the Union, and he
receives letters daily from unfortunates who have lost their
limbs and seeking advice and information regarding the right
kind of limb to purchase. He is always glad to help anyone
who is so unfortunate as to lose their limbs to secure the very
best. Mr. Winkley patented what is known as a slip socket leg,
and the Winkley slip socket has brought relief to people all
over the world to-day. Mr. Winkley returned to Faribault in
14?4 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
1891 and later purchased the liver}- business of J. J. Clark which
he has conducted since with great success; in 1907 he erected
a commodious and up-to-date barn 140 feet by 11 in dimensions
having stable room for fifty horses which he keeps constantly
in use. In 1909 he purchased the Taylor bus line which he now
operates in connection with the livery, his buses meet every
passenger train that arrives in Faribault daily. In politics the
Republican party counts him a lo3al member.
Hc^ is also identified with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of the Elks, Knights of Pythias, American Order of
United Workmen and the Order of Eagles. December, 1885, he
was united in marriage with Ellen G. Farnhani, of Meredith,
N. H. They have eight children. Albert F., born December 16,
1886, who now resides in La Grande. Ore. ; John A., born Feb-
ruar}' 10. 1887, in business with his father: Mary A., born Feb-
ruary 9, 1889; Alartha E., who was born August 21, 1892;
Herbert O., born October 4, 1895 : Joseph \V., born July 13.
1897; Charles A., born June 13, 1899; May G., born December
4, 1902. The family residence is located on the corner of Cen-
tral avenue and First street South. They attend the Congre-
gational Church,
Nicholas O. Winans, retired business man and farmer, now
residing at 804 Seventh street, in Faribault, was born in Elmira,
N. Y., August 30, 1830, son of Nicholas and Frances (Cook)
Winans, natives respectively of New England and Pennsylvania.
The father, who spent the greater part of his life as a farmer
in New York state died in 1855 and the mother passed away in
Minnesota in 1878. Nicholas received his education in the public
schools, and after leaving school followed farming until fourteen
years of age, when, in 1844, he moved to Aurora, 111., with his
mother. He clerked in a store for a number of years, and in
1854 engaged in the hardware business in the same city, remain-
ing until 1857. That year he came to Faribault and engaged in
the meat business. In 1861 he purchased a farm in \Vells town-
ship, consisting of 100 acres in section 26. There he built him-
self a home and erected other necessary buildings, successfully
carrying on general farming until 1904. Then he came to Fari-
bault, purchased his present home, and has since resided here.
He is a Republican in politics and is much interested in the
issues of the day although he has never sought or held public
office. Mr. Winans was married October 12, 1857, at Aurora,
111., to Martha Kendall, daughter of John and Sarah (Hapgood)
Kendall, who came to America July 16, 1838, and located in
Aurora. Ill, Mr, Kendall died in 1854 and his wife in 1887.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Winans. Clark was
born December 20, 1873. Richard A. was born August 13, 1875,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1475
and died May 1, 1888. John R. was born May 18, 1878, married
Jennie Mclntire, and now lives in Presho, S. D. The family
faith is tliat of the Metliodist Church.
Frank Henry Wilkowske was born in Morristown township,
Rice county, Minnesota, in 1872, and is the third of a family of
seven children born to Rudolph and Ida (Koplieske) Wilkowske,
who were married in the spring of 1869 at Waterville, Minn.
The mother died in the spring of 1898. Their children, other
than our sul)ject were Albert, a farmer by occupation, Augusta,
who is married to Edward Kiser, Conrad, a practicing physician.
Otto, a farmer, Minnie, who is married to Rudolph Kanne and
\VilheIm, who lives on the family homestead. The father, who
was a native of Province of Posen, Germany, was born l'"ebruary
9, 1842, to Daniel and Justine (Krueger) Wilkowske. He was the
third child of a family of seven children, whom his widowed
mother brought to this country, in the spring of 1855, settling
at Green Bay, Wis., where they bought a quarter section of land
at fifty cents per acre. In the spring of 1863 the family came to
Rice county, Minnesota, and settled on the tract of land in
section thirty-six, Morristown township which became the fam-
ily homestead. Rudolph first bought eighty acres of school land
for five dollars per acre and afterwards bought a quarter section
for fifteen dollars per acre. His first house was built of rough
logs and was a rude cabin twelve b}' eighteen feet in dimensions,
but served as a home till 1868. He broke the land with o.x teams
and with these hauled the produce, at first to Hastings and later
to Faribault, the main trading post. But with dauntless courage
he met and overcame these difficulties and privations incident to
settling in a new country and lives to enjoy the fruits of his
labors surrounded by hosts of friends and honored and respected
by all who know him. He served in local offices, being path-
master, school treasurer, etc., and in the German Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which he has many years been a loyal mem-
ber, he has held the various offices of clerk, steward, treasurer
and class leader. He now resides at Faribault whither he moved
in the fall of 1903. He married his present wife, who was form-
erly Margaret Eichhom at Vincent, Iowa.
Frank H. our subject, grew to manhood on his father's
farm and after leaving the district schools attended school at
Waterville, supplementing this with a course of study at a
business college in St. Paul Park where he was graduated in
1894. Mr. Wilkowske began his business career in 1894, engag-
ing in the hardware trade on his own account. In 1896 the
business was carried on under the firm name of Wilkowske
Brothers and .so continued till 1899, when the firm name changed
to Wilkowske and Wolf, which lasted seven years. Since 1906
1476 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lie has been in business alone. Mr. AVilkowske has filled num-
erous local offices. He served as village recorder in 1895 and
by re-election in 1896 and was again elected in March, 1900.
April 1, 1902, he was elected president of the council and trom
April 4, 1905, to March 2, 1909, served as recorder. He was
elected school treasurer July 30. 1900, re-elected in 1903 and
again elected in 1909 for a third three years term. In 1906 he
was a candidate for County Treasurer and again in 1908 on the
Republican ticket.
In 1896 Mr. Wilkowske married Meta Wolf and they have
two bright children, viz : Everet, born July 19. 1900, and Dela,
who was born March 2, 1903. Mr. Wilkowske was appointed to
serve the unexpired term, as county commissioner, caused by
the resignation of John Finley who moved away. He is also
clerk of the local Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America.
E. J. Wolf was born in Wheeling township. Rice county,
May 1, 1865, to John B. and Katherine (Filpert) Wolf. John B.
Wolf left the fatherland with his parents and emigrated to Amer-
ica in 1841 and located in \\'heeling, 111., where they remained
until 1855. At that time they came to Wheeling township.
Rice county, Minnesota, where John B's. father lived only a
few j'ears, being killed b)" the falling of a tree. Then John B.
and his mother continued to work the farm. In 1893 the mother
passed away, but John B. continued to farm at the same place
until 1891 when he retired from active life and moved to Fari-
bault where he and his wife now reside. Our subject was edu-
cated in the district schools of Wheeling township. After leav-
ing school he returned to the old homestead where he now car-
ries on general and diversified farming. He was married in 1891
to Emma, daughter of C. and Carolina Schmidt, natives of Ger-
many. Mr. Schmidt was a shoemaker by trade, and came to
America in 1855 locating in Chicago where he worked for some
time ; later he worked in St. Paul and came to Nerstrand in
1876, where he conducted a shoe store until his death, which
occurred in 1899. Mrs. Schmidt lives in California. The home
of our subject was blessed with five children, three of whom are
living, viz: Sadie, Francis and Dewey. Mr. Wolf favors the
Republican party. In religious faith he belongs to the German
Evangelical Church. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' State
Bank at Nerstrand.
George Snow Weston was born in Burnett, W^is., June 19,
1869. He is the son of Charles and Jane (Dock) Weston, who
were natives of Canada. Mr. Weston's occupation was that of
a farmer. He came to the States in 1845, locating in Wisconsin,
and buying 320 acres of land where he carried on general farm-
ing up to the spring of 1889 when he brought his family to Min-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1477
iiesota, and located in tlie town of Walcolt, Rice county where
he bought 340 acres of land and carried on general farming until
1894. He died on the old homestead. May 17, 1908. Mrs. Wes-
ton is still living at the old home. Mr. Weston was educated in
the district schools of Burnett and attended Shattuck school for
two years, then took an academic course at Coaticotte, Canada.
In the spring of 1889 he returned to the farm where he with his
father carried on a dairy business, later making a specialty of
raising Durham cattle and Chester white hogs. Their farm is
known as the Maplewood Stock farm, and Mr. Weston still
carries on the same line of business on the old homestead. On
Maj- 17, 1892, he was married to Agnes Buttcrfield. a daughter
of B. B. and Mary (Spafiford) Butterfield, natives of Canada.
Mr. Butterfield was a farmer and followed it in Canada until his
death. Mrs. Butterfield died at Cedar Falls, Iowa, in December.
1886. Mr. Weston is a Republican, and his religious affiliations
are with the Episcopal Church, he is a member of the A. O. U.
W., the Royal Arcanum, and the Knights of Pythias, he is a
stockholder and director of the Farmers Elevator Company and
treasurer of the Faribault Canning Company.
Eugene B. Wemple was born in Florida, Montgomery county.
New York, July 12, 1845, son of David D. and Christiana (Schuy-
ler) Wemple, natives of New York. Mr. Wemple followed the
trade of a wagon and carriage maker until the year 1848 when he
moved his family west to Wisconsin, locating on a farm of 90
acres near Oshkosh. w-here he lived until \S55. In 1856 he sold
his farm and moved to Minnesota, locating in Walcott township,
section 13, where he bought 160 acres, doing general farming
until the time of his death January 22, 1885. Mrs. Wemple died
January 11, 1885. Eugene Wemple was educated in the district
schools of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and also attended Hamline
university, when that school was located at Red Wing, Minn.
After leaving school he returned to the farm where he worked
with his father until 18.^0, then he bought the farm from his
father. He has lived there ever since, and has acquired an addi-
tional 40 acres. On April 12, 1876, he married Minnie Thompson,
a daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Biglow) Thompson who
were natives of the State of New York. Mr. Thompson was a
doctor of medicine and came west locating near Winona. Minn,
where he bought a farm on which he lived and practiced his
profession up to the time of his death. Mrs. Thompson died in
1894. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wemple: Hen-
rietta M. Lewis, whose husband is a farmer living near Kerk-
hoven. Minn.. Edith Belle Peterson, whose husband is a farmer
living near Kerkhoven, Minn. Eugene B., Jr. who is by occupa-
tion a gas fitter and plumber and who travels a portion of the
1478 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
time. Ethel L., a teacher, and Roy E. lives on the farm. Mrs
Wemple died April 3, 1896. On March 28, 1904, Mr. VVemple
married his second wife, Cora B. Kellogg, daughter of A. J.
and Marilla C. (Barnett) Kellogg. The father was a native of
Franklin. Delaware county. New York, and the mother lived in
Iowa. Mr. Kellogg was by trade a wagon maker. He came west
to Minnesota in 1854 locating at Faribault, where he worked at
his trade until 1880 when he retired from active work. He died
in Faribault in 1903. Mrs. Kellogg died April 14, 1879. Mr.
Wemple has no children by his second wife. He is a Republican
and has served on the board of supervisors for two years, and as
a director on the school board since the year 1900. He is a
stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company, The Richland
creamery, and in the Co-operative store. He is a member of the
M. E. Church. Mr. Wemple is one of a family of nine children.
William J. for many years in the feed business at Logansport,
Ind., now retired from active business ; Anna M., married to
Frank Ridgeway, who is in the mercantile business at Jackson,
Minn.; Sarah J. Matthews, a widow, now living at Faribault;
Eugene B. ; Henrietta R. Benham, whose husband is a prominent
real estate man in Minneapolis; George W. in the patent right
business at Boston; David D. died March 11, 1909. and whose
widow and son live at Fergus Falls, Minn. ; Daniel S. owner of
1,860 acres of farm land near Fergus Falls, now retired and lives
with his family at Fergus Falls ; Gertrude Cronkhite. whose
husband is a farmer at Maple Lake. Minn.
Alfred K. Ware, a prominent citizen of Northfield, is known
throughout the United States as the owner of the Alcantara
farm, which has produced some of the finest horses in America.
In 1903 he was elected mayor of the city and served with credit
for two years. In 1904 he was elected to the legislature, and so
excellent was the record which he made in that body, the people
of his district honored him with the same position again in
1908. He is now serving and has established for himself an
enviable reputation in the minds of his fellow citizens. Alfred
K. Ware was born in Waterloo, Iowa, August 23, 1863, and
received his early education in the public schools of Minneapolis,
and a high school at Evanston, 111. After graduating from the
latter institution, he entered into the real estate and loan busi-
ness at Lake Benton, Minn., remaining two years. Then he
went to Elmwood, 111., and conducted a stock farm three years.
From 1897 to 1899 he raised stock in Virginia, and in the latter
year came to Rice county. Here he purchased the electric light
plant at Northfield, and built a sightly brick theater. He also
bought eighty acres of land, which he has converted into a
famous stock farm. Mr. Ware was married, March 30, 1887, to
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1470
Harriet Fletcher, born in Winona, Minn. To this union, eight
children have been born, five boys and three girls. They are:
Cecil C, Mildred R., Ralph F., Fletcher K., Marjoric II., Roger
(deceased), Alexander E., John T. and Alfreda L. Mr. Ware is
a Republican in politics, and belongs to the Masonic order, the
Modern W'oodmen and the Mndern Samaritans. Edward K.
and Mary E. (Maxwell) Ware, parents of Alfred K. Ware, were
natives respectively of Illinois and Massachusetts. They located
in Iowa in the early days, and moved to Minneapolis in 1876.
Both arc now deceased.
The Alcantara Farm, in Northfield, is the breeding place of
high grade trotting horses. In 1899, Alfred K. Ware, the pro-
prietor, purchased the world-famed Alcantara, a horse that
ranked fifth in the world as a sire of trotting and pacing horses,
having at the lime of his purhcase by Mr. Ware a list of over
135 which was increased to over 160 before his death. Mr. Ware
has owned the following horses: Betherton, Sidmont {Z.lOyi) ;
Barolite {2.17 yi) ; Homeward, Aldatara Wilkesoneer (2.30) :
Red Star (2 .12 14) ; Senator La Follette {2.23/2) ; Royal Online
(2.23^); Major Silver; Lexantara; Ashon (2.12>4). A great
many fast colts have been produced in Minnesota. Among them
might be mentioned: Iseneta (2.05i<^) ; Happy Hooligan 2.12/) :
Lady Oulinc (2.17^); Ollie K. (2.1214); Mollie Barolite (2.-
18>4); Browie Mae (2.24i4) ; Bessie Barolite (2.22^); Lucy
A. (2.191/,) ; Red Sid (2.24i4), and several others that are fast
but have not made records. It will be seen from this list that
Mr. Ware stands at the head of all in this section for improving
the speed qualities of horses.
Lambert Watts, a retired farmer of Rice county, now living
in Northfield, was born in Pacham, Caledonia county, Vermont.
December 2, 1820, son of Thomas and jane (Bailey) Watts,
natives respectively of New Hampshire and Newbury, Vt. He
received his education in the common schools of Vermont, and
early turned his attention to farming. He came to Rice county
in March, 1858, and bought a quarter section of land in North-
field, where he lived about five years, afterward purchasing 320
acres in section 14, which he still owns. At the beginning of hi-^
career in this county, Mr. Watts acquired a Morgan mare, ami
raised some fine horses of that strain. During his residence here.
Mr. Watts has never sought public office, preferring rather to
give all his energy, time and attention to his farming. Trouble
with his hearing prevented his enlistment in the Civil war.
Mr. Watts has taken a deep interest in the development of town-
ship and county. The first school in his vicinity, when he
first came to Minnesota, was held in his granary, which he gave
free of rent. He also donated time and money to various pub-
1480 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
lie improvements. Mr. Watts has been a life-long Republican.
In 1888 he retired from farming and moved to Northfield, where
he still resides. He was married in Pacham, Vt., March 29, 1842,
to Martha Martin, born in Pacham, Vt., March 20, 1817, daughter
of Eliphalet and Martha (Hoyt) Martin, both natives of Penn-
sylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Watts were blessed with five children.
Thomas born November 14, 1843, served three years in Company
C, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out
at the close of the war. Martha J. was born June 2, 1845, and
died at Pacham, Vt., September 17, 1845. John M. was born
October 28, 1847, and died October 13, 1902. Lizzie Ann was
born November 22, 1851, and married Everett Spear, of North-
field. Martha J., named for her deceased sister, was born Feb-
ruary 23, 1857.
Wiliam Zimmerman, a prosperous and enterprising merchant
of Morristown, Minn., was born in Germany in 1878, and is
one of a family of five children born to August and \\"ilhelmeina
Zimmerman. They came from Germany in 1883 and settled in
Rice county. Minnesota, with their then three children, Fred,
now of Faribault, in the hotel business, our subject and Charles,
working his father's farm, and was married to ;\Iata Flagel, eight
days before his mother passed away, also of Morristown — subse-
quently two more children were born, viz : Minnie, now married
to Gustav Zielske, and Alma who is at home. The family are
adherents of the German Lutheran Church. The mother, who
was born August 15, 1863. to Frederick and Wilhelmeina Pieper,
of Province Brandenburg, Germany, grew to womanhood and
was educated in her native place. She was a woman of noble
christian character greatly beloved by all who know her, and
her death at Morristown. after a lingering illness, on January
22, 1909, was deeply mourned by many friends. William grew
up on his father's farm, and attended the district schools until
he was sixteen years old. He went to St. Paul in 1903 and
entered Stone's school of watchmaking and engraving and learned
the art of engraving and watchmaking and on being graduated
returned to Morristown and soon afterward opened for business
with about one hundred and fifty dollars worth of goods in L.
J. Eisert's furniture store. Beginning thus in a modest way. he
gave close attention to his busines which gradually grew under
his careful management necessitating an increase of stock each
year. He continued in his first location till 1908, and then
moved his place of business to the general store of Paul Burkart
and conducted it there till February, 1909, when his present store
building, twenty-six by thirt_v feet in dimensions and two stories
in height was ready for occupancy. This building was formerly
occupied by the Methodist Church and stood just south of the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1481
town line. Mr. Zimmerman has his store well fitted up with
jewelry safe and every appliance looking to safety and fine dis-
play and besides an elegant stock of jewelry, perfumery and
notions, has a fine fountain. Mr. Zimmerman is a man of thrift
and has dealt somewhat in real estate since settling in Morris-
town with gratifying success.
William Zabel was born in the State of Illinois, April 30,
1858, son of Chas. and Minnie (Brandt) Zabel, both natives of
Germany. Bj- trade Chas. Zabel was a wagon maker. He came
to America in 1849, and located in McHenry county, Illinois,
where he worked at his trade until 1857. He then moved to
Minnesota and located at Prairicville, Cannon City township.
Rice county, working at his trade until 1866. He then bought
one hundred and seventy acres of land in the above named town-
ship on which he carried on a general farming until 1899 when
he sold his farm and moved to Faribault where he lived in retire-
ment until his death in 1905. Mrs. Zabel died in 1902.
William Zabel was educated in the district schools of Canon
City. After leaving school he rented a farm in the town of Wal-
cott on which he did general farming up to 1904, when he bought
240 acres, doing a general and dairy farming, which he still con-
tinues. He was married October, 1884, to Mary C. Dwyer, a
daughter of John Dwyer, of Ireland. Mr. Dwyer's occupation
was that of a farmer. He came to America and located first in
New York State, and afterward moved to Minnesota and located
at Faribault, he worked out for several years and then bought
a farm in the township of Walcott where he did general farm-
ing until his death. Nine children have blessed the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Zabel. In politics Mr. Zabel is a Republican. He is a
stockholder in the Prairievillc Creamer)', the Farmers'Co-oper-
ative store at Faribault, and of the Farmers' Elevator Company
of Faribaidt. He is a member of the Episcopal Church.
Frank A. Berry, of Faribault, was born in Borodino,
Anondago county. New York, and in 1866 came west to Fari-
bault. Since that date he has been closely identified with its life.
Upon his arrival here he engaged in the wholesale lumber busi-
ness with a partner, under the firm name of Smith & Berry.
From 1870 until 1903 he followed agricultural pursuits, and held
an interest in several local concerns. In 1903 he succeeded Hud-
son Wilson as president of the Citizens' National Bank, of Fari-
bault, and continued in that capacity until the bank was sold in
1908. Since that date he has lived practically a retired life.
Alson Blodgett, of Faribault, was born in Genesee
county. New York, May 3, i830, and was married in New York
city, coming to Faribault in January, 1856. Mr. Blodgett then
returned cast, and when he came back to Rice county, brought
1482 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
with him a team of horses and a vehicle which he turned into land
in Warsaw township, where he located on a farm, there remaining
until 1875. He then sold the farm and came to the city of Fari-
bault, where he entered into the sash, door and blind business, in
connection with a lumber yard, under the firm name of Linner &
Blodgett. Three years later this firm was sold out, and in 1881
Mr. Blodgett purchased the Smith Lumber Yard, which he de-
veloped into a large industry, incorporated in 1892, and known as
the Wisconsin Lumber Compan}-. Mr. Blodgett's three sons now-
being associated with him in the company. Mr. Blodgett is now
president of this company. He is a Republican in politics, and at
one tinie served as supervisor in the township of AVarsaw.
Alson Blodgett, Jr., secretary and treasurer of the Wis-
consin Lumber Company. Faribault, was born in that city
January 11, 1860, his parents being Alson Blodgett, Sr., and Mary
(Cook) Blodgett. In 1880 he entered the lumber business with
his father. The company was incorporated in 1892, and at that
time the subject of this sketch became secretary and treasurer,
a position he has since retained. Mr. Blodgett is a Republican
in politics and has serv^ed as president of the Faribault school
board for six years. He is also a director of the Security Bank of
Faribault, and of the P'aribault Commercial Club.
Ernest A. Taylor. July 6, 1861, in what was then the
township of Merton. Steele county, Minnesota, there was born to
H. W. Taylor and his wife, Lenora (Kendall) Taylor, a son,
who was named Ernest Ansel. In January, 1865, he, witli his
sister Lula, who was two years his junior, was taken by his
parents to Buckland, Mass.. where the family li\-ed with the
paternal grandparents for a year.
The following spring the family removed to Fariljault, and
later, when school was opened in the new Central school building,
the first day found E. A. Taylor a pupil in the lowest class in the
lowest room. The summer he was sixteen found him completing
his third year in the higli school, and as the school authorities
had not yet inaugurated a regular course and there was no such
thing as graduation, he thought he had education enough, and
having a fondness for mechanical work persuaded his parents to
let him enter the blacksmith shop of the Frink & StafTord wagon
factory as an apprentice. Four years later, having in the mean-
time learned his trade, a hunting trip to Hutchison, Minn., put
him in the wav of becoming interested in a small hardwood saw-
mill. The venture was not a financial success, but it added to his
knowledge the ability to run a steam engine and to do logging
from cutting the trees to putting the logs on the rollway. Re-
turning to Faribault he worked at his trade for Lindeman Bros.,
and later for Adan Weyer. In the fall he ran an engine for a
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1483
threshing outfit belonging to the Minnesota Chief Company.
Tlie next season he liad charge of a whole outfit for the same com-
jjany, starting all alone from I*"aribaiilt with one of the first trac-
tion engines made. It was built over from an engine drawn by
horses, and was speeded up to six miles an hour, making it very
difficult for an inexperienced driver to steer. All went well till
a narrow grade across a slough southwest of Medford was
reached, when one front wheel slipped off and the axle was
broken. A day sufficed for repairs. The trip was continued and
a successful season's threshing was done between Owatonna and
Waseca. Returning, bad luck overtook the outfit near the scene
of the former mishap. The engine and tank broke through a
bridge, Mr. Taylor saving himself from being crushed between
the two by jumping.
The following spring — 188-1 — he went to Windsor, Mo., where
his mother's people lived, to run an engine in a creamery. The
winter of that year, wishing for inore education, he gave up his
place, went to Sedalia, Mo., and entered the Robbins Business
College, which was a good one for that time. After completing
the course he returned to Minnesota and early in 1886, learning
that both the Great Northern and the "Soo" roads were going
to build through Paynesville. Minn., he went there with Fred
Harper and another Faribault boy and opened a blacksmith and
wagon repair shop. Business was good from the start. October
6, 1886, E. A. Taylor was united in marriage to Mary E. Tower,
daughter of G. W. Tower, of Faribault. January 1, 1887, Mr.
Taylor sold his interest in the shop to his partner and went into
business with John W. Darby, who was postmaster at Paynes-
ville and also had a drug and grocery store. A year later, Mr.
Taylor finding the drug business more to his taste than anything
lie had yet tried, disposed of his interests in Paynesville and
bought a two-thirds interest in an exclusive drug store in Maple
Lake, Minn. Two years later a disastrous fire wiped out the busi-
ness and the family residence, which was above the store. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were sick with the "grip" at the time and
little was saved. Mr. Taylor then went to Minneapolis and
entered Prof. Drews Pharmacy School. After completing the
course he successfully passed the examination of the Minnesota
State Board of Pharmacy. For a time he was employed in a drug
store in Minneapolis, and then accepted a desirable ])lace in a
store on the hill in St. Paul. Here the close confinement and long
hours gradually told on his health, and not wishing to give up the
business, he accepted an ofler to take charge of a new stock of
drugs that was going in at Breckenridge, Minn. For a time the
change was beneficial, but as the business grew the old troubles
came back and finally, late in i894, with his health completely
USi HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
shattered, he was compelled to give up the work for all lime. The
family, which now included two daughters, Erna, born on her
father's birthday, July 6, 1890, and Jean, born September 12, 1892,
returned to Faribault. For a year and a half Mr. Taylor was
unable to do any real work, then he regained sufficient health to
do light outdoor work and drove 'bus for his father, gradually
regaining lost ground till in 1902, when his brother Leslie, who
had engaged in the lumbering business in Aitken county, Minne-
sota, died as the result of an accident, E. A. Taylor went there
and took charge of the business. The region was a wild one at
the time, the nearest available railroad point being Grand Rapids,
Minn., thirty-five miles away by the wagon road. Early in the
summer Mr. Taylor took his family up. At first they lived in
a tent, but as soon as lumber had been sawed, buildings of rough
boards covered with tar paper were put up for the camp and a
house for the family was built in the same way. It took two
years to saw the lumber — something over two million feet — from
the tract of land they owned. Then in 1904 they moved back to
Faribault. Mr. Taylor soon after opened the Electric Laundry,
which he still runs. In local politics he does not follow party
lines, and on national questions he usually votes the Republican
ticket, but he approves of the present "insurgent" movement. He
is a member of the M. W. A., the M. B. A., the Mystic Workers,
the local Commercial Club and the Live Topic Club. The family
usually attend the Congregational Church.
Joseph M. St. George, a native of Wells township, Rice county,
was born April 2, 1866. He received his education in the Cedar
Lake district school of Wells township, afterwards taking up gen-
eral farming and threshing, which he followed for twenty-four
years, succeeding his father in business. Mr. St. George was very
successful in his farming operations, acquiring a farm in Rice
county, which he developed to a high state of productiveness, and
another in South Dakota, where he bought for speculation. In
1902 he engaged in quarrying all kinds of building and lime
stone near Faribault, and shortly afterwards established a brick
yard, now doing an extensive business in both lines. In politics
he stands independent, always voting as he thinks best, regardless
of party. April 11, 1887, at Faribault, Minn., he was united in
marriage with Susan Chapdelaine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Francis Chapdelaine. They have three children, all living at
home — Alfred, Lawrence and Elizabeth. The family reside at the
corner of First street and Thirteenth street. East. The Catholic
Church claims them as members. Mr. St. George is affiliated with
the Catholic Order of Foresters. Joseph St. George and Mary
(Jersoule) St. George, parents of our subject, were born in
Canada and Belgium, respectiveh-, the former in 1834 and the
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES H85
latter in 1835. In 1855 they migrated to Wells township, Rice
county, where they homesteaded a hundred and sixty acres, hav-
ing the usual experiences of those pioneer days. They united
in marriage in 1858. The father continued farming, running a
threshing outfit in connection with his farm duties much of the
time till 1 890, when he removed to Walcott township, where he
continued farming till 1899, then removed to North Dakota,
taking a claim of a hundred and sixty acres and proving up on it.
He still spends most of his time on this property. His wife died
in Walcott township, May 3, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Francis Chap-
delaine, parents of our subject's wife, were united in marriage
in July. 1859. They engaged in farming in Wells townsiiip. Rice
count)-, till 1893, then lived in the city of Faribault till their de-
cease. Mr. Chapdelaine died at the age of eighty-one years. Mrs.
Chapdclaine died at the age of sixty years.
John Street was born in W'inneshiek county, Iowa, September
10, 1856. He received his early education in the public schools,
and when nineteen years old commenced teaching country schools
and for several years alternated between teaching and attending
school, holding the position as principal of the Sheffield, Iowa
schools for three years, after which he engaged in the real estate
and abstract business, working at this about five years, serving
in the meantime as deputy register of deeds in Hampton, Franklin
county, Iowa. He came to Minnesota in i889, stopping at Spring-
field, Minn., where he was engaged in banking. In 1891 he went
to Lamberton, Minn., and there, with others, organized the Citi-
zens' State Bank, of which he was cashier, remaining in this posi-
tion about ten years. In the meantime he served for some years
as president of the Bank of Moose Lake, and vice president of the
Citizens' Bank, of Maynard, Minn. In 1901 Mr. Street came to
Northfield and engaged in the real estate and loaning business.
In 1906 he entered into partnership with M. W. Skinner and the
firm name has since been Skinner & Street. Mr. Street is a Re-
publican in politics. He has been president of the Northfield
Board of Education for the past six years. Mr. Street was mar-
ried October 19, 1881, to Mary J. Winship, daughter of J. W.
and Rutli (Aten) Winship, and born in Wisconsin January 19,
1861. To this union were born ten children — Claude W., Ber-
nard. Arthur D. (deceased). Bayard T.. Edith E.. Ruth R., Flor-
ence E., Maynard J., Douglass and Theodore H. .\aron and Eliza-
beth (Clark) Street, parents of John Street, were natives of Ohio
and Illinois, respectively. They located in Salem, Henry county,
Iowa, among the first settlers, the father dying in 1871. and the
mother in i896. They had six children who grew to maturity :
Mrs. Eunice S. King, of Muscatine, Iowa; Mrs. Mary S. Haines,
of Hesper, N. D. ; B. G. Street, of Hesper, Iowa ; D. C. Street, of
1486 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
Sturgeon Lake, Alinn. : L. M. Street, of Alinneapolis. Alinn., and
John Street, of Xorthfield, Minn., the subject of this sketch.
Herbert C. Theopold was born in Faribault in July, 1868. He
attended the public schools of Faribault and graduated from the
Shattuck school in 1886. In 1888 he associated himself with his
father, F. A. Theopold, in the wholesale grocery business. In
1905 the business was incorporated under the name of Theopold-
Reid Company, with Henry C. as president
George R. Miller, farmer of Rice county, was born in Richland
township. December 20, 1866, to J. G. and Susan (Putmanj
Miller. The father, a native of Germany, was a shoemaker by
trade. The mother is a native of New York state. J. G. Miller
came to America in 1845 and located in New York city, where he
worked at his trade for one month, after which he moved to
Genesee county, where he followed his trade for two months.
In 1850 he moved west to Wisconsin, locating in Rock county,
where he worked on a farm for some time. In 1851 he bought a
farm in Fayette county, Iowa, where he remained until 1856. He
then came to Alinnesota, located in Walcott township. Rice
county, where he worked at his trade. In 1858 he traded his
farm in Iowa for land in Richland township, where he has done
general farming up to the present time. Nine children blessed
the home in this family. Five are still living: S. E. Miller is
engaged in the grocery business in Minneapolis: Mrs. Lucy
Perry, who lives in Walcott township : Mrs. Rebecca Zanher, who
lives in North Dakota, and Emma Miller, who is still at home and
has successfully engaged in the poultry and egg business. The
subject of this sketch was educated in the district school in Rich-
land township. After leaving school he worked on his father's
farm, where he still lives. Mr. Miller is a Prohibitionist in poli-
tics, and he belongs to the Methodist Church. He has served
as a member of the board of directors in the school district for
six years, beginning in 1900. He has also served as road overseer
for several terms. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-
operative Store at Faribault.
Charles H. Hatfield, son of Robert and Nancy Hatfield, was
born in Wells county, Indiana, November 2. 1850. His parents,
in 1860, removed to Forest township, Rice county, Minnesota,
and here he completed his education in the district schools, after-
wards engaging in farming on a farm in Forest township. He
also acquired land in Eureka township, Dakota county, and
spent two years in South Dakota, occupied in farming, after-
wards returning to Forest township, where he continued to
follow general farming with much success for the next eight
years. He then took a trip into North Dakota, where he in-
vested in land in Burleigh county, which he still owns. Mr. Hat-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1487
field then moved to Faribault — 1903 — and entered the business of
buying and shipping veal and poultry, which still claims his
attention. The Farmers' Elevator Company, of Faribault, num-
bers him among its stockholders. In politics he is a staunch sup-
porter of the Republican party, and has ably served on the town
board and school committee of Forest, and was treasurer of the
school board for a time. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church of Forest and afterwards of Dundas, but after making his
permanent home in Faribault he united with the Congregational
Church. May 27 , 1886, he was married to Kate Owings, who
died two years later, leaving one daughter, Ruth, who is mar-
ried to E. L. Femder, of Idaho. Mr. Hatfield was married a
second time, November 19, 1897, at Faribault, to Sarah Brown,
daughter of James and Sarah (Ford) Brown, of Faribault. Mr.
and Mrs. Brown were natives of Scotland, emigrating to Canada
in the early seventies, removing to Faribault in the spring of
1872, where he purchased a home on Fourth street, which he
continued to own and occupy until his death, March 27. 1908, his
wife following him just five days later. The Hatfield residence
is at 821 Fourth street. West.
William H. Dean is an enterprising citizen of Morristown,
Minn. He was born June 1, 1854, and is the eldest of a family
of ten children born to George W. and Martha Jane (Walker)
Dean. The other children, named in the order of their births, arc
James M. ; Sarah Jane, who is married to J. D. Hammett ; Mary,
the wife of P. A. Young; Nettie Louise, who is married to Hans
Larson; George W. ; Nellie, the wife of J. C. AIcKenzic; Mattie
S., married to Lewis Larson; Minnie, who is married to James
Kisor, and Edith, now the wife of Otto Cromwell. The father
was born November 1.^. 1831, in Brown county, Ohio, and is a son
of Ninkemiah and Mclinda (Jones) Dean, who were pioneer
settlers of Tipton county, Indiana, whither they moved with
an ox team, thirty-five miles north of the present site of Indian-
apolis, when our subject's father was eight years old. In the fall
of 1845 our subject's father, with his wife and infant child (our
subject) left his home in Indiana and after a six weeks' journey
with an ox team, reached Grant county, Wisconsin, and the
following year removed to Waseca county, which was then a part
of Rice county, Minnesota. Here he pre-empted and proved up
a claim. Five years later he traded this land for the eighty-acre
tract in section fifteen, Morristown township, Rice county, Min-
nesota, which became the family homestead. Four of his chil-
dren were born in the rude log house which he first erected here.
Those were strenuous times and there were many hardships and
privations to be endured. High prices for everything that set-
tlers had to buv was the rule. Mr. Dean paid $2.50 for the first
1488 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
bushel of wheat he bought, wliile his first sale of wheat brought
him only 45 cents per bushel. Twenty two dollars in gold was
the price he paid for one hundred pounds of pork, and in 1856
he counted himself fortunate to get a bushel of potatoes for two
and a half days' work. Faribault then had four log cabins, and
it took three days to make the trip to Hastings, the nearest trad-
ing point, and return, with an ox team. Mr. Dean hauled from
the old saw mill in Morristown the lumber for the Eagle Hotel
in Faribault. But Mr. Dean was a resolute and true pioneer and
met and overcame these early trials and lives to enjoy the well
earned fruits of his labors, at the old family homestead. Our
subject was reared on his father's farm and got his education in
the district schools. He was eight years old at the time of the
Indian uprising in 1862, and has a vivid recollection of the perils
and dangers that threatened as he in company with other
refugees fled from their homes to safety in Morristown. After
finishing his schooling he turned his attention to farming. Ho
bought his first piece of land, six acres, in 1877, to which he
added twelve acres, and then forty acres, and so continued to add
to his holdings from time to time until he acquired his present
fine farm in section sixteen, Morristown township, Rice county,
comprising 172^^^ acres, well improved. This farm is now — 1910
— leased to his son-in-law. Samuel J. Downhour. Mr. Dean has
served as a member of the town board some nine years, and for
four years was its chairman, and has also served on the school
board in district 89. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of
America, and both he and his wife are members of the Baptist
Church in Morristown. In the fall of 1905 he moved into the
village, and since September 1, 1905, has been in the employ
of the government as a mail carrier on rural free delivery route
No. 2. Mr. Dean owns lots 4, 5 and 6, in block 3. village of
Morristown, and a fine house and barns thereon. He also owns
stock in the Morristown State Bank. In 1878 Mr. Dean married
Rosa Orpha Henry, of Morristown. Nine children were born to
them. Stella E. is married to Samuel J. Downhour and has six
children. Harry, Elmer, Dorothy, Lawrence, Pearl and Forest.
John, the second child, married Pearl Hoban and has one child,
named lown. Walter, the third, married Lula Mack, in March,
1905. She died in October, 1907. Mabel May. the fourth child,
married Hans A. Olson, of Culver, Minn., and has two children,
Ruth Irene and Viola May. The fifth child, Onie Bell, is the
wife of Cecil W. Temple and has two children. Earl and Marlin,
The other children, Hattie Esther, Eathel Maud, Herbert Edward
and William Earl are single and live at home.
Angus Grant, a well known citizen of Faribault, was born at
Wolf Island, Ontario, Canada, May 26, 1862, there received his
IIII.'AM A. SlRIVKi;
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1489
education and came to Walker township, Rice count}-, with his
mother. He engaged for a time in farming. Then he took up
railroad contracting with his brother, and still continues in that
business. Mr. Grant is a Republican in politics, but has never
aspired to public office, though at one time he consented to serve
as street commissioner. For a period of years in the '90s he
engaged in the coal business in Faribault. He is a member of
the Masonic order, and belongs to the United Workmen and the
Modern Woodmen. Mr. Grant was married August 31, i879, at
the bride's home in Walcott township, to Anna B. Mills, daughter
of John N. and Maria (Biteley) Mills, natives of New York state,
who came to Minnesota and located in Faribault in the early
days. Mr. Mills was an attorney. He and his wife are now de-
ceased. Mrs. Grant attended the Faribault high school and
spent some time at St. Mary's in Faribault. Her ancestors were
among the Hollanders who settled in New York in the colonial
days, several having fought in the revolution.
Mr. and Mrs. Grant have been blessed with five children:
Rose M., born June 7, 1880; married Walter G. Smith, of Fari-
bault. Donald was born August 20, 1882, and married Grace
Armour, of Union Cit)-, Okla. He left school at the age of sixteen
years and took up railroad work with his father. He now has a
complete outfit and has made advancements tliat are remarkable
for a man of his age. Goldie M., born March 6, 1888. has gradu-
ated in domestic science in the Thomas training school. Detroit,
Mich. Angus, Jr., popularly known as "Buster" Grant, is a great
favorite in Faribault, especiall}^ among the young people. He
was born August 25, 1889. and graduated from the Faribault high
school with highest honors. He was captain of the basketball
and football teams, and led his men to victory, receiving cham-
pionship honors several times. He also won several medals for
athletic proficiency. The youngest child is Mary, I)urn February
29, 1896. The family home is at 521 West Second street.
Hop Hiram A. Scriver, of Xorthfield. was born in Hemming-
ford in the province of Quebec, on the 22d of April, 1830. He
secured a good common school education and spent .some time
at the high school in Potsdam, N. Y. He was engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits from the ending of his school days. In 1856 he
came to Northfield, and on the 12th of June in that year he
purchased the general merchandise store of Coulson Bros., who
had started a few months before, where the Scriver block now
stands, and at once became one of the leading and influential
citizens of the new community. He was an early member of
the board of supervisors, of which he was chairman, and has held
other town and county ofiices. He was also a member of the
school board. When Northfield became a city Mr. Scriver was
1490 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
its first mayor, and he was a member of the legislature in 1877
and 1879. He took a great interest in educational matters and
gave liberally to the support of Carleton college, of which he
was a trustee from its organization. He was a director of the
First National Bank of Northfield from 1878 to the day of his
death in 1890. Mr. Scriver was a member of the Congregational
Church, a regular attendant and a liberal contributor to its
charities. IMr. Scriver was twice married. In 1860 he married
Clara E. Olin, and they had one child, which died when two years
old. His wife was killed in a runaway some years ago, and in
August; 1886, he was married a second time, to Delia M. Vander-
bilt, of Geneseo, N. Y., who survives him. He died from paralysis
June 1, 1890. He was a man of upright character; his business
reputation was of the best, and in his daily walk and conversation
he proved himself a conscientious, kindly Christian gentleman.
His life and character were largely influential in determining the
high standard maintained in Northfield from the beginning to the
present time.
Hon. George W. Batchelder. A true pioneer must needs be a
man of varied abilities and well controlled mind. He must be able
to do hard work himself as well as to direct his fellow men ; to
endure hardship with fortitude and success with modesty ; to
follow the right when wrong would seemingly prove more profit-
able; to rebuke dishonor, even when such rebuke brings disfavor
from high places. Such a man was the late George W. Batchelder,
whose biography, fully written, would almost enbody the whole
history of Rice county, so closely were his activities interwoven
with its progress. At the time of his death — January 9, 1910 —
the press of the state and nation voiced their eulogies and such
phrases as "Faribault's most prominent and oldest citizen," "His
life an example of integrity and honor," "Sad death causes uni-
versal sorrow," "Widely known public man," were frequent.
One paper said : "No man in the city or county, and few in the
state of Minnesota, were better known than George W. Batchel-
der. A residence of fifty-four years, extending back beyond
Minnesota's statehood, back mto frontier life, back to a period
when Faribault was a little village, when its chief commercial
city was little more than a field of drifting sand, when Indians
roamed at will all over the state, together with an active, influ-
ential life, made him well known, while his love of justice, and his
honorable manhood made his acquaintance desirable. Few, very
few, men are permitted so long a life of activity — and fewer still
are permitted to couple with that activity so much that stand
for true manhood and worth. It is little wonder that he was
widely and favorably known. Active in his practice as a lawyer,
active in business afifairs, always a staunch friend of his chosen
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1491
city and state, kindly in iiis friendships, charitable to those in
need, always building up, never tearing down, it is not strange
that Faribault should long mourn, or that its sorrow should
extend far beyond its borders. In his earlier years Mr. Batchel-
der mingled freely in a social way with his neighbors and friends ;
he was of a genial disposition and his home was one of the cen-
ters of Faribault social life. He was a scholar and student and
devoted to music, while his strong and varied mental endow-
ments made him a charming associate always. He was not a
politician, in the common acceptance of the term, but was an
active Democrat all his life. When official life came to him,
he discharged its duties with studious care and fidelity. He
believed in the people, and their rights of citizenship within the
law. He feared the aggression of organized wealth ; feared the
coming of that condition that now confronts the nation and used
his influence to check it."
George Washington Batchclder was born in Danville, Cale-
donia county, Vermont, February 18, 1825, his parents having
been John Batchelder and Alice Kittridge Batchelder. His
ancestry is traced to Rev. Stephen Batchelder, who was a dis-
senting minister, and who emigrated from Surrey, England, in
1732, and settled in Lynn, Mass. George W. lived on his father's
farm till he was twenty years of age, attending the public schools
and fitted for college at Phillips Academy, in Danville. He
entered the University of Vermont in 1847 and graduated in 1851.
Immediately after graduating he was employed to take charge of
the high school at Windsor, Vt., where he taught one year —
1851-52 — and then went to Tennessee, where he taught a year
in Tazewell Academy and a year in McMinn Academy, Rogers-
ville, East Tennessee. During this time he studied law, first
with Hon. Warren Currier, of Windsor, Vt., and closed with
Hon. Frank H. Walker, of Rogersville. Returning to Vermont,
he soon after left for Janesville, Wis., where he was admitted to
the Rock county bar, which at that time embraced many able
and distinguished lawyers. Realizing that the professional field
was well filled, Mr. Batchelder in 1855 came to Faribault, in com-
pany with the late Judge John M. Berry. At the time of Mr.
Batchelder's arrival Faribault was only a trading post of Alex-
ander Faribault with the Sioux Indians, and contained but few
white people. Mr. Batchelder took an active part in the work
of organizing the county, dividing it into townships and school
districts, laying out highways and making Faribault the county
seat. He was a member of the state senate in 1872-73 and pro-
cured the passage of the act giving to Faribault a city charter.
He was mavor of the city in 1880 and 1881, president of the city
board of education from 1881 to 1893. He was poIitir.-»!!y .i
1492 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Democrat but moderate in his views. He was the Democratic
candidate for congress in the First district in 1868 against Hon.
Alorton S. Wilkinson, and in 1888 was the Democratic candidate
for associate justice of the Supreme Court, but was defeated, his
party being in a minority in the state. He has for upwards of
twenty years been president of the Rice County Bar Association,
and up to the time of his last illness had attended every session
of the district court that had been held in Rice county and many
sessions of outside courts. He was admitted to practice in the
United States Supreme Court at the December term, 1884.
He at first formed a partnership with Hon. John ]M. Berry,
late justice of the Supreme Court of Minnesota, the firm having
been Berry & Batchelder, and next with Hon. Thomas S. Buck-
ham, now- judge of the District Court of the Fifth Judicial Dis-
trict, which endured for twenty-three years under the firm name
of Batchelder and Buckham. For the last nineteen years he had
been in partnership with his son, Charles S., under the name of
Batchelder & Batchelder. ]\Ir. Batchelder was counsel for the
proprietors of the town site of Faribault against contesting
claimants, tried before the United States Land Office at Winona
and appealed to the United States General Land Office at Wash-
ington, D. C, in which the proprietors were successful. He was
also counsel for the noted Younger brothers, indicted for murder.
He has been employed in a large share of the litigation in his
own county and other courts.
He w'as a regular attendant upon the Congregational Church,
though not a member, and was a liberal contributor to its sup-
port and for the aid of other churches. He was a Mason of the
blue lodge. Mr. Batchelder was married, July 12, 1853, to Kate
E. Davis, of Fond du Lac, Wis., but a nati\-e of Delaware county,
New York, who survives him. w-ith three children, viz.: Georgia
Louise, Charles S. and John Davis Batchelder. The latter is
professor of modern languages in the Case School of Applied
ton. Me., September 26, 1843, where he received his early educa-
tion. He came west in 1857, with his parents, Jonathan and
Science, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
John Clifford, of Northfield, now deceased, was born in Stock-
Susan B. (French) Clifford, who located in Stanton township,
Goodhue county, Minnesota, where they engaged in farming.
John attended the public schools and remained at home until
in 1862. when he enlisted in Company F, Eighth Minnesota \'ol-
unteer Infantry, and served three years, being mustered out at
Charlotte in North Carolina, July 11, 1865. The regiment was
finally disbanded August 1, 1865, at Fort Snelling, Minn., after
which Mr. Clifford returned to his home. December 7, 1867, he
was married to Jemima Masson, who was born in Roslin, Hast-
JOHN < i.ii-nii,ii
- NEW YORK
i PUBLIC U'
.OtH FO^
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1493
ings county, Ontario, Canada, May 20, 1849, daughter of Alexan-
der H. and Mary (Armstrong) Masson. Alexander H. Masson
was born in Nairn, Scotland, and was a graduate of the University
of Edinburgh. The mother, a lady of rare culture, intelligence
and refinement, was born in Sligo, Ireland, of English parentage.
Mrs. Clifford came to Minnesota in 1865 to take up educational
work, and taught in the district schools in Goodhue county for a
time. She was afterward assistant to the state superintendent of
public instruction and also did special institute work, in which she
continued ten years. In the Masson family were ten daughters:
Catherine, Mrs. John R. Jones, of Leeds, N. D. ; Mary, Mrs. John
N. Dickson, of Northfield ; Isabella, IMrs. William F. Whittle;
Margaret, Mrs. E. B. Law, and Jemima, Mrs. John Cliflford, also
of Northfield. Elizabeth, Mrs. Janes Law ; Caroline Louisa, Mrs.
Cassius M. Clay Viant; Matilda Masson: Hannah, Mrs. Adam
Stark, and Jean Masson are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Cliftord lived
on their picturesque farm, A^iolet Grange," in Stanton for six
years after their marriage, and there Mr. Cliftord erected a new
home. In April, 1874, they moved to Northfield, where Mr. Clif-
ford was engaged for a time in the Law brothers' general store.
In 1885 he erected a building and opened a grocerj' and fruit
store, which he conducted with much success up to the time of
his death, which occurred August 23, 1905. Mr. Clifford was a
iiian of sterling qualities, honest and upright, and liked by all
with whom he came in contact. He possessed those peculiar
qualities that drew men to him and held their unwavering friend-
ship. He was always known as a good citizen and a true advo-
cate of all good causes pertaining to the general interest and
uplift of humanity and welfare of the city. His record as a sol-
dier against the Indians and in Tennessee and North Carolina
with General Schofield's Twenty-third army corps was without a
stain as a brave and faithful veteran. He served the city faith-
fully for twenty-two years as treasurer, being re-elected regu-
larly each two years without an opposing candidate and was
holding the office at the time of his death. He was a charter
member of the J. L. Heywood Post, No. 93, G. A. R., was at one
time commander, and held the office of adjutant for many years.
In his politics he was a Republican.
Oliver F. Brand, of Faribault, successful nurseryman, was
born in Lewis county. New York, January 7, 1844, of English
parents, being the thirteenth in a family of fourteen. At the
age of six years he was taken by his parents to Fond du Lac
county, Wisconsin, and there received his boyhood education.
When he had reached the age of twelve years his mother died,
and he spent his fourteenth and fifteenth years working on farms.
While still in his middle teens he enlisted in Company K, First
1494 iilSTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Wisconsin X'olunteer Infantry, was mustered in at Milwaukee as
a private October 8, 186I, and remained with his regiment nearly
a year, being mustered out in November, 1862, by reason of ill-
ness, at Nashville, Tenn. After this he returned to Fond du Lac
and in the fall of 1863 entered the employ of the old Rochester
Nursery, of Rochester, N. Y., S. Moulson being the proprietor.
He traveled for this company in Wisconsin and Illinois for one
year and spent the year following in Iowa, manufacturing and
selling milk safes ; then ninety days in southwestern Wisconsin
buying cattle and shipping them to Chicago. In January, 1866,
he resumed the nursery business, planting his first 700 grafts in
April, 1867, at AX'abasha. Minn. In the spring of 1868 he started
a small nursery in Richland township. Rice county. He also
ov/ned a nursery in Medford, Steele county, and one at Wells
township, purchased in 1868 from J. R. Brown by Mr. Brand
and Henry Lindsey. After about a year this partnership was dis-
solved, each partner taking an equal share. In 1870 Mr. Brand
purchased his present home place from Judge John M. Berry, the
property consisting of sixty acres, now in the city limits of
Faribault. In 1877 Mr. Brand purchased a large tract of land in
Lincoln county, Minnesota, but disposed of this in 1882. He
made an unsuccessful venture in the production of sorghum
during the cold summer of 1883. That fall, on account of the
failing health of his beloved wife, he went to Tennessee, thence
to Florida in November, 1885, returning to Faribault in the
spring of 1886, where he has since resided. Mr. Brand is a fear-
less Prohibitionist in politics and wields a vigorous pen against
the sa'oon. He was a presidential elector on that ticket in 1908.
He helped to organize the township of Ash Lake, in Lincoln
county. Minnesota, and was one of its first supervisors. He also
helped to organize the first school district of Ash Lake. He is
a member and has been twice commander of Michael Cook
Post, No. 123, G. A. R., and is the only surviving charter mem-
ber of Unity Lodge, No. 45, A. O. U. A\'. He was married, De-
cember 16, 1867, at Fond du Lac, Wis., to Mary Jane Mack, and
of the children born to this union four lived to maturity, three
dying in infancy. Norton F. is connected with his father and
brother as salesman ; Archie M. is his father's partner in the nurs-
ery business. Frank R. lives in Cannon City township. John S. is
a traveling salesman. Mrs. Mary Jane Brand died May 12, 1899,
and Mr. Brand was married July 19, 1900, to Mrs. Adalaide G.
(Cooley) Paul, of Faribault.
Mr. Brand took a very active part in the Granger movement
of 1872 to 1874 and was secretary of a council of eighteen granges
which held quarterly meetings at Faribault. In February, 1873,
he was elected a member of executive committee of the state
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1495
grange, which at that time was the representative of 600 granges
in the state. That fall he went as one of three delegates from the
state to attend a convention on transportation held at Keokuk,
Iowa. He has always been progressive and has originated a great
many seedling apples, plums and pears, and the finest lot of
seedling peonies in America. He is a believer in Spiritualism and
Christian Science.
The parents of Oliver F. Brand were Benjamin and Abigail
Baker (King) Brand, natives of England, who came to America
in 1827, locating in Albany, N. Y., until 1833, then moving to
Lewis county, in the same state. Benjamin Brand took charge
of surveying and selling a large tract of land for Garret Denni-
son, a New York attorney. He acquired 106 acres of this land
for himself, developed it, and followed general farming until
1849. He then sold out and the following year moved to Fond
du Lac county, Wisconsin, farming 100 acres until 1864. In the
fall of that year he came to Rice county, purchased 160 acres in
Richland township, section 22, and farmed until 1870, when he
purchased a home within the city limits of Faribault, and there
ended his days, December 3, 1882. His wife died in Fond du Lac
December 30, 1855.
William Saemrow, a prosperous farmer of Shieldsville town-
ship. Rice county, Minnesota, was born in Germany, January 10,
1863, and is a son of William and Caroline (Melchort) Saemrow.
The father died in Germany in 1870, but the mother still sur-
vives. When William was seventeen years of age, in 1880.
accompanied by his brother Charles, he immigrated to the United
States, and coming direct to Minnesota begun by hiring out to
farmers by the month. Later on they purchased farms, which
they have since carried on with eminent success. Charles set-
tled on section 7 and William on section 31, in Shieldsville town-
ship, the latter buying the farm formerly owned by Postmaster
W. L. Eddy. The few old buildings that were then on the place
have been supplanted by a fine class of up-to-date improvements,
the spacious and substantial ten-room farmhouse being heated by
a system of hot air, and the place being fully equipped with all
modern aj^pliances and implements required in conducting a
modern farm. Mr. Saemrow carries on general farming and stock
raising and withal is thrifty and forehanded. On July 1, 1888,
Mr. Saemrow, married Bertha Boldt, who died in 1904. and on
September 25, 1906, he married Emma Schnesdtke, a native of
Germany. By his first marriage Mr. Saemrow had seven chil-
dren: William, twenty-one; Mattie, eighteen; Lydia, seventeen;
Lena, fourteen ; Emma, eleven ; Bertha, ten, and Rosena, six
years of age.
1490 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Edward F. Swanson, a successful and popular business man
of Faribault, is a native of Minnesota, and was born at Warsaw,
Rice county, July 31, 1868. His parents, Andrew and Mary
(Markenson) Swanson, natives of Sweden, came to this country
in 1847. They lived in Chicago a short time, and then settled on
a farm in Goodhue county, Minnesota, whence they moved, in
1868, to the town of Warsaw in Rice county. Here the father
carried on general farming till his decease, which occurred at
the family homestead in February, 1900. The mother died in
March, 1898. Edward F. spent his boyhood on his father's farm.
and after closing his school days in the district schools worked
on the home farm after attaining liis majority some twelve years.
On November 14, 1901, he began his business career in Faribault
as a partner with Dr. Hay, in the livery, boarding, feed and sale
stables, with which he is now connected. Under careful and
conservative management the business has been a success from
the start and each succeeding year marks a most satisfactory
advance and growth in trade. Mr. Swanson is active in fraternal
organizations, being a member of the Eastern Star, the Eagles,
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Modern Wood-
men of America. He also belongs to the Commercial Club, of
Faribault, and as a member of the common council served as
chairman of the committee on streets in 1908. He is a Repub-
lican in political opinions, and in his religious convictions adheres
to the faith of the Congregational Church. On February 15,
1894, Mr. Swanson married Lulu B., daughter of Alvin A. and
Ellen (Archer) Barrett, natives of the Empire State, who moved
to Minnesota in 1882, settling on a farm near Owatonna. where
the father carried on general farming till his retirement in 1891.
His death occurred in 1899 and that of the mother in 1894. Mr.
and Mrs. Swanson have one child, Leroy F.. who resides at
home.
J. H. Tetrault is a native of Rice county, Minnesota, and has
always lived at Faribault, where he was born January 13, 1870.
His parents. Frank and Mary (LeClair) Tetrault came from
Canada, their native country, in 1868, and settled at Faribault.
The father is a carpenter by trade, and had his first shop in Fari-
bault on the site of the present Great Western railroad depot, and
there manufactured wagons and sleighs. He made the first
pair of bobsleds in Faribault. He afterwards worked as a cabinet
maker for Mr. A. L. Hill. Still later he did finishing work and
still follows his regular trade. His wife passed away in 1901.
Our subject acquired a good common and high school education
in his native place, and then, for a time, was engaged in farming.
Since the spring of 1906 Mr. Tetrault has given his attention to
the transfer business and as sole proprietor of the dray and
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1497
transfer line which lie then established he has achieved most
gratifying success. Mr. Tetrault, although independent in his
political views and actions, has served on Democratic com-
mittees. He is a member of the Eagles and the Order of Catholic
Foresters. In religious principles he adheres to the faith of ilie
Catholic Church. On April 16, 1891, Mr. Tetrault married
Minnie, daughter of Archibald and Minnie (Dufhney) Carpenter,
who came from Canada to Minnesota about 1886. The father
was a farmer and died in 1893. The mother now — 1910 — lives
at Faribault. Mr. and Mrs. Tetrault have four children and
they are named, in order of birth, Oliver, Olive, Cecelia and
Eugene.
Philip A. Schochet, senior member of the firm doing business
as the Faribault Iron and Metal Company, is a native of Russia
and was born April 3, 1868, to Ephriam and Rose Schochet. The
parents came to this country in 1890, and for two years the
father was in the dry goods business at Minneapolis, and then
moved to Faribault, where he and the mother now reside. Philip
A. acquired his education in his native land, and there engaged
in buying and shipping fruit. In 1888 he came to this country
and for eleven years lived at Minneapolis, engaged in the dry
goods trade and in buying and selling iron, metal, etc. In 1899
Mr. Schochet settled at Faribault and under the firm name of
Schochet & Mark established and carried on a wholesale iron
and metal business, buying and shipping their products in car-
loads to Chicago and other large cities. The firm afterwards
changed to Faribault Iron and Metal Company, the members of
the present firm besides Mr. Schochet being Mr. M. Newman
and Mr. Harry Mark. Mr. Schochet is active in fraternal organi-
zations, being identified with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Brother-
hood. He is a Republican in politics, and in religious matters
adheres to the Hebrew faith. On October 9, 1894, Mr. Schochet
married Rachel Goldfarb, whose parents are natives of Roumania
and now live at Omaha, Neb. Mr. and Mrs. Schochet have two
children, viz.: Xachman and Sarah.
Harry Mark was born in Russia, November 16. 1871, and is a
son of Charles and Molly (Kassler) Mark, who came from Russia,
their native land, in 1893. They first settled at New Hampton.
Iowa, and moved thence in 1897 to Minneapolis, where they now
reside. Harry was educated in his native land, and there worked
with his father at the butchers' trade. In 1887 he came to
America, and going to Dubuque, Iowa, worked in a grocery store
for a time, then spent two years at Elma, Iowa, in the clothing
business, and from there went to New Hampton. In 1899 he
took up his residence in Faribault, and engaged in business with
1498 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Mr. Philip Schochet, buying and shipping iron, metal, second-
hand machinery, etc. In 1909 Mr. M. Newman came into the
business and the name was changed to the Faribault Iron and
Metal Company, which has an extensive trade, ranking among
the prosperous and wide-awake establishments of Faribault. Mr.
Mark is a shrewd business man: a Hebrew in religious faith, a
Republican in politics and a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, Modern Samaritans and other fraternal societies.
On December 24, 1893, Mr. Mark married Mollie Schochet, a
daughter of Ephriam and Rose .Schochet, now residing at Fari-
bault. Mr. and Mrs. Mark have a family of seven children,
named, in the order of their birth, Abraham, Israel, Ida B., Sarah,
Benjamin M., Hillie and Charlotte.
Timothy Leary, proprietor of the livery business that bears
his name, is a native of Faribault, Minn., and has always lived
there. He was born February 29. 1868, and is the fourth child
of John and Elisa (Hand) Leary, who reared a family of five
children, viz.: William, now living at Walcott ; D. }., proprietor
of the Commercial Hotel at Faribault: A. H., of Minneapolis, and
Mary, the youngest, who lives witli our subject. The parents
came from Ireland, and in 1840 the father settled at Syracuse,
N. Y., and worked, farming, and thence moved to Portage City,
Wis., and in April, 1857, settled at Faribault. In 1866 he estab-
lished himself in the livery business, which was conducted under
the name of Sheffield, Leary & Pew till 1876. He then purchased
his partners' interest and for twelve years carried on the business
in his own name. In 1888 the son, D. J., came into the business,
and it was carried on under the name of John Leary & Son until
1899, when the father retired from active work. The mother
passed away in March, 1904. Our subject attended the public
schools at Faribault, and after leaving school was employed about
his father's business. .A-fter his father's retirement he conducted
the business with his brother, D. J., until 1909. since which time
he has carried it on in his own name, ha\'ing purchased his
brother's interest.
Mr. Lear}' is a Democrat in political sentiment, but has never
taken any active part in political matters more than to perform
his duties as a good citizen. He is a Catholic in religious faith.
T. J. Murphy is a prosperous business man, of Faribault, Minn.
He is a native of Canada, and was born August 8. 1865, to
Michael and Mary (Heatherman) Murphy. The former a native
of Ireland and the latter of Canada, whither the father immi-
grated in 1847. He was a farmer, and in 1865, after his mar-
riage, went to Ohio and lived two years, then returned to Canada,
whence in 1867 he removed with his family to Lake City,
Wabasha county, Minnesota, where he passed the rest of his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1499
life on a farm, his death occurring September 4, 1908. The
mother now — 1910 — lives in Mower county, where the family
own a fine farm of 240 acres. Our subject grew up on hi.s father's
farm and acquired a common school education. On attaining
his majority in 1886 he went to Kenyon and was there engaged
in the furniture and undertaking business two years. Selling
out his interest in 1888, he next carried on a wood work shop
and business some fourteen years with sucess. In 1902 he sold
this business and then, for nine months, was engaged in the
rug trade at Mankato, after which he bought a half interest in
the Dish Rug Company and took up his residence at Faribault.
In 1905 Mr. Murphy purchased the other half of the business
and since that time has been sole proprietor of what has come
to be widely known as the Faribault Rug Company. The house
manufactures all kinds of rugs, carpets, etc., and through its
salesmen carries on an extensive and growing trade throughout
the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas. Mr.
Murphy has served as assessor for Mower county. He is a Demo-
crat in politics and in religion adheres to the Catholic faith. He
belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters and Modern
Woodmen, and is also a member of the Commercial Club of
Faribault. In January, 1893, Mr. Murphy married Mary Conniff.
whose parents, Peter and Margaret (Haggerty) ConnifT, for-
merly of Houston county, Minnesota, in 1871 settled on a fine
farm in Mower county, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs.
Murphy have three children, Frances, Joseph and Mary, all of
whom are attending the parochial schools.
Albert Ochs is a po[)ular and i)ros[)erous merchant of Fari-
bault. He is a native of Minnesota and was born at New Ulm
October 26, 1872, a son of Joseph Ochs, native of Germany.
The father settled at P>ufFalo. N. Y., in 1852 and worked there
as a contractor and builder three years, then moved to St. Paul,
Minn., whence, after two and a half years he moved to New
Ulm and there followed his regular occupation all his life. His
death occurred in the fall of 1905, and was followed by that of
the mother in the winter of 1906. After closing his school days
in his native place, Albert worked as a clerk in the drygoods
store of Mr. Frank Kutzing until 1888. With his brother, J. A.
Ochs, he then established the firms of Ochs Brothers and opened
a 5 and 10-ccnt store on Third street, where it was continued
till 1894, when the location was changed to Center avenue. In
1901 Mr. O. H. Ochs came into the firm. The business pros-
pered and branch stores were established at Owatonnc. Waseca,
St. Paul. Austin and New Ulm and the business grew to large-
proportions. In 1909 our subject purchased the stock of the main
store at Faribault and as proprietor of "The Bee Hive," con-
1500 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
ducted the business, dealing in drygoods, cloaks, suits, men's
clothing and furnishings, shoes, etc., and in fact, everything or-
dinaril}- carried in a general department store. Mr. Ochs is
active in several fraternal societies, being identified with the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Catholic Foresters,
Knights of Columbus and Ancient Order of United Workmen.
He also belongs to the Commercial Club of Faribault. In poli-
tics he is independent in his views and actions, and in religious
faith is a Catholic. On October 23, 1900, Mr. Ochs married
Alice C. Tetrault, whose father, a native of Canada, is in the
carpet business of Faribault. The mother was born in Connecti-
cut and died in December, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Ochs have three
children, named respectively, Alfred L., Cecelia A. and Donald
F. Mr. Ochs is financially interested in the Citizens Bank of
Faribault.
William H. Ratzlaff, though comparatively a young man,
has attained, through liis own efl:"orts, a degree of success and
a standing in the business life of his city, of which lie may justly
be proud. A native of Faribault. Minn., he was born October 5,
1874, to Albert and \\'ilhelmina (Budde) Ratzlaff, natives of
Berlin, Germany. His father, a baker by occupation, came to
this country in 1866 and settled at Faribault, and there carried
on a prosperous bakery business until his decease, in 1882.
After his death the business was conducted until 1905 by his
widow, who now lives in that city. \\'illiam H. acquired a good
English education in the common and high schools of Faribault,
and also attended a German school there. He began his busi-
ness life as a clerk in the store of Mr. P. P. Kinsey, with whom
he remained eleven years and in 1897 established himself in
trade on his own account, as sole proprietor of the prosperous
and growing business tliat now bears his name. His establish-
ment is thoroughly equipped with every needed appliance for
carrying on its extensive trade in drygoods, carpets, rugs, cloaks,
men's furnishings, etc.. and ranks with the most ujvto-date es-
tablishments in the city. Mr. Ratzlaff' takes an active interest
in aft'airs, and has served two terms as alderman from the
Second ward, being supported by both Republicans and Demo-
crats, though himself a Republican. He is an active member
of the Commercial Club of Faribault and serves on the manu-
facturing and mercantile committee. In religious belief he ad-
heres to the tenets of the German Lutheran church.
On September 2.5, 1901, Mr. Ratzlaff married Bertha Herbst,
whose parents removed from Wisconsin, their native state, and
settled at Waseca, Minn., where they now live. Mr. and Mrs.
Ratzlaff have two children, Alonzo William and Elaine Anna.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES mOI
George O. Lee is a native of Minnesota, being born in War-
saw township, Rice county, October 19, 1856. He is a son of
Orvin and Laura (Cobb) Lee, natives of Connecticut. They
came to Minnesota in 1855, located in Warsaw township. Rice
county, where the father farmed until 1863, whence he sold out
and came to Medford, where he did contract work on a small
scale. Later he entered the meat market business, which he
followed until about 1882, at which time he retired from active
business life, making his home in Medford, where he remained
up to the time of his decease March 16, 1904. The mother still
resides in Medford. George O. acquired his education in the
public schools of Medford. Leaving school he entered the
cheese manufacturing business, working for the Crescent Cream-
ery for six years. Then in 1893 he built a meat market at Med-
ford, where he carried on a retail trade successfully, and also
buys stock for shipment. In 1877 Mr. Lee married Emily E.,
daughter of John and Elizabeth Bailey. The fruit of this union
is four children, Ralph H., who carries on farming in Medford
township ; Harold G., assists his father in the meat market ;
Jessie L. and Frances, who are both living at home. Besides
our subject there is one sister in the family, who is now Mrs.
Frances Osborn. She and her husband live at Kerney, Okla.
In politics Mr. Lee believes in the principles of the Republican
party.
Jens I. Hille, son of Ingebrit and Thure Hille, natives of Nor-
way, was born in Norway March 16, 1847. The parents carrieil
on farming until the death of the father in 1852. Mother died
in Norway in 1892.
Jens was educated in the schools of Norway. Leaving school
he followed railroad work for some time, and was a sailor for
three years. In 1876 he came to America and located in Cotton
Wood county, Minnesota, where he remained three years. He
thence removed to New Market, Minn., remaining there three
years, after which he came to Webster township. Rice county,
Minnesota, where he farmed until 1902. At this time— 1902—
Mr. Hille took the management of the Webster Co-operative
Dairy Association, which he has carried out successfully up to
the present time. He still retains his farm. Mr. Hille was mar-
ried 1875 to Randverg Rivenes, a native of Norway. They have
nine children named in the respective order of their birth, viz:
Thora ; Judeth, who lives at Walseth, Mont. ; Jens lives in Minne-
apolis: Hans resides in North Dakota; John, South Dakota;
Andrew, Anna, Sarah. Ester, are all living at home. Mr. Hille
has served with credit a number of local offices in his commu-
nity, such as assessor, census enumerator, clerk of the school
board, which office he has filled for eighteen years. He is also
1503 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
stockholder in the Star Telephone Company and in the creamery.
He affiliates with the Republican party, and in religious senti-
ment he is associated with the Norwegian Lutheran church.
A. B. Cowan, a retired farmer of Wells township, is a native
of Jefferson county, Indiana, and was born Januar}' 24, 1832, to
J. W. and Elizabeth (Buchanan) Cowan, natives of Kentucky
and Indiana, respectively. In 1855 the father settled on a quar-
ter section of land which he pre-empted in Wells township, and
where he made a home and reared his family, being among the
first settlers of the township. He was a prosperous farmer and
passed his life here, his death occurring March 28, 1887. His
widow survived till 1891. Our subject spent his boyhood on his
father's farm and attended the public schools in Indiana. He
began life as a farmer and after his father's death, took charge
of the home place, carrying on general farming, giving special
attention to breeding and raising fine horses and cattle. In 1903
he rented the farm and practically retired from active farm work.
Mr. Cowan served in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in Com-
pany B, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in which he was
a corporal. He is independent in his political views and has
filled various local town offices. In religious faith, he is an Epis-
copalian. Mr. Cowan is the second child of a family of eight
children. The eldest, George, is now deceased as also France,
the third, and E., the fourth child, Elizabeth, the fifth child, lives
with our subject, Martha is married to Freeman Rabets and
lives in Minneapolis; Anna lives at Eagle Bend. Minn., the wife
of John Elppard, and Lucinda is married to Jasper M. Campbell
and lives in Colorado. Mr. Cowan has never married. Eliza-
beth, the fourth daughter mentioned above, is the wife of Theo-
dore Marquis, who is justly jjroud of his Southern Cross of
Honor, won by valor as a Confederate soldier.
J. A. Coleman was born in Richland township May 20, 1865.
He attended the district school and worked on his father's farm
until 1897, and then went into the mercantile business at Rice
Lake, Minn., for one year. He then moved to Richland and con-
ducted a general store until 1903, when he sold out and took up
farming in Richland township. Rice county. He has served as
treasurer of the town board for eight years and town clerk since
1905. He was elected a director of the school board in the sum-
mer of 1909.
F. C. Ceirlton was born in Dane county, Wiscon.sin, in 1854.
His parents settled in Steele county, Minnesota, in 1855, and
farmed in Owatonna township until 1867. The family then moved
to Merton township, where the father died in 18'^'0 and the
mother in 1904.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1503
F. C. Carlton was educated in the Ovvatonna schools. After
graduating from the high school he taught twelve years. He
was elected county superintendent of schools in 1896 and served
two years. He is now engaged at farming in Mcrtoii township.
In politics he is a Republican and served one term in the state
legislature, 1907, and for six years he was county commissioner
of Steele county.
Orlando Johnson was born in New York state June 11 . 1831.
In the spring of 1853 he came to Minnesota, settling on a farm
in Medford. He served three years in the Civil War and was
mustered out at Port Huron. He then returned to Medford
township and farmed it four years, then he erected a cheese
factory, which he operated eighteen years. He is now living
a retired life.
James McCabe was born in Massachusetts June 18, 1833.
He came to Minnesota in 1856 and located in Webster township.
Rice county. He did not devote much of his time to farming.
He was engaged in the mercantile business for forty years. He
was burned out in 1907 and moved to Northfield, Minn. In the
spring of 1910 he moved back on the farm, where he now lives.
He has served on the town and school board a good many years ;
also on the board of county commissioners.
F. R. Kauffman, merchant and postmaster of Nerstrand, was
born October 1, 1876. He was educated in the district schools of
Hampton, graduating from the Hastings high school in 1895.
He then entered the grocery store of his brotlier, W. F. KaufT-
man, at St. Paul. In 1904 he opened a general store at Nerstrand.
In his politics he is a Republican and has served as postmaster
for five years. He is a stockholder in Farmers State Bank. He
is married and has two children, Evelyn E. and Estell L.
C. E. Little was born in Henry county, Illinois, November
14, 1858. He came to Minnesota in 1904 and i)Ought 180 acres
in Bridgewater township, Rice county, where he now lives.
J. C. Sommers was born in Illinois March 28, 1854. His
father, Frcdtrick, settled on a farm in Northfield township in
1855. John C. was educated at the district schools and worked
on the home place, where he now resides. He is married and
has three children.
Edward Lewis lives on the old Cole farm in Cannon City
township. He was born in Ohio April 4, 1867. He came to
Minnesota with his father, who settled in Cannon City. Edward
attended the district schools and the high school at Faribault.
He taught five winters and assisted his father on the farm sum-
mers.
G. A. Miller was born in New York state August 27, 1847.
In 1858 he came West with his father. George W. Miller, and
IbOi HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the family settled in Forest township, Rice county, Minnesota.
In 1873 they sold out and moved to Wright county, where the
father died in 1874. G. A. ]\Iiller worked his farm and run a mill
until 1904, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Millers-
burg. He has been town clerk for the last twelve years.
C. O. Persons was born in Sweden November 11, 1846. In
1869 he came to America, locating near Northfield, Minn., where
he remained three years. In 1872 he moved to Meeker county,
where he engaged in farming. In 1876 he returned to Rice county,
locating in Northfield township, where he remained two years,
then he moved to Forest township, where he has farmed up to
the present time, 1910. He has served as supervisor, justice of
the peace, assessor and postmaster for fifteen years. He took
the census in 1890 and 1910. He has also served as chairman
of the town board four years and on the school board a number
of years.
Axel Anderson, of the firm of A. Anderson & Sons, was born
in Sweden, April 8, 1852, son of A. G. and Mary Anderson. He
attended the common schools of Sweden, and came to this
country in 1880, engaging with the Seymour & Seabin Threshing
Company at Stillwater until 1883, when he went to Dassel and
worked in a repair shop. Then he came to Faribault and from
1884 to 1900 was engaged with F. W. Winter & Co. in their
foundry and machine shop. In 1900 he went into partnership
with Andrew H. Rawson until 1905, when Axel R. and George
L. Anderson, his sons, purchased the Rawson interests. The
firm is now known as A. Anderson & Sons, Faribault Machine
Shop and Foundry Company. Mr. Anderson is serving on the
ofificial board of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Fari-
bault. He was married in 1876 to Hannah C. Erickson, and to
this union have been born five children : Axel Richard, George
Lambert, Jennie Emily, Isabell and David.
Edward Clark Bill, D. D., was one of that noble band of men
whose piety, ability and character did much toward giving the
Episcopal Church at Faribault the position in the state and
nation that it occupies today. At the time of his death it was
written : "The decease of Edward Clark Bill is a great shock to
the community in which he has lived and labored so long and
well as a faithful steward in the Lord's vineyard. His death
will be felt as an irreparable loss, not only to his family, his
friends and his church, but also to that great body of people
who are striving to overcome evil and to build up the kingdom
of God on a firm and sure foundation. :\Ir, Bill was a remark-
able man. Handicapped by nature as few men are, he over-
came obstacles with which a majority of people would scarcely
have dared to contend, and attained to such a degree of success
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1505
as placed him far above many of ihc most favored and ambitious
of his fellows. As a musician he had few equals, and as a
preacher he was able and eloquent, and possessed an unusual
power of impressing the truth on the minds of his hearers. As
a man he was very genial and warm-Iicarled and showed forth
in his daily life that he was a true disciple of the Master in
thought and deed." Edward Clark Bill was born in Brooklyn.
N. Y., July 15, 1846, son of Charles Edward Bill, the well known
banker and financier. He attended the public schools, and being
early disposed toward an academic life, graduated from St.
Stephen's College at Anandalc, N. Y. In 1870, attracted by
Bishop Whipple's work in Faribault, he came to this city and
entered the Seabury Divinity School, from which he graduated
in 1873. Previous to this he spent one vear abroad, traveling
with his sister through the principal cities of Europe. At once
upon graduation he was made precenter of the Cathedral of
Our Merciful Savior. His musical education and his proficiencj'
as an organist splendidly equipped him for this service. Later
he became associate rector of the parish of the Good Shepherd
here until 1889, when he became associate priest of Christ Church,
St. Paul. He was a most earnest and eloquent preacher, and
his services attracted much attention as well as large congrega-
tions, both in Faribault and St. Paul. While in St. Paul he
continued his work as professor of homiletics and liturgies at
the Seabury Divinity School, which position he held at the time
of his lamented death. In 1881 his failing health necessitated
his resignation as associate priest of Christ Church at St. Paul,
and he returned to the family residence in Faribault. Two years
previous to this the degree of D. D. had been bestowed upon
him I)y his alma mater. Dr. Bill was a trustee of St. Mary's
Hall, a member of the standing committee of the diocese, and
dean of the Southern Convocation for several years and until his
death. He passed away May 11, 1892, after a brave fight with
ill health. Dr. Bill was married in 187.^ to Elizabeth Hoyt, and
this union was blessed with two children : Alfred Hoyt Bill and
Natalie Rochester Bill, who is the wife of Willard McCampbell
Rcid.
Alfred Hoyt Bill was born at Rochester, N. Y.. May 5, 1879,
the son of Rev. Edward Clark Bill, D. D., and Elizabeth (Hoyt')
Bill, his wife. He attended the public schools, completing the
course in the Faribault High School, and graduated from Yale
University with the degree of A. B. from the academic depart-
ment in 1903. .'\fter a year of travel abroad and in the United
States and Canada, and a year of residence in Plainfield, N. J.,
Mr. Bill settled in Faribault in his father's former home at 528
West Fifth street, where he has since devoted himself to the
loOG HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
study of English literature and to the management of the prop-
erty which lie inherited from his father. He has never engaged
actively in business, but was at one time one of the directors of
the Citizens National Bank of Faribault, and of the Theopold
Reid Company, wholesale grocers of that city, neither of which
positions he holds at the present time. Mr. Bill is a Republican
in politics and a member of the Episcopal Church, of which his
father was for so many years a clergyman. He has been a
vestryman of the Cathedral parish for eight years and is now
its treasurer. He is a member of the board of trustees of the
Bishop Seabury Mission and of the board of trustees of St.
Mary's Hall, and of the Faribault Public Library Board. Mr.
Bill was married June 30, 1903, to Florence Dorothy Reid, of
Plainfield. N. J., born December 12, 1881, at Louisiana, Mo.,
the daughter of Samuel and Anna E. (Young) Reid. Samuel
Reid is a retired tobacco manufacturer and lives in Jersey City,
N. J. Mrs. Reid died September 24, 18%. Mr. and Mrs. Bill
have two children ; Florence Dorothy, born April 13. 1907, and
Edward Clark, born April 26, 1910.
Dennis Cavanaugh, now deceased, was a prominent resident
of Faribault. As a man and a citizen. Captain Cavanaugh was
possessed in an eminent degree of those personal and social
qualities that endeared him to the community in which he lived
and moved. He was ever seeking opportunities to please and to
serve. He was charitable to the poor and needy, but in his good
deeds always modest and self-sacrificing. In his business rela-
tions his career was characterized by the strictest adherence to
the laws of probit}- and honor. As a citizen he was energetic,
generous of time and of money in the promotion of every interest
that tended to the uplifting of the moral tone of the community,
or aided in its commercial and industrial progress. Dennis
Cavanaugh was born of Irish parentage, December 3, 1838, in
Dresden, Ontario. He came to Minnesota in 1856, stopping first
at Hastings, and a year later settling in Faribault, where he
continued to make his home. He took tlie oath of allegiance as
a soldier of the United States, August 15, 1862, and was at once
commissioned as second lieutenant of Company H of the Tenth
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, becoming its lieutenant Septem-
ber 13, 1862, September 26, 1864, he was promoted to the cap-
taincy of Company C, and was honorably mustered out with his
regiment August 19, 1865. The following is his military record:
"Served in the Siou.x War in the summer of 1863, under Gen.
H. H. Sibley: went south in the autumn of 1863: served in Ken-
tucky under Gen. S. P. Jennison; in Kentucky. Tennessee,
Arkansas and Missouri under Gen. A. J. .Smith ; in Missouri
under Gen. W. S. Rosencranz ; in Florida and Alabama under
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1507
Gen. A. J. Smith, lie joiiicci the Loyal Lcf^ion Xo\eiiiber 2,
1887. The war over, Captain Cavanaugh returned to Faribault
and engaged in business, becoming with years one of the fore-
most merchants. He served eighteen years as a member of the
city council and for a part of that time served as its president.
He died December 11, 1909, and during his funeral service every
place of business in Faribault was closed by proclamation of the
mayor.
Loan H. Dibble, the popular manager of the Faribault theatre,
was born on his father's farm in Woodville township, Waseca
county, Minnesota, April 29, 1872. After his graduation from
the Waseca high school he at once became connected with the
Andrews Opera Company, working his way up to manager and
agent of that and many other organizations, in which capacity
he remained until 1905, when he came to Faribault to enter upon
the duties of his present position as manager of the local theatre.
By catering to the better class of theatregoers and presenting
high class productions only, he has achieved an unusual degree
of success. He is also manager of the Faribault Bill Posting
Company. In politics he adheres to the tenets of the Repub-
lican party. His fraternal affiliations are with the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is a charter member,
the \\'oodmen of the World, and he is also a member of the local
Commercial Club. Mr. Dibble served ten years as a member of
Companv K, Second Regiment of the Minnesota National Guard,
seeing active service during the Spanish-American War as musi-
cian in Company K, Twelfth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry,
and is now connected with the United Spanish War Veterans.
May 4, 1905, at Pipestone, Minn., he was married to Lillian G.
Hart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Hart, the father editor of
the "Pipestone Star." Two children have been born to this
marriage: Redford II., born February 24, 1906, and Gardner II.,
born September 30. 1909. The family residence is located at 504
Central avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Dibble attend worship at the
Episcopal Church. Charles H. and Cliarlotte T. (Redford)
Dibble, parents of our subject, were natives of New York state.
At the age of four the mother emigrated to Wisconsin with her
parents, who located in Milwaukee, Wis., and conducted a
tavern. The father came to Oconomowoc, Wis., with his parents
when a boy of twelve years. In 1866, after their marriage, they
removed to near Faribault. Minn., where the father followed
farming for a year, subsequently moving to Woodville township,
Waseca county, where he continued farming until 188.1. He
then came to the city of Waseca, engaging in cabinet making
until his death, which occurred in November, 1895. The mother
passed away December 24. 1908.
1508 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Frederick Willard Frink, the historian of Rice county, was
for over half a century a prominent figure in Faribault. Being
of a literary mind, and early realizing the importance of historical
records, he devoted his leisure moments to the writing of local
history, and all Rice county historians of the future will be
indebted to his writings. In 1868 he published a "Record of Rice
County, Minnesota." three years later he issued a supplement;
in 1000 he published his "Reminiscences of a Pioneer" in the
"Faribault Republican," and in 1901 his "Short History of Fari-
bault" was issued. Aside from this he was the author of many
speeches and newspaper articles. He assisted in organizing the
count}', was a member of the first elected board of county com-
missioners, selected the site for the county court house, pre-
pared the first charter of the city of Faribault, and was county
auditor twenty-one years. The subject of this sketch was born
in Rutland county, Vermont. June 24, 1828. His father was
Calvin Frink, and his mother's name Lydia L. Avery. His
paternal great-great-grandfather was from England and his
maternal great-grandfather was a captain in the Continental
army. When Frederick was ten years old the family moved to
Green Bay, Wis., and one year later, in 1839, to Mineral Point,
in the same state. There the family remained until September,
1841, when they removed to Sauk county, where Calvin Frink
and two other men laid out the village of Prairie du Sac. There
Frederick \Y. spent a pioneer boyhood. The first mail ever
taken from Madison westward to Prairie du Sac was carried by
him on horseback at the age of eleven years, a ride of more than
fifty miles a day. All the road he had most of the way was a
trail marked by "blazed trees," he assisting his father in the
blazing. There Frederick remained ten years, farming and lum-
bering, pursuing his education meanwhile at the Beloit Seminary
in 1846, paying some attention to the classics as well as mathe-
matics and other practical branches. In 1851 he went to Water-
loo, Grant county, in the southwestern part of Wisconsin, and
was there engaged in lumbering three years. In 1854 he came
to Minnesota, and with three other men took the first claims on
East Prairie, in the township of Richland. There Mr. Frink
opened a farm, but his health failing, he moved to Faribault in
1856. In October of that year he started the "Rice County
Herald," which he sold out in a short time and which is now
the "Faribault Republican." About this time he purchased a
fifth interest in Shieldsville village, but this proved a financial
failure. After he had made and lost his fortune at Shieldsville
he clerked three years in Faribault, was two years of this time
deputy county treasurer, and was elected county auditor in
November, 1862, serving until twenty-one years later, when he
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1509
retired and purchased the county abstracts. He died March 15,
1906. Mr. Frink was chairman of the first elected board of
county commissioners, but resigned at the close of the first year
to devote all his time to the Shieldsville townsite. September
22, 1852, he married Julia E. Beach, of Grant county, Wisconsin,
and to this union was born one son, Edward Lauman. now a
Faribault merchant.
Edward L. Frink, hardware merchant, was born in Waterloo,
Wis.. January 17, 1854, son of Frederick Willard and Julia Eliza-
beth (Beach) Frink, the pioneers. He received jiis education in
the public schools of Rice county and in Shattuck school, and
then engaged in the hardware business, in wliich he has partici-
pated thirty years in the store of Cavanaugh & Frink. Mr. Frink
was married March 21, 1888, to Ida D. Kellogg.
John Grant, for many years an honored and respected public-
spirited citizen of Faribault, Minn., was born in Glengary county,
Canada, January 26, 1840. After attending the district schools
of his native county until fifteen years of age he removed to
Hartland, Vt., where he was a student in the public schools for
two years. Returning to Canada, he remained a year, going
back to Vermont in 1858, and migrating to Ohio in the fall of the
same year and engaging in farming until 1865, when he came to
Rice county, Minnesota, locating in Walcott township, and con-
tinuing in farming, also devoting his attention to railroad con-
tracting. In 1870 he discontinued farming operations and car-
ried on railroad contracting exclusively until 1878, when failing
health compelled him to seek an occupation less arduous.
Accordingly he entered the grocery business at Faribault, remain-
ing in this line two years and then returning to railroad con-
tracting, in which he has ever since been engaged with much
success. He constantly employs a large force of men. who arc
kept busy filling his contracts for grading, track laying and all
kinds of railroad construction work. Mr. Grant has largely oper-
ated in the states of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri. North and
South Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Washington, but his home
has been permanently located at Faribault since 1870. In politics
he is a staunch Republican, serving as sheriff of Steele county
during 1874 and 1875, and as county treasurer during 1888, 1889,
1890 and 1891. He is a high degree Mason. March 9, I860, at
Northfield, Minn., he was married to Mary Ann Grant, by whom
he has five children: Donald, who died in December, 1905;
Mrs. Nellie Wood, of Faribault; Mayme, living at home; .\nna
E., also living at home, a singer of considerable note; and
George W., who is engaged in contracting with his father. The
family home is located at 615 West Second street. They are
loval attendants of the Congregational Church.
1510 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
Rev. D. C. Hauk, the beloved pastor of the United Evangelical
Church, residing at Nerstrand, was born in Germany, February
9, 1867, son of J. D. and Henrietta Hauk, also natives of Germany.
He received his education in Germany and in Chicago, and
entered the ministry in 1894. His first church was at Charles
City, la., and before coming to Nerstrand in the spring of 1908
he had charges at Le Mars. Big Stone, S. D., and Odessa, Minn.
He was married, September 26, 1889, to Marie Haehlen, and to
this union have been born five children : Wesley D., Esther S..
Newton W., Mildred L. and A. Edna, all at home.
Stephen Jewett, treasurer of The Bishop Seabury Mission
and Shattuck School, and financial agent of St. Mary's Hall, was
born in New Haven. Conn., May 20, 1844, son of Henry and
Elizabeth (Gregory) Jewett, both descended from New England
colonial ancestry. He attended Watertown .\cademy and the
Cheshire Episcopal Academy, in his native state, and came to
Minnesota October 15, 186.5, just after the war. November 1 of
the same year he came to Faribault. It is interesting to note
that Mr. Jewett was drawn hither by the influence of Bishop
Whipple, whom he had often met in the home of his grandfather.
Stephen Jewett. rector of the historic old Trinity Church in New
Haven, Conn. For many years Mr. Jewett recuperated his
health, traveling extensively through the Northwest, including
tours through the Dakotas in the earliest pioneer and frontier
days. July 8, 1874, he was made treasurer of The Bishop Sea-
bury Mission, and later he assumed the same relation with Shat-
tuck and St. Mary's. In 1881 he purchased the real estate and
insurance agency of H. .'\. .Scandrett, and in less than a year
George A. Weston became a partner, when the firm of Weston &
Jewett was established. After twenty-six years, April 1, 1908,
the company moved to its present commodious quarters, where
it now maintains the largest office of its kind in southern Minne-
sota. Mr. Jewett is also vice-president of the Security Bank.
He belongs to the Society of the Colonial Wars, state of Minne-
sota, and is deputy governor of that society in this state. He is
a member of the New York chapter of the Mayflower Society
and was formerly a member of the Society of the Sons of the
Revolution. For forty years he has been a member and vestry-
man of the parish of the Good Shepherd. While Mr. Jewett has
never cared to mingle in politics, he accepted the honor of the
position as mayor of Faribault two terms. He is interested in
all historical and patriotic subjects and has had his share in the
upbuilding of Faribault.
Philip Johnson, for many years a prominent and respected
citizen of Faribault, whose decease occurred September 8, 1906,
was born in Ireland, September 12, 1827. At an early age he
STKI'IIKN .1 1;\\ KTT
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I Til .V- 1-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1511
emigrated to America, locating in New York with liis brother
and receiving a good education. He then removed to Wisconsin
and engaged in the drug business in partnership with his brother
Edward, remaining here until the rush to the recently discov-
ered gold mines in California in 1849, being successful as a miner
for the next ten years. Returning east in I860, he located at
Jefferson, Wis., and re-entered the drug business, continuing in
this line of work after his removal to Faribault, in 1874, until his
death, having won the esteem and respect of his large circle of
friends and acquaintances as a man of sterling worth and char-
acter. Mr. Johnson served for many years as assistant post-
master and was bookkeeper in a bank for some time. In poli-
tics he was a staunch Democrat and was an active member of
the Faribault board of health for a number of years. He came
of a family of doctors, his three brothers all being prominent in
the medical profession. May 12, 1856, he was married to Louise
McMahon, who died June 12, 1858, leaving one child, Alice
Louise, now the widow of William lingers, who died August 18,
1899. Mr. Johnson was married a second time in January, 1867,
to Catherine Conan, of Fox Lake, Wis., who survives him. Mr.
Johnson was a faithful member of the Catholic Church, of which
Mrs. Johnson is still a loyal supporter.
A. B. Irvine, retired and highly respected citizen of Faribault,
was born in Edinburgh. Scotland, August 15, 1849, and received
his earlier education in the schools of that city. As a youth he
spent two years in the British navy and in 1868 came to the
United States. He remained a short time in New York and
then spent ten years as an engineer and steamfitter in New
Jersey. He came to Faribault in 1879 and became engineer at
the State School for the Deaf. In this position he remained,
faithfully performing the work incidental to his occupation, until
the fall of 1908, when he retired. Mr. Irvine is a Republican in
politics. He is a high degree Mason and also belongs to the
Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men. The
subject of this sketch was married while in New Jersey to
Catherine Bergin. who died February 1, 1909. Two sons have
blessed the Irvine home. James B. is a plumber in Faribault
and Benjamin C. is a steamfitter in the same city.
William Kaiser, postmaster at Faribault and editor of the
"Faribault Journal," was born during the days of the Civil War.
April 4, 1864, at Stillwater, Minn., son of John and Barbara
Kaiser, pioneers. He received his education in the public schools
of Stillwater and Faribault, where he thoroughly mastered the
common school branches. In the year 1880 he was apprenticed
to the Lindcman Brothers, of Faribault, to learn carriage paint-
ing. In 1883 he was engaged at this work in Minneapolis and
1512 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Stillwater and did car painting in the Omaha shops at Hudson,
Wis., and for the Northern Pacific shops at Brainerd, Minn. In
the spring of 1884 he went to Chicago and worked at sign paint-
ing for five years for Murra}' & Baker. In 1889 he opened a
grocery store at 1642 West Lake street, and the ne.xt year a meat
market at 1644 on the same street. He sold out in 1891 and
came to Faribault. In partnership with Martin Bieter he
bought out the grocery business of L. D. Newcome. In 1899
he was appointed postmaster at Faribault, took possession of the
office April 1, 1899, and has since served, greatly improving the
service and giving general satisfaction. He was first appointed
by President William McKinley and the second and third times
bj^ President Theodore Roosevelt. He sold out his business to
his partner, Martin Bieter, in 1900. In 1903, in the fall, in com-
pany with Josel P. Heatwole and I. N. Stewart, he organized the
Faribault Printing Company and purchased the "T-'aribault Jour-
nal." In the same year Mr. Stewart sold his interest and retired.
In November of that year the "Faribault Dailj' Journal" was
started. April 14, 1906. Mr. Kaiser purchased the interests of
Mr. Heatwole and others and became sole owner of the Fari-
bault Printing Company and the "Faribault Journal." February
1, 1909, he became part lessee and manager of the Faribault
Opera House with L. H. Dibble. In August of the same year
he was elected president of the Faribault Co-operative Company.
In 1893 he was elected an alderman of the First Ward of Fari-
bault and served two years. Mr. Kaiser is a member of the
Faribault Commercial Club and was one of the organizers of
the Faribault street fairs, of which he was president five years.
In the campaign of 1896 he was elected president of the McKin-
ley Club. He also helped to organize the Minnesota Postmas-
ters' Association and was elected first president of this associ-
ation, serving eight years. He was also elected first president
of the Tri-State Postmasters' Association, organized in 1909, and
consisting of the postmasters of Minnesota, and North and South
Dakota. He was a member of the building committee of the
Faribault Opera House, was chairman of the fire department
committee when a member of the city council, and was a member
of the Faribault board of health three years, dating from 1896.
Being of a sociable nature, Mr. Kaiser has allied himself with
Enterprise Chapter, No. 50. Royal League, of Chicago. 111. : Fari-
bault Lodge, No. 9, A. F. & A. M.; Athens Chapter, No. 82,
O. E. S. ; Faribault Lodge, No. 16, K. of P.; Faribault Lodge,
No. 1 166, B. P. O. E., and the Faribault Automobile Club. The
subject of this sketch was married September 15. 1886. to Alice
Jane Brown, of Chicago, 111., and to this union one son, William
Martin Kaiser, was born October 30, 1891.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1513
F. A. Kolling, a well known farmer of Wheeling township,
Rice county, is a native of this county, his natal day being
August 3, 1857. His boyhood was passed on his father's farm,
meanwhile receiving his education in the district schools and
later giving his entire time to assisting his father in the carrying
on of the home farm. In 1885 he left the old homestead and
purchased his present farm of a hundred and fifty-five acres in
Wheeling township, on which he has ever since been successfully
engaged in general farming. He is also prominent in several
enterprises of local concern, acting as president of the Farmers
State Bank of Xerstrand, secretary of the Wheeling Mutual Fire
Insurance Company, and president of the Farmers' Co-operative
Creamery. In politics he votes with the Republican party and is
now serving as justice of the peace. In 1886 he was married to
Caroline Mueller, daughter of William and Sophia (Shwake)
Mueller, natives of Germany and early settlers of Wheeling town-
ship. Rice county, where the father followed general farming up
to the time of his death. The mother is also deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Kolling are loyal attendants of the German Evangelical
Church. H. C. and Dorothy (Helberg) Kolling, parents of our
subject, emigrated from their native land, Germany, in 1850,
locating in Cook county, Illinois, where the father continued
in farming until 1854, when he removed to Wheeling township,
Rice county, Minnesota, purchasing a quarter section, on which
he remained in the pursuit of farming until his death in 1895.
The mother died a year later.
John Hoover Lewis was born in Birmingham, Guernsey
county, Ohio, in 1867, during the reconstruction period of our
nation's history. His father, Thomas H. Lewis, was born of
Welsh Quaker parents and was a farmer by profession. The
mother, Eliza J. Hoover, was of Dutch-Irish parentage. In the
spring of 1868 Mr. Lewis' parents came west, travelling from
Hastings to Faribault by stage. The date of their arrival at
Faribault happened to be the first anniversary of Mr. Lewis'
birth, April 4, 1868. Mr. Lewis' early education was acquired in
District No. 10. in the village of Cannon City. In 1887 he
entered the high school of Faribault, from which he graduated in
the English course in 1890. After teaching two years in the
rural schools of the county of his adoption he entered the Uni-
versity of Minnesota, from which he graduated in 1896. receiving
the degree of Bachelor of Science. In addition to the regular
academic work of the university Mr. Lewis completed the course
offered by the department of pedagogy, in recognition of which
he was granted a professional teacher's certificate for life.
Since 1896 Mr. Lewis has held several important educational
positions, such as assistant principal of Cloquet high school,
1514 HISTORY OF RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES
superintendent of the city schools of Hawley and Staples, all of
the state of Minnesota.
Poor health compelled Mr. Lewis to leave the schoolroom.
In the campaign of 1894 he was a candidate on the Republican
ticket for the office of county superintendent for Rice county,
but he failed to secure the nomination.
In the fall of this year the county treasurer of Rice county,
S. I. Pettit, appointed Mr. Lewis as his deputy, which position
of trust Mr. Lewis held for two years, when he became county
superintendent of schools for Rice county. He is now entering
upon his third term as county superintendent, having been twice
nominated and elected to this important position without oppo-
sition. It is generally conceded that the rural schools of the
county have advanced greatly since Mr. Lewis has had over-
sight of their interests. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen and of the Knights of Pythias. He
is a member of the Congregational Church and has for several
years been superintendent of various Sunday Schools of this
denomination. For the past five years he has been president of
the Rice County Sunday School Association. His father and
brothers and he have always voted the Republican ticket, except
in rare cases where the candidate seemed greater than his party.
1898 was an eventful year in Mr. Lewis' career. On July 7 of
that year he was united in marriage with Miss Jessie A. Cowles,
of Rice county, who graduated from Winona Normal school and
-vho taught several years in the public schools of Minnesota.
This union has been blessed with three children, Donald, Lowell
and Dorothy, aged respectively eleven, nine and three years.
J. J. Lips was born in Wheeling township, where he now
lives, September 19, 1865. He was educated in the district
schools of Wheeling and subsequently went to South Dakota,
where he took a claim of 320 acres, on which he farmed until
1901. when he rented the farm and returned to Wheeling, where
he purchased eighty acres in section 1.^, and has since carried on
general farming with much success. Mr. Lips is a Republican
in politics and has served as school clerk for the past seven
years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' State Bank of Ner-
strand. The subject of this sketch was married in 1889 to
Augusta Schmidt, daughter of Conrad and Caroline Schmidt,
and to this union one child. Irvin, has been born.
William N. Lockwood, an old and respected citizen of Fari-
bault, Minn., was born in Watertown, Conn., June 7. 1832. His
early education was received in the public schools of his native
place. Leaving school, he spent two and a half years in farming
in Scoville county, Connecticut, subsequently going to Nauga-
tuck, same state, and serving two years' apprenticeship in a ma-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1515
chine shop, after which he returned to W'atcrbury and followed
his trade for nine months with the Scoville Manufacturing Com-
pany, and then a year with the Ferrell Foundry and Machine
Company. In 1852 he removed to New Britain, Conn., being
connected with the Stanley Works till the spring of 1856, when
he migrated west to Rice county, Minnesota, and homesteaded a
hundred and twenty acres in Shieldsville and Kilkenny townships,
on which he proved up and remained until the following fall. He
then returned to New Britain and engaged in the hardware busi-
ness, six years later disposing of his interest and became con-
nected with O. B. North & Company, also of New Britain, re-
maining with this company till their removal to New Haven,
same state, shortly afterwards. From here he went to Campvillc,
Conn. In 1891 he bought a home in Faribault, Minn., on Third
street, and moved here with his wife. He is now devoting
much of his time to looking after his real estate interests, enjoy-
ing good health in spite of the fact of his rapidly approaching
eightieth birthday. In politics he casts his ballot independent
of party, always voting for the welfare of the community. While
in Connecticut he served as justice of the peace. The Episcopal
Church counts him a valued supporter. In 1860 he was united
in marriage with Jane L. Alfred, of Harwinton, Conn., who died
November 8, 1877, leaving three children : Herbert N., a real estate
dealer of New Britain, Conn.; William A., also of New Britain,
and Franklin B. Two other children born to this marriage —
Frederick and Charles — died in infancy. Mr. Lockwood was
married a second time, March 3, 1889, to Mrs. Mary L. Shaw
Clapp. She was a daughter of Henry and Ann (Ely) Clapp.
Mrs. Lockwood acquired her education in the Lee County Acad-
emy, Lee Center, 111., later attending the Rockford Female Semi-
nary, concluding with a course in Milton Academy, Massachu-
setts. After school she was engaged as a teacher of French and
German in a private school of New York city until her marriage.
May 29, 1867, to Egbert D. Shaw, of Lee Center, III. One child
was born to this union, Alice Eva, who died February 16, 1880.
at the age of seven years. Mrs. Lockwood was actively inter-
ested in numerous social organizations, being a charter member
of the Charter Oak Chapter of Faribault of the Daughters of
the American Revolution, having served as registrar of that
society since her entry into it, and was official musician of the
Fair Oaks Circle of the Grand Army of the Republic, having
convention at Philadelphia. Mrs. Lockwood was also prominent
in the Episcopal Church Guild, having been secretary six years.
She died December 17, 1909, and is buried in Oak Ridge Ceme-
tery, Faribault, Minn.
Rev. Frank Arthur McElwain, the warden of the Seaburx
Divinitv School at I-aribault, was born at Warsaw, Wyoming
Iblii HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
county, Xew York, December 14, 1875. At an early age he came
west with his parents, receiving his elementary education in the
public schools of Corning, la., and of Brookfield, Mo., and at the
high school of Middletown, Conn. Then entering Trinity Col-
lege at Hartford, Conn., he remained until he received his degree
of Bachelor of Arts in 1899. immediately thereafter enrolling in
the Seabury Divinity School of Faribault, from which he was
"graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Divinitv in 1902, Trin-
ity College conferring the degree of Master of .A.rts on him the
same time. June 11, 1902, he was ordained a minister of the
Episcopal Church, and February 6, 1903, was raised to the priest-
hood at Lebanon, Mo. During the next two years he followed
the call of his profession in Neosho, Kansas City, Marshall and
Springfield, all in Missouri. In 1905 he accepted the position
oftered him as instructor in the Old and New Testament at the
Seabury Divinity School, which he held until January, 1907,
when, at the death of Dr. Davis, he was elected to his present
position as warden of the institution, still holding the chair as
instructor in Old Testament. He is universally esteemed and
respected by the students, as well as by his fellow townsmen,
being a strong power for good in the community. The prin-
ciples of the Republican party have his support, but in casting
his ballot he places the man before the party. His fraternal
affiliations are with the Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Chi Rho
fraternities. November 17, 1903, at Sedalia, Mo., he was mar-
ried to Helen Demuth, daughter of Lieut.-Col. H. C. Demuth and
Dora (Lamy) Demuth, of Sedalia. Mr. and Mrs. McElwain
have one child. Frank Arthur, Jr., born March 12, 1908. James F.
and Mary S. (Arthur) McElwain, parents of our subject, are
natives of New York, the father being born in Wyoming county
and the mother in Brooklyn. In 1879 they migrated west, locat-
ing at Fort Dodge, la., remaining two years, and then removing
to Corning, la., where they remained nearly six years. They
then came to Brookfield, Mo., where they are now residing. The
father was a merchant all his life, but is now retired from active
work.
William Mee, like many other of the ante-bellum settlers of
Faribault, is a native of New York, born in Ausable Forks (Essex
county), September 8, 1838. He received his education in his
native town, worked on the farm and clerked in stores until
November 25, 1861, when, lured by the stories of western pros-
perity then rife in the East, he came to Faribault. For some
time he clerked in the general store of Gilmore & Brown, and on
August 20, 1862, he enlisted in D. D. Loyd's company of citizen
soldiers, which accompanied General Sibley on his expedition
against the Sioux after the horrible massacre in 1862, In 1864,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1517
in conipanj- with L. Jackson, Mr. Mee, under llie firm name of
Jackson & Mee, engaged in the mercantile business. After a
time Thomas Mee purchased the Jackson interests and the firm
became the Mee Bros. In 1867 a third interest was sold to
Anton Kaiis, and the company became Mee Brothers & Kaus.
It is worthy of note that this company built the first brick front
store building in Faribault, the date of erection being 1868. In
1877 the business was sold to J. F. Squires. He was the first
station agent for the M. & St. L. Ry. when that road was first
put through Faribault in 1882. At about this time he served as
secretary for the Cannon Valley Agricultural & Mechanical Asso-
ciation for several years with much credit, the association under
his administration enjoying a successful period of prosperity.
In 1885 Mr. Mee went with the flour milling firm of F. A. &
S. L. Bean as traveling salesman, in which position he remained
until 1890, when he became the state sales agent for Illinois for
the Northwestern Consolidated Milling Company, of Minne-
apolis, Minn., in which capacity he continued until failing health
caused his retirement in 1906. On September 29, 1864, William
Mee was married to Mary E. GifTord, eldest daughter of Ezra D.
and Lydia A. Giflford, who came to Faribault in 1856 from Essex,
N. Y. To this union have been born three sons — Marry B.,
William G. and George H.
William Henry Rumpf, M. D., physician and surgeon of Fari-
bault, was burn in Dubuque, la., January 2, 1867, son of William
Henry and Adele (Caesar) Rumpf. both natives of Oldenburg,
German)'. The subject of this sketch received his common
school education in the public schools of Dubuque, and then
attended the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute.
From 1884 to 1886 he attended Yale University. From 1886 to
1891 he studied at the Universities of Berlin, at Freiburg and
Kiel, Germany, receiving his degree of M. D. at Kiel in 1891.
The following year was spent in post-graduate work in Berlin
and Vienna. He first took up the practice of his profession in
Chicago in 1892 and remained there ten years, coming to Fari-
bault in 1902. While in Chicago he was connected with the
Northwestern Medical School, the Post-Graduate School and the
St. Luke's and Chicago hospitals. He is now physician for
Shattuck School and lecturer at that institution on physiology
and hygiene. He is also physician for St. Mary's Hall, and
Faribault physician for the C, M. & St. P. Ry. Dr. Rumpf has
allied himself with the Rice County, the Minnesota State and the
American Medical Associations, the Chicago Gynecological
Society and the Chicago Academy of Medicine. In the Masonic
order he is a member of the Osman Shrine, the Faribault Com-
mandery. Royal Arch and Blue Lodge. He is also a member of
1518 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Samaritans, the Elks, the Trav-
elers' Club and the Golf Club. Dr. Rumpf was married Apri)
24, 1894, to Ethel Grestj', born in Manchester, England, and to
this union three sturdy sons have been born, the birthplace of
all three being in Chicago. William Henry is aged fifteen ;
Walter Carl, thirteen, and Ernest Frederick, ten.
Henry P. Sime, an esteemed resident of Faribault, has the
distinction of having been the last village clerk of Faribault,
elected for two years in 1870, and the first city recorder under
the new charter in 1872, holding the office for three years. He
was also chief engineer of the Faribault fire department for fif-
teen years. In fraternal circles he is a prominent Mason and is
one of the trustees of the Masonic building at Faribault. Mr.
Sime was born in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, May 13. 1842.
Early left an orphan, he went to live with his uncle. Dr. T. M.
Sime, of Worcester, Mass., at the age of four years. After arriv-
ing at the age of ten years he started out in life working at any-
thing he could get to do. He then went to Ogdensburg, New-
York, earning money by driving stage to attend the academy at
Gouverneur, N. Y., one year. Then he started westward and in
1857 entered the employ of Robert Hanna & Co., wholesale
merchants at Cleveland, Ohio, and remained about one year,
after which he became assistant clerk on a Lake Superior lint
of steamboats. In 1860 he located at St. Anthony, Minn., and
did various work until 1863, when he came to Faribault. For
five j-ears he was clerk of the historic old Barron House. After
this, in 1868, he started work for the United States Express
Company, with which he has since remained, being the oldest
expressman, in point of continuous service, in the Northwest.
From 1868 to 1882 he was agent at Faribault, but during the
years 1869-70 he was also engaged in the machine business with
H. C. Prescott, in addition to being express agent. In 1882 he
became route agent for the same company on the road. In 1883
he resumed his former position in Faribault, and one 3-ear later
became chief clerk to the general superintendent. From 1887 to
1890 he held the same position, with headquarters at St. Paul.
In 1890, having demonstrated his worth and ability, he was made
assistant superintendent of the northwestern division of the
United States Express Company. In 1898 he again took up the
agency at Faribault, and has since retained the position, his resi-
dence being a pleasant home at 614 Sixth street. Mr. Sime was
married September 9, 1884, to Adelaide E. Crossett, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. H. N. Crossett. To this union two children have
been born, Malcolm, September 8, 1887, now of St. Paul, and
Robert H., February 15, 1892, who still lives at home. The
family faith is that of the Episcopal Church. The parents of
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1519
Henry P. Sime were Peter and Jane (, Purvis) Sime, natives of
Scotland. They located at St. Andrews, N. B., in 1840, and
the father followed the water as a sea captain until his death,
sailing in American waters under the United States Hag. His
wife died in 1842 and he passed to the great beyond four years
later.
Scott Neil Swisher, city editor of the "Republican" at Pari-
bault, was born in Parsons, W. Va., July 14, 1880, son of Silas
Newton and Mary (Parsons) Swisher, both descended fruin well
known West Virginian families. He attended the common
schools of his native city and the West Virginia University at
Morgantown, W. Va. He remained at home until seventeen
years of age, was clerk and manager of a department in a book
store for some time, and then became manager of the Swisher
Theater. Morgantown, W. Va. Subsequently he was manager
of the monthly "West Virginian." a state magazine. He after-
ward worked on the Morgantown "Daily News." Previous to
this, while at school, he had mastered the printing trade. Decem-
ber, 1909, he assumed his present position. He is well liked in
Faribault and aside from his membership in the Elks belongs to
several literary, fraternal and theatrical organizations.
Frank A. Skluzacek, one of the popular joung farmers of
Rice county, was born in Wheatland township, where he still
resides, March 31. 1885, son of Joseph and Katherine (Sticha)
Skluzacek, prominent residents of this locality. He attended the
public schools in Wheatland township and then took a course in
the engineering department of the State Agricultural School.
With this exception he has spent his life on the farm and now
successfully conducts his father's estate, carrying on general
farming in a scientific manner along the most modern lines.
Edmund K. Clements, for many years president of the Fari-
bault Board of Education, was born in Napanee, Ontario, Canada,
December 15. 1865, son of Timothy and Jane (Keyes) Clements.
He received his earlier education in the common schools of
Canada and after coming to Minnesota attended the Faribault
high school and Shattuck school. He then took a ])rofcssional
course in the University of Michigan, graduating July 1, 1886,
in dentistry as the president of his class. He then came to
Faribault and since that date has practiced continuously at the
corner of Second street and Central avenue, twenty years over
R. J. Lieb's store, and four years at his present location in
the Wheeler block across the street. Dr. Clements' greatest
service to Faribault has been rendered as president of the Fari-
bault Board of Education, in which capacity he has served con-
tinuously since 1896. with the exception of three years. During
his term of ofifice the McKinley. Washington and Lincoln schools
1520 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
have been built and substantial improvements in the way of
heating and sanitation have been made in the older buildings.
The efficiency of the system has also greatly increased. From
1889 to 1895 Dr. Clements was president of the State Board of
Dental Examiners. He has been a member of the Faribault
Travelers' Club since its beginning and was its president two
j'ears. He is a Master Mason, belongs to Osmun Temple, St.
Paul, and was commander of the Faribault Commandery two
years. He is also a popular member of the Elks. The subject
of this sketch was married June 20, 1892, to Mary Slocumb
Wheeler, daughter of J. B. Wheeler, one of the pioneers of Fari-
bault who located here in May, 1856. To this union two children
have been born — Loraine and Jane. Sidney T. Clements was
married on St. Valentine Day, 1865, to Sarah Jane Keyes, of
West Brome, Eastern townships, Quebec, and practiced
dentistr\' in Ontario for twenty-five years. He was active in
church and school work and for several years taught school in
the French language in various parts of Quebec. He came to
Faribault in 1881.
Frederick Upham Davis, M. D., physician of Faribault, was
born in this city December 19, 1875, son of Rev. George H. Davis,
D. D., late warden of the Seabury Divinity School, and Alice
Tupper Davis, his wife. He attended the public schools and
graduated from the Brainerd (Minn.) high school in 1893. He
received his B. S. from the University of Minne.'^ota in 1898,
and his M. D. from the University of Minnesota in 1902. He
practiced medicine at St. Clair, Minn., from 1902 to 1906, and in
the latter year came to Faribault where he is now actively
engaged in active practice. During the Spanish-American War
Dr. Davis served as first sergeant of Company D., Fifteenth Min-
nesota Volunteer Infantry, and on May 31, 1907, he received his
commission as captain of Company B, Second Infantr}^ Minne-
sota National Guard, and is still ably serving. He is surgeon
general. Department of Minnesota, United Spanish-American
War Veterans ; secretary of the Rice County Medical Society ;
and secretary of the Stafif Association of Evangelical St. Lucas
Hospital, Faribault. Fie is a member of the American Medical
Association, the Minnesota State Medical Association, the Rice
County Medical Society, the Phi Kappa Psi and Nu Sigma Nu,
college fraternities, the A. F. & A. M., the B. P. O. E., the
M. W. A. and the I. O. F. Dr. Davis was married November 29,
1904, at Mankato, Minn., to Erna Marie Lossow.
George Clinton Tanner, D. D., was born January 21, 1834,
in West Greenwich, R. I., son of Joseph and Amy Kinne (Gates)
Tanner. He received his earlier education in the district schools
of Voluntown, Conn., his later home, in the Plainfield Acadeiny,
j.UKK hi:i>i;tt
li:\X BAI'TISTE FAR1BAITT.T
LEVI NUTTING
(iKUIUiK (. TA.NNKK, D. D.
THE NEW YORK I
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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-N FOUNDATION*.
HISTORY OF RICE AxVD STEELE COUNTIES 1521
Plainfield, Conn., and in Brown University, Providence. R. I., in
vvliich latter institution he took courses with special reference to
teaching, and in the Seabury Divinity School. He received his
M. A. degree from Brown University in 1857, married, and came
to Minnesota the same year, opening the first graded school at
Winona in November, 1857. He came to Faribault as head-
master of Seabury Grammar School in October, 1858; was
ordained deacon in 1860, and priest in 1862. He continued as a
member of the Bishop Seabury Mission until 1867, and then
moved to Owatonna where he was rector of St. Paul's Church
from 1867 to 1887. During this period he was superintendent of
schools in Steele county from 1872 to 1887. From the latter year
until 1909 he was director of study in Shattuck School, Faribault,
and in 1909 became instructor in classics and liturgies in Sea-
bury Divinity School from which institution he received the
degree of D. D. in 1896. For many years he has been registrar
of the Diocese of Minnesota. It is a fact worthy of note that 1910
completed fifty years of educational and ministerial work, all of
which had been spent in Alinnesota with the exception of a part
of one year, from November, 1886, to June, 1887, when he served
as chaplain and head master at Bethany College, Topeka, Kan.
From 1860 to 1861 he was a member of the \Vinona Normal
School Board; from 1896 to 1910 a trustee of St. Mary's Hall,
and from 1896 to the present time a trustee of Breck School. He
was elected a member of the Phi Beta Ka])pa Society of Brown
University in 1857, and is a member of the Theta Delta Chi
Fraternity of the same institution. He is also a prominent mem-
ber of the Minnesota Territorial Pioneers. Dr. Tanner was
married October 17, 1857, to Emma Campbell, of \'oluntown,
Conn., and to this union were born the following children: Frank
How^ard, of Yokohama, Japan ; Mary Cornelia, deceased ; Edwin
Campbell, Samuel Seabury ; Amy Eliza and George Welles. Dr.
Tanner's book on "The Diocese of Minnesota" is an authoritative
contribution to the ecclesiastical history of this state. Dr.
Tanner's life work is written in the hearts of men and women,
and no eulogy of the biographer could add to his fame or ade-
quately express tiie loving regard and veneration in which he
is held.
Adam V/eyer, the well known wagon maker, was born in
Germany January 28, 1839, son of Martin and .\nna Marie
Porten W^eyer, both of German birth and ancestry. He came to
America in 1847, and located in Kenosha. Wis., where he com-
menced to learn the wagon maker's and wheelwright tr.ide at
the age of eighteen. The follow-ing year he went to New Orleans
where he engaged at his trade three years. He then removed to
Chicago, and in 1866, came to Faribault where he opened a
1522 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
wagon manufacturing shop under the name of Bieter & W'eyer.
In 1874 the present stone shop at the corner of Second avenue
and Willow street was erected. Mr. \\'e3'er is still actively
engaged in business and his wagons and bob sleds have a wide
sale throughout this part of the country, the demand far exceed-
ing the supph'. 'Sir. W'eyer was married February 2. 1870. to
Sybilla Roell, and to this union eight children have been born —
Martin C, October 9, 1871; Anna, now deceased; Joseph John,
February 6, 1876; Marie, December 7. 1878; Edward M.. Sep-
tember 21, 1880; Angeline, deceased: Charles. January 30, 1884;
Clara, January 24, 1889. Mr. \\'eyer has served several terms
as alderman of the city, and is just retiring from thirty-five years
faithful service as treasurer of St. Lawrence Church.
Martin C. Weyer, the leading jeweler of Faribault, has built
up a large trade among a wide circle of well-satisfied customers
and is well liked among an extended circle of friends. He is a
native of Faribault, born October 9, 1871, son of Adam and
Sybilla (Roell) Weyer. He received his education in the schools
of Faribault and attended the Faribault high school, afterward
taking a course at St. John's University. Then he worked in his
father's shop three years and from 1890 to 1894 learned the
jeweler's trade with F. Z. Sherwood. In 1895 he attended
Parsons Horological Institute, at Peoria, 111., and the following
year went to Kentucky where he engaged in business two years.
In 1897 he returned to Faribault and opened his present store.
Mr. Weyer was married in Chicago June 20, 1900, to Harriett
Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Charles and Julia (Sheridan)
Smith of that city. Being of a sociable nature ]\lr. W'eyer has
allied himself with the Elks, the Faribault Commercial Club, the
K. of C. and the M. W. A.
Rev. Francis Thomas Bouska was born in S])ill\ille, W inne-
sheik county, Iowa, March 9, 1876. Flis parents, John Bartholo-
mew Bouska and Mary Cecilia Bouska, were born in Bohemia
and spent the early part of their lives in that country farming.
Soon after their marriage in 1870, they emigrated to the L'nited
States. Having no particular trade and not knowing the language
of this country, the father was forced to follow the occupation
of a laborer in order to support his family. This, together with
sickness and misfortimes. kept the family in rather poor circum-
stances. However poor, the parents gave their children the
best and most necessary inheritance in this countrw i. e., a good
education. Of the family two daughters became nuns of the
Order of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, one son became a
priest, and another son is now studying sacred theology at St.
Paul's Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., with the intention of also
becoming a priest. In 1880 the parents moved to St. Paul, Minn.,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1523
where soon the young Francis T. Bouska attended first the public
schools, then the parochial schools of St. Francis de Sales and St.
Stanislaus and finall)' the Crotin High School. From there he
went to St. Thomas' College, Merriam Park, where he completed
the classical course in five years. After completing his classical
course he went to St. Paul's Seminary where he studied philos-
ophy and sacred theology for si.\ years and at the end of this
course of studies he was ordained a priest March 7, 1903. His
first charge was the parish at Canby, Minn., where, after thirteen
months of labor, his health became greatly impaired. From
thence he was sent to St. Ann's parish at Le Sueur, Minn., to
recuperate, .\fter regaining his health somewhat he was sent to
the Immaculate Conception Church, of Lonsdale, to become
the first resident pastor of that parish. He arrived there Septem-
ber 8, 190.\ and has been laboring five years in that place.
Patrick Albert Smith, M. D., one of the prominent physicians
and surgeons of Faribault, was born in Papmeaville, Quebec.
July 27, 1866, son of Josiah and Mary (O'Brien) Smith, well
known residents of that locality. He received his education in
the Canadian public schools, at the Ottawa University, Ottawa.
Canada, at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., and
also in Vienna, Paris and London, in which three latter cities he
took postgraduate work in the summer of 1910. During his
practice in Faribault Dr. Smith has proved an ideal physician
and enjojs the confidence and respect of the hundreds of families
to whom he has ministered in the hours of illness and distress.
He has been county physician of Rice county since 1904, was
chairman of the Rice County Board of Health from 1907 to
1910, and is now a member of the advisory commission of the
State Sanitorium for Consumptives at Walker, Minn. Being
thoroughly ethical in his practice. Dr. Smith has allied himself
with the Slate Medical Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation, and has also been honored with membership in the
Vienna branch of the A. M. A. Dr. Smith was married April 20.
1892, to Lilias H. Brady, and this union has been blessed with
four children — Ewart, Ardath, Verrill and Lilias.
George L. Smith, a prominent citizen of Faribault, was one
of the "pioneer babies " of Rice county, born in Forest township.
September 27, 1857, son of Alexander and Julia A. Smith, the
pioneers. He received a large part of his education at home with
his mother and owes much to her tuition and training. He
also attended the district schools. At the age of nineteen he
started teaching school in the same school house which he had
attended as a boy. teaching winters and farming summers. In
1879 he went to Warren, Marshall county. Minnesota, but in
1881 came back to the home farm, again teaching school and
1524 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
farming until 1884 when he came to Faribault and entered into
co-partnership with A. J. Bell in the farm machinery business
one year. The following year he was village marshal at Dundas,
but after that he again returned to the farm. He purchased
the farm from the other heirs in 1888 and worked it until 1896
when he was elected register of deeds, serving until 1900, when
he was succeeded by G. S. Whitney. For four years he served
under W. K. Adams as deputy county auditor, and then defeated
Judge James S. Hunter for judge of probate at the primaries,
and M. F. Donahue at the polls, being re-elected in 1906 without
opposition. He was defeated in 1908 by Judge Hunter. In 1907
he delated James R. Smith for mayor, was elected in 1908 without
opposition, defeated P. J. Gallagher in 1909, and was succeeded
in 1910 by N. S. Erb. He is now serving as deputy county
auditor with E. J. Kelley. In Forest township he served as
justice of the peace as early as the age of twenty-one years.
He was also township supervisor and clerk of his school district.
Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the
I. O. O. F.. the A. O. U. W., the B. P. O. E.. the :\I. B. A., and
the M. S. He was married March 17, 1884, to Olive Olson, of
Ft. Washington, A\'is., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Olson. To
this union one son, Lucius Alexander, was born January 20,
1891. He is now studying law at the State L^niversity. Alexan-
der Smith and Julia A. Foster, his wife, the pioneers, were born
in Maine and \'ermont, respectively, and came west in 1855. In
1856 they located in section 34, Forest township, and started
farming on wild land which Alexander broke and improved. He
was the first town clerk of Forest and was serving in that
capacity at the time of his death. July 28. 1873. His wife is still
living in Faribault at the age of eighty-four years, making her
home with her son, George L. Smith.
Alfred E. Haven, for nearly four decades editor of the "Fari-
bault Democrat," well fulfills the ideal of a weekly newspaper
editor. lie has taken a vital interest in all public matters, and
his paper, preserved in neatly bound form, contains the complete
history of the county from 1871 to the present time. The
editorial utterances have been of weight and the destiny of the
paper has been woven into the warp and woof of the destinies
of the county. Mr. Haven was born in Guilford, Chenango
county, New York, February 4, 1840. In 1858 he went to La
Crosse, Wis., and was a pupil in the high school for two years.
Then he studied law in the office of Judge Hugh Cameron,
learning the art of printing at the same time. In April, 1861, he
enlisted in Company B, Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry,
and served with the Army of the Potomac until 1864, receiving
his discharge in July. In August of the saine year he com-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1525
menced work in the office of the "La Crosse Democrat," and was
gradually promoted to the position of associate editor, having
entire editorial charge during the last three years of his connec-
tion with that paper. In 1871 he came to Faribault, and with
M. Stevens, purchased the "Faribault Leader," changing the
name to the "Faribault Democrat," and sending out his first issue
September 8, 1871. About a year later he purchased Mr. Stevens'
interest and has since conducted the paper himself. He served
as a member of the Faribault school board si.xteen years, was
county superintendent of schools four years, Faribault post-
master from 1894 to 1899, trustee of Faribault public library since
its organization and its present secretary, commander of Michael
Cook Post, G. A. R., two terms; member of board of trustees,
Minnesota Soldiers' Home, since 1907; vestryman and warden
of the Parish of the Good Shepherd eighteen years ; president
Faribault Board of Trade two years. He has taken an active
interest in Masonry, has served as eminent commander of Fari-
bault Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar; has been master of
Faribault Lodge, No. 9, A. F. & A. M., and for fourteen years was
high priest of Tyrian Royal Arch Chapter, No. 6. Mr. Haven
was married November 13, 1877, to Mary A. Meeker, who is
prominent in club, church and philanthropic circles. To this
union have been born the following children : Reide M., Haven
and Mary Alfreda Haven (Mrs. Andrew B. Eddy, of Provi-
dence, R. I.).
Hon. Rodney A. Mott, one of the most distinguished figures
in Rice county history, was born in Warsaw, N. Y., December 6,
1825. At the age of nine years he was taken by his mother to
Chicago, his father having died at sea before his memory. He
attended Baker Academy, in northern Illinois, and Knox College,
in Galesburg, until 1848. supporting himself by teaching and at
the same time completing his literary and law studies, taking the
latter in the office of James H. Collins in Chicago. In 1850 he
went overland to California, and returned by the Isthmus of
Panama in the summer of 1852. He was married in October.
1852, to Mary Ripley, daughter of Rev. David Ripley, of Pomfret,
Conn. Soon after Mr. Mott's return from California he started a
school known as Crete Academy for training teachers, remaining
in it for several years. In the spring of 1856 he came to Fari-
bault and began his long and honorable career here as a teacher
in the public schools. He was editor of the old "Rice County
Herald," and later became its proprietor, changing the name to
the "Faribault Herald." This is the paper that still exists as
the "Faribault Republican " He left this enterprise in 1858 and
immediately started in the practice of law, was county attorney
several terms, county superintendent a number of years, served
1526 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in llic state legislature, was judge of probate ten years, and has
held many other positions of public trust and honor. He hel|)ed
select the site for the Bishop Seabury Mission, and for forty
years was secretary and director of the state institutions, being
a prime mover in their location and organization here. Mott
Hall, the stately structure at the Minnesota School for the Deaf,
one of the prominent features of the Faribault landscape, is
named in his honor. He and his family have taken more than
an ordinary interest in literary and educational pursuits, and
their influence on the community has been far reaching. Mr.
Mott has been superintendent of the State Sunday School Asso-
ciation ; president of the Association of Charities and Correc-
tions, and superintendent of the Congregational Sunday school
for a long term of years. Mary Ripley was the daughter of Rev.
David Ripley, and was born at Pomfret, Conn., in 1825. She
was educated at Geneseo, 111., and married Mr. Mott, August 16,
1852, and came with him to Faribault in 1856. Six children were
born to them, all in Faribault, except one son who died in child-
hood, as follows : Millie, who was Prof. W. M. West's first wife;
Mary E., Alice J., Christie and Louise. Only Alice J. and Louise
are living. The Mott home has been one of many natural sor-
rows; but they have all been met with quiet resignation, and
the brighter, happier side of life is always turned towards both
stranger and friend.
Charles Augustus Wheaton, for many years deceased, was
for a quarter of a centurj' one of the sturdy figures of Rice
covmty. One of that noble band of leaders who started the anti-
slavery movement in New York and New England, he lived to
see the black men freed and the principles of equality and justice
which he had fostered so many years at great personal sacrifice,
triumphant. In Northfield his editorial pen was ever at the
disposal of any good cause, and he was a leader in all progressive
movements. Placing the love of his country first, he faithfully
served the state, the county and the city, and his death, March 13,
1882, was a severe loss to the community. The following biog-
raphy, published shortly before his death, sums up his career and
work. "Charles A. Wheaton was born July L 1809, in Amenia,
Duchess county, New York. His parents moved to Pompey
Hill, Onondaga county, when he was but six months old. He
received his education at Pompey Academy, which was a leading
institution of learning in that part of the country. At the age
of twenty-five years he married Ellen, eldest daughter of Victory
Birdseye, a prominent lawyer and public servant in western
New York. Early in his career he espoused the anti-slavery
cause, and was associated intimately with Garret Smith, Beriah
Smith, William Lloyd Garrison, and others. He was also active
C. A. WHEATON
(».0*
fcHO
\J
TILO'-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1527
in tenipciaiice reform, and was for several years identified witli
the educational interests of Syracuse. He was the organizer of
the First Congregational Church in that city, this church being
started by anti-slavery people who had formerly been members
of the Pro-Slavery Presbyterian Church there. In the late
fifties many misfortunes befell him. He lost his wife, financial
reverses came, and a railroad in the southern states in which
he was heavily interested proved a failure. In 1860, through the
influence of his old friend, John W. North, he left his old home
and sought a new one in the state of Minnesota. In 1861 he
married Martha Wagner, a daughter of the late Thomas Archi-
bald, of Dundas, Minn., and started in life with new courage.
His attention was first turned toward milling, but later he was
engaged in editing the 'Rice County Journal,' and was engaged
in that occupation at the time of his death, having taken C. II.
Pierce as an associate in the business." His funeral services
were held at the Congregational Church in Northfield, March 17,
1882, and all the business houses were closed in honor of his
memory.
Cassias M. Buck, president of the Citizens' National Bank of
Faribault and one of Faribault's leading and progressive citizens,
was born near Rockford, in Hennepin county, Minnesota,
June 19, 1859. His education was received in the public schools
of Howard Lake, Minn., after which he was engaged in the
hardware business at Howard Lake for a period of ten years,
from 1882 to 1892. During this time he became interested in
banking, purchasing in 1885 the Bank of Howard Lake, a private
bank which he organized as a state bank in 1897, with himself
as president. In 1889 he organized a bank at Dassel, Minn.,
acting as president, and in 1893 he launched a state bank al
Annandale, Minn., also officiating as president. During the fall
of 1895 he came to Faribault, assisting in the organization of
the Security Bank of this place and acting as cashier until the
fall of 1905, when he disposed of his interests and retired from
the bank. Two years later, in the fall of 1907, together with
friends, he acquired a large majority of the stock in the Citizens'
National Bank of Faribault and was elected to his present position
as president, having met with the signal success in this capacity
which has attended him in all his enterprises. In politics he is
very prominent, being a stanch Republican. He served as a
member of the state senate from 1903 to 1906 inclusive, declining
a second nomination. He was a delegate to the National Repub-
lican Convention from the third congressional district and
assisted in the nomination of William H. Taft. afterwards serving
as a member of the notification committee of Minnesota which
notified President Taft of his nomination. May 9, 1894, at Salem.
1528 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Ohio, he was married to Sarah E. Tolerton, of Salem. They have
one child, William James, born February 14, 1899. The Con-
gregational Church claims their support. William P. and Mar-
garet (Cramer) Buck, parents of our subject, were married in
Ohio where the father was engaged in teaching school. In 1854,
they came to Rockford, Minn., Mr. Buck continuing as a teacher
for the next four years previous to their removal to Carver
county where he operated a hotel at Watertown until the out-
break of the war. He then enlisted in the Minnesota Volunteer
Infantry, serving throughout the entire war, and being mustered
out with his company at Fort Snelling, July 25, 1865. Shortly
afterward he died from a fever which he contracted in the army.
The mother is still living at Howard Lake, Minn.
Captain Duren F. Kelley, one of the distingui.shed citizens
of Northfield, was born in Newport, N. H., November 16, 1839,
son of Franklin and Temperance (Dwinnel) Kelley, the pioneers.
He attended the public schools in Newport and came to North-
field with his parents in 1855 as a boy of fifteen years, afterward
attending the Northfield schools and also the old Hamline Uni-
versity at Red Wing. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Seventh
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, marched to the relief of F"t.
Ridgely against the Indians, participated in the battle of Wood
Lake, September 23, the capture of Red Iron's camp a few days
later and the relief of his white captives, was with General
Sibley's expedition against Sioux to the Missouri in 1863,
engaged in several battles with the Indians, went south with
the regiment in September and was appointed A. A. Q. M. and
A. C. S., and served at Morganzie, Port Hudson and Baton
Rouge, department of the Gulf. Captain Kelley was mustered
out in the winter of 1867, after a continuous service of four years
and a half. After the war. Captain Kelley came back to North-
field and took up farming. Later he started manufacturing and
dealing in farm implements. In 1890 he started the manufacture
of fencing, wire and wood, under the firm name of the Northfield
Fence Works. The sign is still hanging over the works on ".he
west side of Northfield, but since 1902, when Captain Kelley
sold out to Reilly & Lathrop, he has not been in active business.
In 1880 Mr. Kelley had charge of taking the government census.
In 1896 and again in 1902 he was elected to the state legislature.
He was a member of the board of education six years, served as
city assessor several years and is now special municipal judge.
He has been commander of the J. L. Haywood Post, No. 83,
several times, and is now serving on the staflf of National Com-
mander Van Sant. The subject of this sketch was married
February 2, 1863, to Emma I. Rounce, daughter of Rev. J. S.
Rounce, the first Congregational clergyman in Northfield. To
.1. C. COrPER
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1529
this union have been born the following children: Eva Isabela,
born at Baton Rouge, La., October 26, 1866; Edna, born Feb-
ruary 20, 1873, died September 20. 1873; Walter P., born July 26,
1874, died September 6, 1874; Duren F.. born August 21, 1881,
died November 18, 1881 ; Candes L., born January 26, 1883 ; F.
Raymond, born April 29, 1885. The living children are all
married. Franklin Kelley, the pioneer, and Temperance
Dwinell, his wife, were both born in Newport, N. H., and came
to Northfield in April. 1855. Franklin Kelley was comity com-
missioner several times and was very prominent in the early days.
He w^as also prominent in the Congregational Church. The
Kelleys are direct descendants of John Kelley who settled in
Newberryport, Mass., in 1635, D. F. Kelley being the eighth in
direct descent from this colonial hero.
John C. Couper is one of the county's venerable and dis-
tinguished citizens, one of those who may well be described as
ripe in years and wisdom. He still retains the vigor of a much
younger man, and still exerts, as he always has, an important
influence for good in the communit}-. He was born Jan. 24,
1830, at Morristown, N. Y., and was educated in the common
schools and in Ogdensburg Academy. lie taught school several
terms, and in 1852 went to Albion, Michigan. In 1852, he crossed
the western plains, with a wagon train to California. In Sep-
tember, 1854, he returned home via Lake Nicaragua and New
York City. He was married Jan. 1, 1855, to Harriet Johnson,
and together they came to Minnesota, locating in Sciota, Dakota
county. In 1862 he was sent to the state legislature. During the
Civil War he enlisted in Company F, Eighth Minnesota Volun-
teer Infantry, serving as sergeant and orderly three years until
the close of the war, two years in the Indian campaign in Min-
nesota and the Dakotas, and one year in the South in Tennessee
and North Carolina. In 1866 he came to Northfield, where he
has since made his home. March 1. 1886. he engaged in the
mercantile business in the firm of J. C. and F. J. Couper and con-
tinued in business until Nov. 5, 1908. He has now retired from
active business and is enjoying the crowning fruits of a well
spent life. He has been a justice of the peace many years, has
been town supervisor, and for eleven years served with justice
and distinction as judge of the municipal court of Northfield.
He is a charter member, past commander and the present chap-
lain of the J. L. Heywood Post, G. A. R., and past junior com-
mander of the Department of Minnesota. He was for several
years a trustee of the Congregational society at Northfield. He
has also served as president of the Northfield Fair Association.
In the family were six children: Dr. Joseph E. Couper. of Blue
Earth, Minn., died in 1906; Charles S. lives in Rochester. Fen-
1530 HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
nimore J. lives in Alberta, Canada. Mrs. Evaline C. Miller lives
in Northfield; Prof. George B. Couper lives in Cherryville, Ore-
gon. Miss Hattie lives at home.
Judge Couper's parents came from South Shields, England,
in 1817, and settled in the wilds of northern New York. The
father was a prominent man. and held many positions of public
trust and honor.
James Hunter, veteran of the Civil War, and for many years
an honored official of Rice county, was born in Stormont county,
Canada. May 7, 1841, son of William W. and Margaret (Fergu-
son) Hunter. He received his early education in the common
and high schools of Perth, Lanark county. Canada, and June 1,
1861, came to Minnesota, in which state he has since resided
with the exception of one year in the army. Feb. 15, 1862, he
enlisted in the Second Minnesota Battery, Light Artillery, and
served until Feb. 16, 1863, and was wounded Oct. 8, 1862, at
Perryville, Kentucky. He organized Company B, Second Regi-
ment, M, N. C, Aug. 15, 1877, was elected captain and served
until August, 1885. He was sherifif of the county from 1866 to
1872; city justice of Faribault 1877 to 1886; register of deeds,
1887 to 1897; deputy auditor, 1898; judge of probate, 1899 to
1905 and 1909 to the present time. He belongs to the Commer-
cial Club, the Elks, the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
Judge Hunter was married April 25. 1866, to Elizabeth F. Weath-
erson.
The parents of James Hunter came from Dumfriedhire, Scot-
land, to Canada, the father in 1818 and the mother in 1823. The
father died in 1855 and the mother in 1867.
Harry E. Whitney, who has been a professor at Shattuck
school since 1874, was born in Fort Covington, Franklin county.
New York, son of Charles Marsh Whitney and his wife, Delia
Minerva Safford. He was educated in the common schools of
La Crosse, Wis., in 1866, and entered Shattuck school, graduating
in 1871 as valedictorian of its first graduating class. In 1874
he graduated from the classical course at Trinity College, Hart-
ford, Conn., with the degree of A. B., receiving his honorary
master's degree four years later. Since then his life has been
devoted to the teaching and the study of languages. Since 1874
he has been professor of Latin and German at Shattuck school,
and was head master from 1902 to 1905. For three years, in his
younger days, Mr. Whitney was adjutant of the school battalion
imder Major A. E. Latimer, U. S. A. He also has the distinction
of having served on the revised charter commission for the city
of Faribault. At college, Mr. Whitney was honored with mem-
bership in the Psi Upsilon and the Phi Beta Kappa. He is a
thirty-third degree Mason, and is a Past Grand Commander,
I'iMi'. II I-: w iin \iv
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1531
Knights Templar, of the state of Minnesota. He is a Mystic
Shriner and one of the two Faribault members of the Military
Order of Constantine. He also belongs to the Sons of the Revo-
lution, the Society of Colonial Wars, the Faribault Commercial
club and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Whitney has made a
hobby of farming, and devotes every summer to that pursuit. He
was married at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Aug. 3, 1881, to Mary Van
Vliet, and to this union has been born one daughter, Mary.
Mrs. Whitney has been organist and musical director at Shattuck
school for thirty years.
The Whitneys trace their ancestors through two lines to
William the Conqueror, and Turstan de F'leming, who fought
with Richard Coeur de Lion ; to Rev. Henry Dunster, first presi-
dent of Harvard College ; Governor Thomas Dudley, of the Mas-
sachusetts colony, and to Edward Winslow, of Plymouth colony.
The Saflford line is traced to Stephen Hopkins, of Plymouth;
Eurastus SafYord and other patriots engaged in the early develop-
ment of colonial and Revolutionary days.
A. W. McKinstry, one of the leading citizens of Faribault,
has the most unusual record of having been sixty-six years in
the printing business and fifty-nine years in editorial service.
His clean, conservative, yet consistently progressive policy in
editing the Faribault Republican, has been an important feature
in the growth and development of Faribault and Rice county.
Mr. McKinstry was born of Scotch-Irish and English ancestry,
in Chicopce, Hampden county, Mass., March 19, 1828. His ma-
ternal grandfather served in the War of the Revolution. He
received his education in the common schools, which he at-
tended in the winter, and worked on the farm in the summer
until reaching the age of sixteen years. He subsequently was a
pupil in the Fredonia Academy, one term. In 1844 he secured
a position in the office of his brother, who published the Fredonia
Censor, at Fredonia, Chautauqua county. New York. After serv-
ing four years he worked for a time as journeyman in eastern
cities, and then formed a co-partnership with his brother in
the publication of the Censor. Sept. 3, 1857, he married Ellen
E. Putnam. To this union were born two children, Grace E.
and Linn H. In 1865, Mr. McKinstry disposed of his interest
in the Fredonia Censor, and came to Faribault. He purchased
the Central Republican from Orville Brown, and issued his first
number Dec. 27, 1868, and two years later changed the name to
the Faribault Republican. He served in the state legislature as
a representative, was second president of the Minnesota Horti-
cultural society, for some time was a director of the First
National Bank, and for seventeen years secretary and treasurer
of Faribault Gas Light company.
1532 FilSTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES
Fred B. Hill, professor of Biblical literature at Carleton Col-
lege, Northfield, was born in Red Wing, Minn., May 15, 1876,
son of Edwin Frederick Hill, and Grace Jeanette Hill, his wife,
the pioneers, the former of whom, born in Nashua, N. H., May
19, 1848, is still living, and the latter of whom, born in New
York City, Sept. 10, 1851, died at Morris, Minn., June 18, 1903.
Fred B. received his boyhood education in the Minnesota public
schools, graduating from the Morris high school in 1895. In
1900 he received his B. L. from Carleton College. He received
his B. D. in 1903 from the Hartford Theological Seminary, and
the same year was ordained to the Congregational ministry. The
year 1905-1906 was spent in a tour around the world. In 1906-
1907 he took a post-graduate course in the Hartford Seminary,
and has since been engaged in his present profession. Prof. Hill
was married June 14, 1905, to Deborah Wilcox Sayles, daughter
of the late Frederic Clark Sayles and Deborah Cook Sayles, of
Pawtucket, R. I.
Herman Roe, the talented editor of the Northfield News,
started his newspaper editorial career in June, 1910, after two
years as principal of the high school at z\noka, previous to which
time he was one of the popular students at St. Olaf's college.
Mr. Roe has that energy and enterprise so necessary in a news-
paper man, and his gifted pen is placing him high among the
weekly newspaper editors of the state. The subject of this
sketch was born in Eau Claire, Wis., June 9, 1886, son of L. I.
Roe, a leading citizen of Stanley, Wis., where he has been mayor
for several terms. Herman, as he was then called by his friends,
was taken to Stanley at an early age, and attended the schools
there, later coming to Northfield and entering St. Olaf's college,
where he graduated in 1908 with the degree of B. S. He was
president of the college band, and accompanied it on its famous
trip to the old country in the summer of 1906. He won the
Henry Nelson Talla scholarship, and distinguished himself in
scholarship, in oratory, in debating, in music, and in literature,
occupying a number of editorial positions, including a place on
the Viking staff. During the last two years of his college career
he worked with Mr. Heatwole on the Northfield News, and in
June, 1910, was placed in editorial charge. Mr. Roe was mar-
ried Aug. 8, 1909, to Anna Kirkeberg. a graduate of the musical
course at St. Olaf's college.
Math R. Vikla, the popular principal of the Wheatland village
schools, was born in Wheatland township, Dec. 31, 1884,
a son of Martin and Eva Vikla, whose life history is given else-
where in this volume. His early education was acquired in the
district schools, completing with a course in the state normal
school at Mankato. After school he at once entered upon his
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1533
life profession of teaching, and at present is filling the position
of principal of the Wheatland schools, giving entire satisfaction
to all concerned. He taught school in several districts, mostly
located northeast of \'eseli, where man)- a young man and woman
today proudly claim to have had him for a teacher that remains
in their memory. He is also a musician, being a member of the
"The Twentieth Century Band" of V'eseli. He is well known
as a beekeeper among his people, having been engaged in that
line since he was a boy of fifteen. He is of a mechanical trend
of mind. For the last three years he devoted his spare time to
inventions. He owns a patent at present for a safety cockeye
and has two other inventions under construction. In politics
he is a loyal friend of the Democratic party. He is now serving
the community as a town constable.
John P. Vikia was born in Wheatland townshij), ]"eb. 9, 1871.
His education was acquired in the district schools, afterwards
spending a year in the Montgomery schools, and attending sev-
eral terms of the teachers' training schools. Leaving school, he
worked on his father's farm until 1895, when he procured a
position as teacher in the rural schools of Wheatland. In 1900,
he discontinued teaching, devoting his entire time for the next
four years to selling nursery stock, and then conducted a con-
fectionery store at Silver Lake, Minn. Returning to Lons-
dale, he re-entered the nursery busines sfor a short period as a
salesman, traveling through South Dakota and Nebraska. His
next venture was as a photographer at Scotland, S. Dak..
which he operated until his return to Lonsdale in 1906, when he
opened his present studio. Martin and Eva Vikla. parents of
our subject, are natives of Bohemia. They came to Minnesota
about 1871, settling: in Wheatland township. In 1905 he retired
from active work, himself and wife now living with iheir eldest
son.
Martin G. Vikla was born in Wheatland township July 15.
1880. Having completed the common school in the Veseli public
school, he entered the State Normal School at Mankato. financed
by his brother, John P. There he prepared for his life profes-
sion, that of teaching. In fall of 1900 he taught his first school
in Wells township, the so-called Trebon school. It was during
this school year that he realized that the education of our chil-
dren is not carried on along proper lines, and that as a conse-
quence the children suffer all through life for lack of proper
preparation. Up to this time he had the idea that he was the
only one of the many to suffer such a fate. That realization
opened up for him a grand field to work in. From that time on
he has been an educational reformer. The following year. 1901.
he went to school to prepare especially for his work of reforma-
1534 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
tion. The following \ear he re-entered the field as teacher in the
public school. During the following years he attended school
during summer and taught school during the school year, travel-
ing all through the community within a radius of fifteen miles,
staying one year in each school giving special attention to point-
ing out to the pupils what education means or ought to mean.
Besides he gave one public address in each school for the benefit
of the parents, showing them along what lines they should carry
on the education of their children. He characterizes education
as a development of the physical, mental and moral powers
of the pupils. He insists that teachers must use common sense
and not follow blindly the footsteps of their predecessors. He
has been upheld and encouraged in his work by his two brothers.
Math R. and Albert H., who likewise were in the field working
in somewhat milder form. Each one profiting from the experi-
ences of the other two, they soon became the most distinguished
educators of the communit)-. And the name Vikla Brothers has
come to be pronounced \vith the greatest of reverence.
As a reformer it is only natural that he should be allied with
the spelling reformers and also with Esperantists. In religion
he advocates less forms — ceremonies and dogmas — and more
spirituality — more Christian life. He puts more stress on how-
to live here than how to prepare for the hereafter. To him
the life we live here is the only preparation for the other. Some
who are not intimately acquainted with him think him an
atheist. He is a reformer of methods rather than of principles.
He believes in honesty above all things and personally adheres
to whatever is noble and pure. His word is as good as his bond.
It might be added that in 1905 he entered into business with
his two brothers, establishing a hardware store at Lonsdale.
They soon found out that there is more of educators than of busi-
ness men in them, consequentl)' sold out the entire establish-
ment to J. J. Jakes two months after opening same. He now
lives with his brother, Math. R., on a farm in section 21, of
which he is a joint owner since 1906. At present he fills the
position of principal of the A'eseli school. In politics he is a
Republican and has been the town justice for the last four years.
Albert H. Vikla was born in Wheatland township in 1886,
being the youngest of the family of Martin and Eva Vikla. He
obtained his education in the district school, completing the
course in the Montgomery graded school. Later on he attended
the State Normal School at Mankato. Like three of his older
brothers he selected teaching for his occupation. He taught for
three years in the Summit school, with chances for another term.
In 1907 he married Miss Annie Flicek of this township. He
accepted a position in the New Prague Flour Milling Co., as
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1535
bookkeeper, and so declined to teach the Summit school during
1908-1909. In 1910 he secured the enumeratorship for Lanesburg
township, and so gave up his position at the mill. He operated
the farm with his brothers, Math. R. and Martin G., during
the same summer, and re-entered the teachers' field, for which
he has a natural inclination. He is at present teacher in the
Leo Wrabek district. He resides in New Prague, where he has
a fine home established, but he delights in visiting his farm
as often as possible. He has three children: Edmund. Eugene
and Hedwiga. He is a Democrat in politics.
Wencl J. Vikia, a well known farmer of Wheatland township.
Rice county, was born in Bohemia, September 2. 1867. While
in his infancy he came to this country with his parents, Martin
and Eva Vikla, whose sketches also appear in this work. After
receiving his education in the district schools of Wheatland
township, he asisted his father in the operation of the home farm
until 1902, when he became owner of his present farm of eighty
acres, on which he is still engaged in general farming. The
Republican party claims his allegiance in affairs of politics.
M. M. Shields, the well known and successful editor of the
"Faribault Pilot,"' was born in Whitewater, Wis., December 16,
1854, son of Charles and Catherine (Muldown) Shields. In
1856 the family moved to Richland county, in the same state,
and there the subject of this sketch received his earlier education,
later attending tlie Grove Lake Academy in Sauk Center, Minn.
Thus equipped, he taught school in Richland and Vernon coun-
ties, Wisconsin, from 1873 to 1879, and in April of the latter year
came to Shieldsville. In 1879-80 he taught school in Scott
county; in 1880-81 he was principal of the school at Belle Plain;
and in 1881-82 he occupied a similar position in the Jordan
schools. In 1882-84 he was county superintendent of schools in
Scott county, was re-elected for the term of 1884-86, and for the
term of 1886-88, but resigned in the latter year. During this
period he was city justice in Jordan from 1883 to 1885; was
admitted to the bar in Shakopee in 1885, was city attorney of
Jordan from 1885 to 1888, and held other minor offices. He
came to Faribault in 1888, and with C. J. O'Brien founded the
"Faribault Pilot." Mr. O'Brien dropped out one year later. In
1894-98, Mr. Shields was deputy collector of internal revenue.
In 1897-99 he was a member of the Faribault library board. A
Democrat in politics, he is now a member of the State Central
Committee, and in 1898 was a candidate for presidential elector
on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Shields is a member of several
fraternal organizations and is well liked in the community.
Charles Shields, now deceased, was born in Rahara, county
Roscommon, Ireland, November 10, 1812. He was united in
1536 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
marriage, in 1838, to Catherine jMuldown, who died May 18,
1882. In 1839 the young couple came to the United States, and
from New York, Charles went directly to Pittsfield. Mass., where
he remained for a short time, going from there to Providence,
R. I., where for the next four years he worked in the tanning
business. He came west in 1844, and purchased a farm in
Waukesha county, Wisconsin, where he lived until 1856, when
he removed to Richland county, Wisconsin, living on a farm
until 1883, when he came with his sons, P. H. and John B.
Shields, to Minnesota, and settled in Shieldsville. In 1893 he
came to Faribault and lived with his daughters, Mary and Kate
Shields, until his death. Mr. Shields was a public-spirited citi-
zen and always took an active interest in politics. He was sur-
vived by three daughters : P. H. and John, of the town of Wells ;
M. M., Mary and Kate, of Faribault: T. C. Shields and Mrs.
M. A. \\'alsh, of Richland county, Wisconsin.
Thomas Shields, one of the early settlers of the town of
Shieldsville, died June 1, 1893, at the age of seventy-seven years,
after a long and useful life. He was a native of the parish of
Rahara, County Roscommon, Ireland, born May 21. 1816. He
emigrated to the United States in 1836 and landed in New York.
After working a short time in that state he went to Berkshire
county, Massachusetts, where he learned the trade of tanner and
currier. In 1840 he removed to Providence, R. I., and in 1843
came west and purchased a farm in Waukesha county, Wiscon-
sin. He soon grew tired of western life, and after a residence of
two years on a farm he returned to Providence, where he was
employed by one of the leading tanning firms of that city to go
to Georgia and manage a branch of their business located in that
state. He remained in Georgia until 1849, when he returned to
Massachusetts, where, in 1850, he married Ellen Renehan. He
came west again in 1854 and lived on liis farm in Waukesha
county, Wisconsin, for nearly two years. He sold his farm, and
after a short residence at Whitewater, Wis., he came to Minne-
sota in the fall of 1856 and located at Shieldsville, where he kept
a store for a short time. He afterward erected a building in
which he kept a hotel until he came to Faribault in 1871. He
resided in Faribault two years, and during that tiine kept a hotel
on Third street in the rear of the Fleckenstein block. He next
moved to South Stillwater, where he resided until the fall of 1878,
when he again retiu-ned to Rice county and settled on his farm
three miles southwest of the village of Shieldsville, living there
until his death.
Lucian W. Chaney first attended Carleton as a student in
the fall of 1874, entering the collegiate department and gradu-
ating in 1878 as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. He
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1537
received ihc degree of Master of Science in 1883. lie was as-
sistant teacher of science for the year 1882-3, promoted to teacher
of biology and geology the following year, and elected professor
of biology and geology in 1884. lie held this professorship until
1908, when he retired on the Carnegie foundation. He was the
first athletic director at Carleton and developed and organized
this line of activities at Carleton so thoroughly that more than
the usual share of successes came to the college in the inter-
collegiate sports. He also originated the high school athletic
contests, which take place yearly on the college campus. He
was always a most loyal and ardent worker for the college's
best interests. Since retiring from teaching he has held a special
and prominent position in the department of Commerce and
Labor at Washington, D. C. His father was a member of the
board of trustees of Carleton College from 1876 to 1897.
George M. Phillips is one of the leading citizens of North-
field, and has been cashier of the First National Bank since its
organization. A copy of the "Northfield News," dedicated to
him several years ago, said: "No honest charity has ever been
overlooked by Mr. Phillips, and no matter how much occupied
his time may be, he always has a moment to spare to listen to
the story of the deserving or the undeserving. For the former
no kindness or help is too great, and for the latter an uplifting
hand and beneficial word are always given. As a guiding hand
in the public works of the city, his has been constantly in the
foreground, and he has done more than any other man in agitat-
ing public improvements and substantially assisting them. IK-
is a truly good and generous citizen."
Edward Milton Leach was born in W'aitsfield, Vt., April 22,
1830, and received his education in the common schools. At the
age of twenty-one years, in 1851. he went to Woodstock, 111.,
where he remained until 1854, when he came to Faribault and
entered the store of Tower Brothers as clerk. In 1860 he went
to Colorado, but returned to Faribault in 1864. A year later he
was married to Caroline Stowell at Woodstock, 111., and in that
year he purchased an interest with L. C. Ingram in the furniture
and organ manufacturing business. Later the manufacture of
furniture and musical instruments was dropped and the manu-
facture of sash, doors and blinds taken up. Later lumbering and
milling became a part of the business. Mr. Ingram's interest
was purchased in 1880 by Mr. Leach, who in 1887 sustained a
severe loss by fire. He met this misfortune with courage, and
a new and larger mill succeeded the old one, and later his sons
entered into the business, the business becoming solid and pros-
perous. Mr. Leach was survived by four sons and three daugh-
ters: :Mrs. Joseph Weber. II. P. Leach. A. R. Leach, Ralph \V.
1538 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Leach, IVIrs. L. D. Harkins, Mrs. AI. N. Soper and Walter A.
Leach. I\Ir.s. Leach died December 24, 1900. Mr. Leach was
a power in the commimit}' in which he lived. Possessed of a
kindl}- and generous personality, he made many friends, while
his honesty and integrity won the regard and admiration of
those with whom he had dealings during his long and successful
business career. He died September 18, 1907.
Benjamin E. Darby, editor and proprietor of the "People's
Press," Owatonna. was born February 18. 1848, at St. Eleanors,
Prince Edward Island. At the age of two years his parents
removed with him to their farm in Abram's Village, Egmont
Bay. Here he lived until he was sixteen years old, attending
the district school and doing much hard work. He evinced
good matematical ability and had acquired an excellent knowl-
edge of the French language, when he entered the grammar
school at the county seat, remaining there two years, studying
algebra, Latin, Greek, geometry, land surveying and navigation.
He afterward attended and graduated from the normal school
in Charlottetown and the Prince of W'ales College in the same
city. He followed the profession of teacher in that province
until August, 1871, when he came to Minnesota. In 1871 and
1872 he was principal of the public school at Zumbrota, Goodhue
county; in 1872 and 1873, principal of the public school at Pine
Island, in the same county, and in 1873 and 1874, principal of
the public school at Kasson. Dodge county. Mr. Darby has
taken an active interest in Owatonna affairs, and his services
on various boards have been highl}- valued. As secretary of
the library and city hospital board, and of the fire department,
he systematized the methods of keeping the records, and set
a standard of excellence that has been maintained to the present
day. He was a director and secretary of the Owatonna Public
Library six years ; director of the Owatonna City Hospital
several years and secretary three years ; a member of the city
charter commission in 1905-06; secretary of the Owatonna fire
department many terms, and a member of the board of educa-
tion. He is also a Mason. Mr. Darby was married in August,
1874, to Kate Annie Barnard, and this union has been blessed
with five children: George Franklin, born May 22, 1875; Harry
Barnard, born October 15. 1876; Benjamin Edward, born March
28, 1880, and died July 1, 1881, buried in Forest Hill cemetery;
Fannie Amelia, born November 22, 1883, and died November
21, 1887. buried in Forest Hill cemetery; and William Howard,
born March 20, 1888.
George F. Darby, who is associated with his father in editing
the "People's Press," Owatonna, was born in Owatonna, May
22, 1875, son of Benjamin E. and Kate Annie (Barnard) Darby.
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1539
He received his education in the public scliools and graduated
from the Owatonna high school in 1894, having taken the Latin
Scientific course. He learned the trade of printer in his father's
office, later was taken on the editorial sfafT, and mastered the
newspaper business thoroughly. Mr. Darby has taken an active
interest in public affairs, belongs to a number of local organiza-
tions, and is one of the prominent young men of the city, having
also an extensive acquaintance throughout the county. He was
married June 2, 1906, to Eleanor Francis, of Detroit, Mich., and
to this union has been born one daughter, Catherine Barnard
April 13, 1908.
Harry B. Darby, foreman of the printing and publishing
department of the "People's Press," Owatonna. was born in
Owatonna, October 15, 1876, son of Benjamin and Kate Annie
(Barnard) Darby. After taking the usual course in the common
grades, he graduated from Pillsbury Academy at Owatonna in
1898. He learned the publishing and printing business in his
father's office, and has been foreman of the establishment for
several years, being a thorough master of the printer's art. and
producing work of the highest degree of excellence. Mr. Darby
is well liked among a wide circle of friends. He was married
September 19, 1905, to Mary K. Hockemeyer, and to this union
have been born two children : Ethel Margaret, born September
11, 1906. and Benjamin Edwin, born May 5, 1908.
William Howard Darby, manager of the Bucksen Typesetting
Company, of Owatonna, was born in Owatonna, March 20. 1888,
son of Benjamin E. and Kate Annie (Barnard) Darby. He
attended the public schools and graduated in the Latin-Scientific
course from Owatonna high school in 1908. He is a good
machinist and bookkeeper, and is one of the popular young men
of the city.
Stephen S. Severson, one of the enterprising business and
newspaper men of Steele county, was born in Blooming Prairie,
in which village he still resides, November 9, 1884, son of Sever
O. and Elen Bergetta (Olson) Severson. He was educated in
the common and high schools of his native village, and clerked
several years in the West Hotel. In 1898 he took up printing
with the Times Printing Company, publishers of the Blooming
Prairie "Times," and is still with the company, acting in the
capacity of manager. He is also engaged in the insurance busi-
ness and has attained success unusual for a young man of his
age. Mr. Severson is a Mason, and a member of the M. W. A..
the Equitable Fraternal Union and the Sons of Norway. He is
secretary of the Equitable Fraternal Union, and has held offices
in the M. W. A.
Sever O. Severson was born in Voss, Norway, in 1839,
1540 EIISTORY OF RICE AND STEFXE COUXTIES
and came to America witli his parents when four years of age,
spending his boyhood in Madison, Wis. He married in 1872
and came to Minnesota, locating in Blooming Prairie. He was
an engineer up to the time of his death, in June, 1890. Elen
Bergetta (Olson) Severson was born in Stavanger, Norway, in
1843, of Quaker parents, her father being in the fish shipping
business. She came to America in 1870 and lived with an uncle
in Austin until coming to Blooming Prairie in 1872. To Mr. and
Mrs. Sever Severson were born three sons, Charles, Otto and
Stephen. Sever O. Severson inlisted from Wisconsin in the
Civil \\'ar February 3, 1863, and was mustered into the United
States service at Camp Randall, Madison, March 3, 1863, as a
private of Company B, 30th Wis. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Lewis
S. Burton and Col. Daniel J. Dill to serve three years, or during
the war. The regiment was assigned to enforce the draft in
the state and later was assigned to the Army of the Northwest,
and sent by detachments to Dakotas and Minnesota, taking
part in General Sully's campaign. Afterward the regiment was
ordered to proceed south via Missouri and Mississippi to Louis-
ville and Bowling Green, Ky., and assigned to Second Brid.
Second Div., Military District of Kentucky, January 10, 1865,
moved to Louisville, Ky., a detachment going to Frankfort, Ky.,
on guard and provost duty. Sever O. Severson was honorably
discharged September 20, 1865, on account of close of war.
John Gerhard Mohn is president of the Mohn Printing Com-
pany. This company publishes the Northfield "Independent,"
a local newspaper, and the "Norwegian-American," a national
newspaper, published in English, which covers the entire North-
west. Mr. Mohn was born at Northfield in the year 1880. He
is the second son of the late T. N. Mohn, for twenty-five years
president of St. Olaf College, and Anna E. Mohn, nee Ringstad,
formerly of Winneshiek county, Iowa. John G. Mohn grad-
uated from St. Olaf College in 1899, securing the degree of A. B.
at the age of nineteen years. His first position was on the North-
field "News" staff under the late Hon, Joel P. Heatwole, which
he held for two years. Later he was employed on the North-
field "Independent," the newspaper he now publishes. Before
reaching out into the daily paper field, Mr. Mohn was employed
for a short time by the Theopold Mercantile Company, of
Faribault, and for three years by J. H. Bell & Co., of Chicago.
Since that time, Mr. Mohn, for six years, confined himself to
newspaper work for the "Pioneer Press," Omaha "World-
Herald," St. Paul "Daily News," Chicago "Inter Ocean," Minne-
apolis "Times," and Minneapolis "Tribune."
Ray Anton Mohn, vice president of the Mohn Printing Com-
pany, is the third son of the late T. N. Mohn, for twenty-five
HISTORY OF RICE AXD STEELE COUNTIES 1541
years president of St. Olaf College, and of Anna F. Molin, nee
Ringstad, formerly of Winnesheik county, Iowa. He was born
on September 26. 1882, at Nortiifield. In 1902 he graduated from
St. Olaf College and since that time has been constantly engaged
in the commercial profession, representing Twoliy Eimon Com-
pany of Superior, Wis.; H. J. Heinz Company, of Pittsburg;
Ringrose Pickling Company, and M. A. Gedncy Pickling Com-
pany, of Minneapolis. On January 1, 1909, he was given charge,
for the latter firm, of :\rontana, Idaho and Utah.
George William Mohn was born in Northfield in 1884. He
is a son of the late President Th. N. Mohn, for twenty-five years
president of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., and Anna E.
Mohn, nee Ringstad. He received his education at St. Olaf
College, from which institution he graduated in 1905, receiving
the degree of A. B. Immediately after completing his college
course he became local news editor of the Northfield "Inde-
pendent," in which position he continued for two years. In
the fall of 1907 he accepted the position of principal of St.
Ansgar Academy, St. Ansgar, Iowa. Newspaper work, however,
was his chosen profession, and in the fall of 1908 he returned
to Northfield to become a member of the Mohn Printing Com-
pany, with which he has since been connected, first as news
editor of the "Norwegian-American." and later as general
manager of the company.
Andrew Ansel Rowberg was born on a farm near Hanley
Falls. Minn., on May 16, 1887. His father's name was Leif K.
Rowberg and his mother's maiden name was Caroline Akre.
He attended the countr}' school in his home locality, and later
entered St. Olaf College at Northfield, Minn., finishing the acad-
emy in 1906. and the college in 1910. In May, 1910. he became
a member of the Mohn Printing Company, and on the retire-
ment of C. P. Carpenter, he became the editor of the Northfield
"Independent."
Egbert K. Whiting, the capable business manager of the
"Journal-Chronicle," Owatonna, was born in Clearwater, Wright
county, Minnesota, August 17, 1870, son of Samuel and Anna
(Mayo) Whiting. He received his early education in the public
schools of his native place, and later attended Carleton College.
In 1890 he started the operation of a job printing establishment
in St. Cloud, and conducted it until 1892. He came to Owatonna
in 1894, and was engaged as reporter and assistant business
manager until 1897. when in company with II. F. Lucrs, lie
purchased the "Farmers' Gazette," which title was changed to
Owatonna "Chronicle." March 7, 1906, Whiting and Luers
purchased the Owatonna "Journal," and efifected a consolidation
under tlie name of the Owatonna "Journal-Chronicle," owned
lo42 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
by the Journal-Chronicle Company. Mr. Whiting served five
years in Company I, Second Minnesota National Guards. He is
a member of the Blue Lodge and the Chapter in Masonr)^ and
also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He was married October
20, 1909, to May Taylor Hays, of Owensboro, Ky.
John C. Brainerd, banker, one of the leading citizens of
Blooming Prairie, was born in Sodus, N. Y., October 2, 1844,
son of John C. and Mary (Pease) Brainerd, the former of Colo-
nial New England ancestr3% and the latter of English birth and
ancestry. The subject of this sketch received a good common
school education, and for a time attended the Genesee Wesleyan
Seminary, at Lima, N. Y. In 1854 he was brought to Dodge
county. Wisconsin, by his parents. He worked on a farm, taught
school, and then became a telegraph operator and railroad station
agent, being stationed at various places until 1871, when he
came to Blooming Prairie as agent and operator. In all, Mr.
Brainerd was in the employ of the C, M. & St. P. road for
seventeen years. October, 1871, he embarked in the lumber
business, and in 1877 entered the banking business. With the
exception of two years in Montana, Mr. Brainerd has resided in
Blooming Prairie continuously since his first arrival here. He
was the first village recorder and treasurer of Blooming Prairie,
and has served in various other capacities in the village. In the
fall of 1894 he was elected to the state legislature. He is a
member of the A. F. & A. M. Mr. Brainerd was married October
28, 1870, to Melissa Burnham, and this union has been blessed
with five children: George S., Laura M. (wife of Henry M.
Hurlbut), Ben. A., Rena C. and March C.
Joel P. Heatwole, who died April 4, 1910, after twenty-six
years' service as editor and proprietor of the Northfield "News,"
was one of the most prominent men in Rice county. He was
born August 22, 1856. at Waterford Mills, Ind. In early life
he worked on a farm, and learned the printer's trade, later took
up school teaching and became principal of the village school
in the village of Millersburg, Ind. While thus employed he was
interested in 1876 in the village paper and became its editor and
proprietor. He also did other newspaper work. In 1882 he came
to Minnesota and took up work on the Glencoe "Enterprise."
Later he was employed on the Lake Superior "News." published
at Superior, Wis. From there he went back to Glencoe and took
charge of the "Enterprise." In 1884 he came to Northfield
and purchased the "News." In the meantime the Rice County
"Journal" had been published by Pierce and Wheaton. The
latter sold out and Mr. Pierce remained in charge. It was then
absorbed by Mr. Heatwole's "News," the consolidated paper
being published by Heatwole and Minder. In 1885, Mr. Heat-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1543
wole purchased his partner's interest and continued as sole
owner until his death. In 1886 Mr. Heatwole was elected a
delegate to the Republican State Convention and was chosen
secretary of the Republican state central committee. In 1888 he
was elected a delegate to the Republican National Convention.
In the next state campaign he was chairman, and in 1890, Gov-
ernor Merriam appointed him a member of the board of regents
of the state university. In the meantime he had been elected
president of the State Editorial Association, and twice filled that
position. In 1903 he was defeated in a campaign for election
to congress, although he reduced the Democratic plurality. In
1896 he was elected to congress, and was re-elected in 1898 and
1900. His influence at Washington was great, and he was
assigned to a number of important committees. The memory of
his life and deeds will ever be held sacred in Northfield and
Rice county.
J. W. Schultz, the genial proprietor of the Brunswick Hotel,
Faribault, was born in Germany, November 14, 1866. He came
to America with his mother in 1871, residing at Reiniblic, Mar-
quette county, Michigan, for a short period, after which they
removed to Duluth, where he passed the most of his boyhood,
and secured a public school education, supplementing this with
a course in a Duluth business college. In 1889, he entered the
hotel business at Duluth, in which he was very successful. Later,
in 1898, he took up his residence in Faribault and conducted the
Arlington Hotel for two years. He then engaged in the whole-
sale business for several years, and a few months ago purchased
the Brunswick House, which was originally opened April 11,
1883, by Townsend and Patrick. Mr. Schultz was married
March 14, 1891, to Mary Jane Schuman. Two children have
blessed this union, named, in order of birth, Arthur and Dorothy.
The family owns a beautiful home in the residence section of
Faribault, located on the corner of Second avenue and Seventh
street. Nichols and Mary (Bach) Schultz, parents of J. W.
Schultz, were natives of Germany. After the father's decease
in 1866, the mother came to America with her infant son, and
died at Duluth in 1891. They were thrifty and industrious
people.
Dr. Theo. L. Hatch came to Owatonna May 5, 1880, the date
of the arrival of Drs. Kelly, Cass and Aukes. He is still in active
practice. Dr. Hatch was born in Broome county. New York,
January 20, 1848. When he was two years old he was taken
by his parents to Washington county, Wisconsin, where they
resided until he was six years of age, when they moved to
Plainville, Adams county, Wisconsin. Dr. Hatch received a
good common school education, and at the age of twenty engaged
1544 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
in teaching. In the spring of 1867 he commenced the study
of medicine at Xeillsville, Wis., and took his medical degree at
the University of Michigan, March 29, 1871. In the final exam-
ination for his degree he stood at the head of his class in anatomy
and physiology, and obstetrics and gynaecology. He practiced
at Neillsville, Wis., during the summer of 1871, coming to
Steele county in October of that year. During the winter
of 1871-72 he taught school at Aurora station, engaging in
practice outside of school hours. In the spring of 1872 he moved
to Blooming Prairie and practiced medicine, engaging also with
his brother, Lewis P., in the drug business. Dr. Hatch has
served several terms as county physician. He was married Sep-
tember 23, 1884, to Grace M. Illick, of Galesburg, Mich., and to
this union have been born two children : Frederika G., born
December 8, 1887, married June 15, 1909, to Prof. J. C. Jones,
professor of English literature at Pillsbury Academy : and Theo.
L., Jr., born September 6, 1895.
Orlando Johnson, one of the first settlers of Steele county,
was a native of Chenango county. New York, born in 1831, his
parents being Smith and Elizabeth Carpenter Johnson. When
twenty years old Orlando went to Wisconsin and a short time
later to Kingsmur Grove, W'hiteside county, Illinois, where he
taught school during the winter of 1851. In the spring of 1852
he went to St. Paul, Minn., and a short time later to Faribault.
In the summer of 1853, he came with a party of first settlers
to what is now Steele county and took a claim for his father,
Smith Johnson, Sr., on the present site of Medford village. In
1854 he turned the claim over to his father. He was
here ofif and on until 1855, but his home was at Fari-
bault. In 1853 he had bought a claim at Faribault, and
in company with Mark Wells erected a cabin. In the
summer of 1855 he went to California, where he was engaged
in mining and lumbering. In 1861 he enlisted in the First Cali-
fornia Volunteer Infantry, which remained in camp at Los
Angeles, Cal., during the winter of 1861-62. In the spring they
crossed the California desert, reaching the Rio Grande at Fort
Thorn. Going down the river they were stationed at Franklin,
now El Paso, Tex. The remainder of his service was passed
at Santa Fe and Fort Union. During the time he was in Mexico
his duty consisted chiefly in gathering Indians on the reserva-
tion, and his last act was to station 113 red skins. He was
honorably discharged at Fort Union, N. M., returned to Medford,
Minn., in October, 1864. In 1870, he engaged in the general
mercantile trade for a short time. In the spring of 1873 he
erected the cheese factory which he still carries on, doing an
extensive business. Mr. Johnson was married November 1,
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1545
1865, to Miss Olive E. Hulett. They have two children, Luke
H., and Lloyd B.
Eden N. Leavens is one of the early pioneers still living in
Faribault. lie was born in Putnam, Conn., August 3, 1826, and
came to Faribault in October, 1855. He was postmaster for
sixteen years, and served for a long period as assistant. He has
occupied a number of important local positions, and is a veteran
of the Civil \\'ar. Mrs. Leavens, who is prominent in Relief
Corps circles, was Mary E. \\'intcr, born May 2. 1838, and
married April 24. 1866.
Clark Chambers is one of the early pioneers of Steele county.
He was born in Ellicottville, N. Y., January 2, 1839, and came to
Owatonna in 1859 with his parents. He served as aide to his
brother. Gen. Alex. Chambers, during the Civil War, has been
alderman of Owatonna, sheriflf of Steele county, and a member
of the Owatonna hispital board, as well as a member of the slate
prison board.
K. O. Finseth, Nerstrand banker, was born in Holden, Minn..
January 25, 1865, and came to Nerstrand in 1906, assuming his
present position as cashier of the Farmers' State Bank. Mr.
Finseth is a graduate of the law department of the Iowa State
University, and in his young manhood also studied two years
at St. Olaf's, and four years at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa.
Luther R. Weld, Faribault, was born in Franklin county,
Massachusetts, May 9, 1825. He came to Faribault in 1857,
and was one of the early planing mill men and money loaners.
He was assessor of Faribault some time, and at one period was
vice president of the Citizens' National Bank.
William F. Schilling, who has been prominently identified
with the dairy and agricultural interests of the state, is an
excellent tj'pe of the modern successful and scientific farmer.
His "Spring Brook Farm," at Northfield, just outside of the
platted city, is one of the show places of the county. As printer,
editor, farmer and public speaker, he has displayed those quali-
ties which go to make up a useful citizen. Mr. Schilling was
born in Hutchinson. McLeod county, this state, son of William
and Mary C. (Lallier) Schilling, the former a Pennsylvanian of
German ancestry, and the latter of French birth, both pioneers
who settled in Minnesota in the early days, and a nephew of
Christian Schilling, a pioneer of Carver county, this state. Young
William received his education in the common schools, learned
his trade as printer with the Hutchinson "Leader," worked on
the St. Paul "Dispatch," and the "Pioneer Press," was foreman
for the Northwestern Stamp Works, and worked on the Appleton
"Pres.s." While visiting in Northfield he was so pleased with
the place that he decided to make this his habitation, and
1546 HISTORY OF RICE A\D STEELE COUNTIES
accordingly he came here in 1894 as foreman for Joel P. Heat-
wole on the Northfield "News." After a few months he was
promoted to the city department, when Charles H. Pierce be-
came superintendent of the house document department at
Washington. At the foundation of Heatwole's dairy paper, now
the Minnesota "Dairyman," he became its editor, in which capac-
ity he still remains. After a few years he purchased a small
farm in the rear of St. Olaf's College, and in 1904 leased the
Spring Brook Farm, which, in 1910, he purchased from Mrs.
J. P. Heatwole. During the Spanish-American War, Mr.
Schilling was captain of the local military company. He is now
president of the Minnesota State Dairymen's Association and
of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America. Mr. Schilling
was married August 23, 1899, to Margaret De Hannemann,
whose parents were early settlers of Reed's Landing. Minn. This
union has been blessed with six children : Mary C, Charlotte B.,
Jeanette, Dorothy, William and Louis. Mr. Schilling owes his
greatest distinction to the introduction of community breeding
of blooded cattle in America. His cow, of the Holstein-Friesian
breed, Esther Piebe De Kol, Second, is the champion cow in
the state, and has a record of 29.43 pounds of butter in seven
days, 114 pounds in thirty days, and an average of 98 pounds
of milk for forty-three days.
C. P. Carpenter was born in Connecticut. February 4, 1853.
The family came to Minnesota in 1855. At sixteen he left home
to learn the printer's trade, and was admitted to the bar Septem-
ber 29, 1890. Mr. Carpenter served as assistant clerk of the
house of representatives in the legislature of 1887, and as chief
clerk of the house in 1889. In May, 1889, he was appointed as
special judge of the Northfield municipal court, and was elected
to that office in March, 1900. In March 1906. he was elected
judge of the Northfield municipal court, and in March last was
re-elected.
Charles Hart Pierce was born near Salem, Ind., October 3,
1853. He came to Northfield in early manhood and was for a
time enrolled as a student at Carleton College, his father, a
Congregational minister, being connected with the college m
some official capacity. Possessing considerable literary abil-
ity, Mr. Pierce turned his attention to newspaper work, and
devoted the greater portion of his life to that field. Associating
himself with what was then called the Rice County "Journal,"
he finally became one of the proprietors, the "Journal," for a
time, being published under the firm name of Wheaton & Pierce.
Continuing through several newspaper administrations, Mr.
Pierce became associated with Mr. Heatwole in the building up
of the Northfield "News." For a time Mr. Pierce was superin-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1547
tendent of the house document department in Washington. In
April, 1900, he was appointed postmaster at Northfitld. and his
efficiency and satisfactory service fully merited the reappoint-
ments received in 1904 and 1908. Mr. Pierce was at all times
interested in local public affairs. In a literary way he manifested
a fund of quaint humor and an exceptional ability in picturing
local happenings in an interesting way through his contribu-
tions to the "News," written by "The Man on the Square." He
died September 27, 1910.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. F. S. Bodle was another of the old army surgeons. He
came to Owatonna in 1866, immediately after the war, and
practiced here two or three years. He then moved to Oakland.
Cal. Dr. Daniel S. Harsha came to Owatonna from Waupun.
Wis., in 1855, and after remaining a short time, went hack to
Waupun, practicing there until 1856, when he became a perma-
nent resident of Owatonna. Dr. Ilarsha, upon coming to Owa-
tonna. decided to abandon the practice of medicine which had
impaired his health, and he and his father-in-law. Judge N. M.
Donaldson, opened a drug and grocery store. Owing, however,
to the lack of ph3'sicians, Dr. Harsha did considerable practicing
for several years. He died about 1881. Dr. E. F. Fverhardt
located in Blooming Prairie in 1880. He remained there about
two years and then went to Iowa. Dr. O. F. Way studied medi-
cine with Dr. E. M. Morehouse in Owatonna, and located in
Blooming Prairie in 1882. Later he removed to Claremont in
Dodge county, where he is still engaged in practice. Dr. T. C.
Caldwell, an eclectic physician, practiced at Blooming Prairie
from 1882 to 1884. Later he practiced in various places in the
northern part of the state. Dr. J. L. Harrington was born in
Windham county, Vermont, in 1840. In 1862 he graduated in
medicine from the University of Vermont, and soon commenced
to practice in Weston in that state. In 1864 he enlisted in Com-
pany I, Fourth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and was subse-
quently promoted to surgeon in the First Vermont Heavy
Artillery. In 1866 he went to Halifax, Vt., and resumed his
practice, remaining there until 1881. During his residence there
he was a member of the state constitutional convention in 1872.
In 1878 he was elected to the legislature, and was chairman of
the state board of supervisors of the insane in 1879 and 1880.
February 2, 1867, he was married to Mrs. Catharine Tcnny, a
native of New Hampshire. In 1881, Dr. Harrington came to
Owatonna and practiced until his death in February. 1893, at the
age of fifty-three. A son, Dr. W. E. Harrington, is practicing
1548 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
medicine in Oklahoma. Dr. J. Palmer Johnson was born in
Windham county, Connecticut, February 22, 1839. He read
medicine, and later attended the Rush Medical College, at Chi-
cago, 111., graduating in 1876. Previous to his graduation he
settled in Blooming Prairie about May, 1874, and in 1876 took
up his practice there. In September, 1892, he became a resident
of Owatonna, and practiced here until 1902. He then went to
Canon City, Col., where his wife died in December, 1903, after
which he returned to Owatonna. He is the father of Dr. Charles
B. Johnson, mentioned elsewhere. Dr. W. C. Hadley commenced
the study of medicine with Dr. Morehouse in 1880, and in 1883
located in Blooming Prairie. After a year there, his office was
burned and he moved to Utah. He died there, July 29, 1891,
at the age of twenty-four years. Dr. D. H. Roberts, a homeo-
pathic physician, was born near Richmond, Wayne county, In-
diana, in 1824. He received his medical education principally in
Indianapolis. After practicing a short time he accepted a chair
of natural science in the Whitewater College, and later he was
made superintendent of the Farmers' Institute near Lafayette,
Ind. Subsequently he practiced in Pendleton, Ind. In 1869 he
came to Minnesota and located in Plainview. In 1872 he came
to Owatonna, and with the exception of one or two years prac-
ticed until 1902, when he moved to California. He is still living.
Dr. L. L. Bennett was born in Illinois and came to Owatonna
in 1864. Shortly after entering the banking business in 1873, he
retired from the practice of medicine. Dr. Bennett has distin-
guished himself as a physician, a financier and a citizen. His
biography appears elsewhere. Dr. George A. Rossbach came to
Owatonna in 1871 and continued in active practice up to the
time of his death, March 21, 1891, at the age of seventy-eight
years. Dr. Rossbach was born in Moyenmoutier, France, in
1813. Graduating from Strasburg Medical College in 1833, he
went with a regiment of French troops to Africa in the capacity
of surgeon. He came to America in 1851, locating in Sauk
county, Wisconsin. In 1861 he was made surgeon of the Third
Wisconsin Cavalry, serving a year and a half with the troops
and two years at a hospital in Fort Worth, Kan. Dr. W. A.
Ware came to Owatonna from Iowa in 1858, arriving with
Austin Vinton, the father of Wilbur and W. H. Vinton. He
was engaged in the practice of his profession continuously until
1889, when he retired to his former home in New York state.
He died at Ellington Center, Chautauqua county. New York, in
1893. Dr. Ware was a man of fine physique and presence and an
exceedingly competent physician. He never was known to be-
come disconcerted, no matter how trying the situation, while his
presence in the sick room did as much for his patients as medi-
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1549
cine. Dr. F. M. Smersh studied medicine wiili Dr. E. M. More-
house and started in business in Owatonna in 1889. He became
senior partner of the firm of Smersh and Kubat. He represented
the Fourth ward several terms in the city council and is now
serving as president of the city board of health. Dr. Christian
Peterson began practice in Owatonna in 1884, and has served
several terms as county physician. Dr. A. B. Stewart came to
Owatonna in June of 1891, having graduated from the Univer-
sity of Minnesota, and began the practice of medicine, in which
he is still engaged. He also spent a year in Europe in post-
graduate work. He was mayor of the city in 1897. Dr. R. C.
Banks came to Owatonna in 1893, from Pine Island. Minn. He
practiced for a number of years until failing health compelled
him to abandon the arduous duties of his calling, finally remov-
ing to Plainview, Minn., where he died. Dr. S. O. Francis came
to Owatonna in January, 1893, from Wasioja. He remained
about three months and then returned to Wasioja. He was a
homeopathic physician. Dr. George Schultze came to Owatonna
in October 1897, from Elysian, Minn., where he had been in
practice for several 3'ears, and remained until the summer of
1910, when he returned to Germany for post-graduate work.
Dr. B. M. J. Conlin began practice in Owatonna in January,
1895, having at that time been a resident of South Dakota for
some years. He is still actively engaged in business. Dr. Eliza-
beth Lewis, a homeopathic physician, came to Owatonna from
Minneapolis and took up practice with Dr. D. H. Roberts. She
returned to Minneapolis early in 1898. Dr. Florence C. Baier
became a practitioner of medicine in Owatonna in May, 1898,
and in the summer of 1900 moved to Minneapolis. Dr. \V. C.
Roberts was formerly a resident of Lincoln, Xeb., and came to
Owatonna in June, 1899, beginning at once the practice of medi-
cine (homeopathic), in which he is still engaged. Dr. E. E.
Hubbard began the practice of medicine in Medford in the early
part of 1894. leaving in 1896 and going to Faribault. A year or
two later he moved to Kansas City. He is professor of pa-
thology in the Medical Chirurgical College in that city, and also
professor of pathology and bactatriology in the Woman's Med-
ical College there. Dr. C. W. Kanne, a former resident of Deer-
field, opened an office in Owatonna in the summer of 190(D and
was here a few months, going to Arlington. Later he took spe-
cial courses in Europe. Dr. Ira G. Beeman formerly lived on a
farm in Blooming Grove township. He practiced in Medford for
many years, until compelled by failing health to abandon work.
His death occurred at Owatonna in 1910. Dr. Guel Morehouse
followed his father's footsteps in practice in Owatonna a few
years ago. His biography appears elsewhere. Dr. C. C. Don-
1550 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
aldson came from Fairmont to Owatonna in 1898. He practiced
here imtil the following summer, when he again went to Fair-
mont. Drs. H. G. Bickford and J. W. Warren both located in
Owatonna during 1909, but after remaining a few months de-
parted ; the former returning to Redwood Falls, Minn., and the
latter to Blooming Prairie, this county, where he associated him-
self in practice with Dr. H. G. Woods. Dr. Ole H. Bakke took
up the practice of medicine in Blooming Prairie in 1896. after-
wards removing to Minneapolis, where he is at present. Dr. W.
S. Wood located in Blooming Prairie in 1901, and served as
president of the village and in other public positions. After a
year spent in post-graduate work in London and Vienna, he re-
turned and, limiting his practice to diseases of the eye, ear, nose
and throat, opened offices in Faribault and Owatonna and also
at Blooming Prairie. His health failed him in 1908 and he was
obliged to relinquish work and seek health, which he never
found. His death from pulmonary trouble occurred at his par-
ents' home in Faribault in March, 1910. Dr. Harry G. Wood, a
younger brother, became associated in business with him in
1905, and is still engaged in the practice of medicine at Blooming
Prairie. Dr. Willis H. Twiford came to Steele county in 1864,
locating on a farm in Somerset township. He later removed to
the village of Geneva, in Freeborn county, where he remained
in active practice until 1897, when he moved to Owatonna, re-
signing his work shortly afterwards because of advancing age.
His death occurred in October, 1909. Dr. Solomon S. Blood
came to Owatonna in 1866. He had been an army surgeon
and obtained considerable reputation locally along this line after
his arrival in Steele county. Dr. Blood was a man of great
energy and perseverance. He died of cancer of the stomach,
December 21, of that year, aged seventy-one years. Dr. W. H.
Woods came to Steele county in 1856. Nine years later he
moved to Le Sueur county and soon afterward took up the study
of medicine, beginning practice at Madelia. While there, he
was one of the physicians who attended the Northfield bank
robbers who were captured near that place. Dr. Woods located
in Blooming Prairie in November. 1891. In 1900 he came to
Owatonna and practiced about two years. He died in Owatonna,
in December, 1903, aged eighty years. Dr. George H. Terrell
came to Owatonna from Lorain county, Ohio, in 1866, remained
two or three years and then returned to his former home. Dr.
E. W. Cooley studied medicine with Dr. E. M. Morehouse and
located in Blooming Prairie in 1887, being still located there.
Dr. W. C. Eustis came to Owatonna in October, 1891, from
Farmington, Minn., where he practiced for several years, and has
actively engaged in the duties of his profession ever since. Dr.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1551
Gowdy began practice in Owatonna in November, 1871, remain-
ing until 1874, when he went to Blooming Prairie and practiced
a month. Dr. Kelley, a lady physician, and Dr. Cas.s, a homeo-
path, arrived in Owatonna. May 5, 1880. They remained about
three months. Dr. E. E. Aukes came to Owatonna, May 5,
1880, and remained until the fall of 1884. when he moved to
Beatrice, Neb. He was a graduate of the Guttenbcrg Univer-
sity, and was a thoroughly educated and well equipped member
of his profession. Dr. J. W. Andrist located in Ellendalc in
1901, and continued in practice there until 1908, when, after a
year spent in travel and study, he located in Owatonna. where
he still resides. Dr. Frank L. Morehouse, a former resident of
Steele county, and a nephew of Dr. E. M. Morehouse, moved
from Chicago to Owatonna in May, 1902. and after a few months
relinquished his practice and conducted a large dairy farm on the
outskirts of the city. He later removed to Indiana and resumed
practice, in which he is still engaged. Dr. Cooper practiced in Owa-
tonna from November, 1903. to January. 1904, when he removed
to Dent, Minn., where he still lives. Dr. W. VV. Finch had been
a practicing physician in Vermont before enlisting in the army.
He came to Steele county in 1856, locating in Clinton Falls
township. October 8, 1861. he was elected county treasurer of
Steele county and served two years. He remained in this county
for a number of years after the expiration of his term, and then
moved to Santa Barbara, Cal., where he died. He was a man of
natural and acquired ability, justly esteemed and respected by
all with whom he came in contact. He was an uncle of C. M.
Finch, of Clinton Falls. Dr. T. M. Hammond practiced in Owa-
tonna from 1874 to 1877. Dr. E. E. Bigelow came to Owatonna
in 1877, and was actively engaged in practice until 1895. His
biography appears elsewhere. Dr. Saulsbury. also an old army
surgeon, located in Blooming Prairie early in 1871 and left there
late in 1872. Dr. C. Wilbur Ray began practice in Owatonna
in the spring of 1892, and left during the winter of 1892-93.
Dr. Charles J. Pillsbury. a homeopathic physician, came to Owa-
tonna from Duluth in June, 1898. and remained just one year.
From Owatonna he went to Faribault, remaining there about
two years, and then returned to Duluth. where he died. For
several years Dr. Pillsbury was a member of the State Board of
Medical Examiners. Dr. Miner, another homeopathic physician,
practiced in Owatonna from the summer of 1897 until early in
1898. Dr. J. H. Bowers, also a homeopathic physician, came to
Owatonna in 1897, and left during the latter part of 1899. Dr.
J. Habenick, a Bohemian physician, became a resident of Owa-
tonna in 1894 and remained fourtetn ludiulis. Dr. J. Brown
located in Medford about 1886 and was there nearly a year.
15.-2 HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Dr. J. W. Swedenborg came to Ellendale and remained in prac-
tice till 1909, when he removed to Thief River Falls, Minn.,
where he still lives. Dr. Jacob Martin, a German physician,
came to Owatonna in 1884 and remained here about a year, after
which he went to Fountain City, Wis., where he died. Dr.
George W. Powell became a resident of Medford in the winter
of 1876-77, and left there in 1880. Dr. George E. Vaughn began
practice at Blooming Prairie, June 18, 1895, and on February 26,
1897, removed to Hurley, S. D. Dr. Bingham practiced medi-
cine in Medford between 1870 and 1880. Dr. McDonald, a Cana-
dian, and a graduate of AIcGill University, practiced in Owa-
tonna two or three months in the summer of 1882, going from
here to western Iowa, where he still lives. Dr. E. P. Whitford
moved to Medford, September 1, 1882. His wife died there in
January, 1883, and he was remarried. September 4, 1884, to a
Miss Hastings, a relative of the Hastings family of Owatonna.
Dr. Whitford moved to Le Sueur county in April, 1886, and
some years later took up practice in Westboro, Mo. Dr. L. F.
Case studied medicine with Dr. E. M. Morehouse, who was his
brother-in-law. He began practice about 1866 and retired early
in 1880. He then became a resident of Minneapolis, removing
from there to Los Angeles, Cal., where he now resides. Dr. H.
S. Hill came to Owatonna in 1875 and about ten years later
moved to Springfield, Mo. \\'hile in Owatonna he was a mem-
ber of the drug firm of Hill & Luers. Dr. J. G. Gilchrist, a
homeopathic physician, practiced in Owatonna from 1866 to
1872, going then to ^^'inona, and later to Iowa, where he died a
few years ago. Dr. Flavel B. Tiffany located in Medford about
1876, and a year later removed to Kansas City, where he still
resides. He is professor of ophthalmology in the University
Medical College of that city, and has attained considerable prom-
inence in his chosen field of work. Dr. J. H. Adair began to
practice medicine in Owatonna in 1884 and is still actively en-
gaged in the duties of his profession. His biography appears
elsewhere. Dr. E. M. Morehouse was the pioneer physician of
Owatonna and Steele county, locating in Owatonna in 1855, with
no other physicians nearer at that time than Rochester, Mankato,
the Twin Cities and I\IcGregor. His biography and portrait
appear elsewhere. His practice comprised all of Steele and adja-
cent counties for years, and he was everywhere known as the
friend of the poor man. He gave of his time and efforts freely
whenever asked, and his death, which occurred in 1891, was
universally deplored. Dr. Theodore L. Hatch came to Owatonna
in 1880, removing here from Blooming Prairie, Minn., where he
had practiced for eight years. He is still in active practice. His
sketch appears elsewhere. Charles B. Johnson, son of Dr. J. P.
HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES 1553
Johnson, died in Owatonna in January, 1898. His diploma was
issued after his death. Dr. McManamy practiced in Owatonna
in 1878-79. T. VV. Nichols and A. B. Tashjian. two eclectic phy-
sicians, located in Owatonna in 1884. They remained about two
months. T. \V. Roberts established practice in Owatonna with
his father, D. H. Roberts, in the spring of 1884. Me went from
here to Faribault, thence to St. Paul, where he still resides.
C. E. Gates located in Owatonna in July, 1904, and remained
about two months.
STEELE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
The Steele County Medical Society was organized in 1894.
Its objects were the mutual benefit of its members and the
proper protection of their interests. It continued in this form
for several )ears when a reorganization was effected in order
to conform to the laws governing the formation of component
societies of the State Medical Society.
The first officers were as follows: President, T. L. Hatch;
secretary, A. B. Stewart ; treasurer, D. H. Roberts.
As at present constituted the membership comprises the
regular profession of the entire county, with one or two excep-
tions. Monthly meetings are held at which several papers on
professional subjects are presented by members in rotation ac-
cording to a definite plan. The present officers of the society
are: President, J. \V. Andrist; vice president, J. H. Adair; sec-
retary, A. B. Stewart ; treasurer, G. Schulze.
INDEX
Abbott, Ezra and John H..
Abbott, W. D., 731
Adair, James, 1031
Adair, John W., 1029
Adair, Robert, 1029
Adair, John H., 1029
Adams, W. K., 1248
Adsit, Allen C, 749
Adsit, Charles, 1225
Afdem, M. P., 1163
Ahrens, Fred, 1168
Alexander, J. W.. 1250
Albers, H. F. C, 1250
Alexander, J. J., 1249
Alexander, Fred A., 733
Allen, W. W., 1251
Anderson, Axel, 1504
Anderson, G. L., 1249
Anderson, Hans P., 1073
Andrews, J. F., 1252
Antel, John, 1073
Anderson, C. K., 1131
Anderson, 0. J., 1123
Anderson, Lars, 1238
Anderson, T. M., 1237
Archibald, E. T., 1248
Arms, Wm. W., 1030
Bach, Reynold H., 1031
Bailey, N. C, 1143
Bailey, W. A., 1076
Ball, 0. "W., 1254
Barker, T. E., 1159
Barnett, J. W., 1269
Barron, H. E., 1261
Bassett, F. M., 1119
Batchelder, G. W., 1490
Batzle, Christopher, 1226
Bauernfiend, S. B., 1252
Bauernfiend, Martin, 1253
Becker, Jr., Mathias,' 1268
Becker, L. N., 1269
Behne, Henry, 1167
Belina, Anton M., 1077
Bell, A. J., 1255
Bennett, C. K., 1128
Bennett, G. B., 1128
Bennett, L. L., 1127
Benson, 0., 1258
Berg, Andrew A., 1075
Berg, Lewis ('., 1034
Berry, F. A., 1481
Berry, John M., 343
Best, H. G., 1254
Bice, A. H., 1264
Eigelow, E. E., 1245
766 Bill, E. C, 1504
Bill, A. H., 1505
Blodgett, Alson, 1481
Blodgett, Jr., Alson, 1482
Bloomer, E. R., 1256
Blume, H. T., 1122
Boe, H. A., 1260
Bohri, Frank G., 732
Bollenbach, J. W., 1265
BoUenbach, Charles, 1259
Borchert, H. W., 1215
Borehardt, Paul, 1253
Bosshard, Arniin J., 1032
Bosshard, Gottfried, 1033
Bosshardt, Jacob, 1267
Bosshart, J. J., 1265
Bouska, F. T., 1522
Bowman, W. .\., 1259
B'raincrd, George S., 1075
Brainerd, J. C, 1542
Brand, 0. F., 1493
Brandvold, A. T., 1260
Branes, G. J., 1267
Brennan, P. J., 1199
Brennan, E. J., 1200
Brick, John S.. 1033
Brierton, J. W., 1152
BTosen, Peter, 1161
Brown, C. F., 1078
Brown, Henry J., 1079
Brown. Lawrence C, 1034
Brush, G. H. R., 1203
Bruzek, Thomas M., 1078
Bryant, Ezra C, 1077
Brynstad, L. J., 1074
Buchanan, James, 1264
Buchanan, Wm., 1263
Buchanan, Geo., 1263
Buck, C. M., 1527
Buckham, Thomas S., 719
Eultmanu, Wm., 1266
Burch, Edwin K., 732
Burlinghame, Jr., James M., 731
Burlinghame, James M., 725
Burzisnki, Anton, 1165
Bush, Peter, 99
Campbell, Robert, 1081
Campbell, Claude C, 1080
Campbell, L. G., 1238
Camp, Alfred, 1126
Canedv, X. S., 1271
Canfieid, Wm. K, 1036
Cardoflf, 1213
Carpenter, R. R., 1212
Carpenter, C. P., 1546
1554
INDEX
1555
Carlton, F. C, 1502
Carroll, J. B., 1239
Case, B. A., 1159
Cashman, T. E., 1231
Castle, X. R., 1275
Cardoff, G. F., 1213
Caron, C. H., 1270
Carpenter, R. R., 1212
Carey, Geo. L., 732
Cavanaugh, Dennis, 1506
Chadwick, M. B., 726
Chaffee, Henrv. 1275
Chaffee, F. M", 1276
Chambers, Alex, 1160
Chambers, Clark, 1545
Chambers, Theodore, 1141
Chaney, L. W., 1537
Chapin, Byron P., 1035
Chase, K. D., 1280
Cheney, J. T., 1286
Childress, A. B., 1270
Clarjne, Carl, 1274
Clark, Willis G., 475
Clarkson, Wm. B., 1037
Clef ton. Guv J., 1036
Clefton, C. J., 1233
Cleland, A. E., 1286
Clements, E. K., 1519
Clemmensen, H. P., 1202
Clifford, C. F., 1273
Clifford, J. E., 1285
Clifford, John, 1492
Closson, J. F., 1282
Clover, C. L., 1284
Coggswell, Amos, 721
Coleman, J. A., 1502
Colquhoun, A., 1187
Conlin, T. J., 1277
Cook, Michael, 343
Coolev, E. W., 1179
Cooper, John C, 100
Cooper, Charles H., 492
Cornell, A. B., 755
Cotter, Jay J., 1081
Couper, J. C, 1529
Cowan, A. B., 1502
Cowden, John, 1281
CowliDK, Donald J., 497
Crandall, C. S., 1132
Crandall, W. II., 725
Craven, John, 1283
Craven, J. W., 1284
Crawford, G. E., 1272
Crocker, S. L., 1278
Crossett, H. H., 1283
Cruikshank, W. A., 1277
Cnittenden. H. L., 1276
Cushman, C. F., 1285
Cutts, E. H., 100
Dailey, M. A., 722
Damp, G. W., 1292
Darbv, W. II., 1539
Darbv, H. B., 1.539
Darby, G. F., 1538
Darby, B. E., 1538
Darmodv, Edward, 1216
Dartt, Ilarvev S.. 1040
Davison, C. H., 1300
Davis, F. U., 1520
Dean, W. H., 1487
Dean, Edwin B., 470
Deike, Christian, 1299
Degen, Charles, 1287
Degros, Frank, 1287
Demann, C. W., 1297
Denison, E. 0., 1298
DeLong, C. H., 1198
Detert, T. J., 1300
Dibble, L. H., 1507
Disbrow, Levi A., 1038
DitlevBon, Louis C, 1083
Dobbin, James, 1288
Donaldson, S. F., 1289
Donaldson, Hon. N. M., 717
Donaldson, J. B., 1292
Donaldson, II. W., 1294
Donaldson, J. F., 1301
Donkers, P. H. J., 1291
Dorrance, George, 1295
Dow, J. J., 1290
Drake, J. E., 1297
Drozda, J. M., 1296
Dunham, F. A., 731
Dunham, Francis A., 1039
Duni);an, Thomas E., 1083
Dunigan, M. J., 1082
Durland, Geo., 1302
Ebel, C. F., 1307
Ebling, P. W.. 1225
Eddv, W. L., 1306
Edwards, G. S., 1308
Eigcnlirodt, G. U., 1304
Eiscrt, L. J., 1304
Eldred, W. W., 1308
Eliason, Peter, 1121
EllingsoD, Erick, 1182
Ellingson, E. IC, 1183
Emery, F. A., 1307
Enipev, George, 1305
Engei' J. W., 1143
Erb, Davi.l, l.iOS
Erb, John, 1310
Erb, N. S., 1303
Errickson, Joseph, 1310
Ertcl, Edward Q., 1084
Evans, Xorman, 1115
Evans, Paul H., 1116
Evans. Margaret J., 487
Evert. John, 1309
Eylward D. T., 1310
Fagre, Theodore P., 1084
Fallon. Michael J., 1085
Farm, The AKjintarn, 1479
Farlev, F. L.. 732
Ferguson. I. W.. 1236
Fcrrell, O. H.. 1126
Ferrington. Wm., ir.'7
Finch, C. M.. llim
Finch, H. A., 1184
Finley, J. F., 1125
Finseth, K. O.. I.''i45
Fitzsimmons, K. R., 1312
FjeldBtiui, .\. H.. 1173
Flinn. G. M., 1194
Foster, J. A., 1311
1556
INDEX
Fox, A. F., 1313
Frink, F. W., 1508
Frink, E. L., 1509
Fritsch, Henry F., 1042
Fynskov, Christ P'., 1040
Gale, Edmund, 1315
Gallea, J. B., 1181
Gallea, Geo. B., 1181
Ganser, Peter, 1044
Gardner, J. N., 1320
Garland, F. M., 476
Gibbs, John L., 730
Gibson, James, 510
Gilbertson, G. C, 1321
Gipson, E. H., 1315
GofF, Jr., Stephen ('.. 1044
Gordon, C. H., 1043
Gordon, J. D., 1043
Gordon, Charles S., 1043
Glotzbaeh, F. L., 1318
Graham, C. E., 1319
Grant, W. .7., 1314
Grant, D. W., 1317
Grant, Angus, 1488
Grant, John, 1509
Green, Charles, 1042
Green, G. W., 759
Green, George W., 720
Greenville, J. E., 1320
Gregerson, Andrew, 1144
Gronowski, H. F., 1086
Haberman, A. T., 1087
Haberman, Fred, 1201
Haberman, Jacob, 1144
Hadley, C. W., 726
Hadley, R. S., 729
Hadley, W. C, 730
Hafda'hl, P. H., 1186
Hagan, Dan, 1323
Hammel, Louis F., 1052
Harare, H. B., 1324
Hauck, E. W., 731
Hanson, Samuel S., 1171
Hansen, D. D., 1166
Hanzlicek, Frank, 1145
Hardwood, A. A., 723
Harkins, W. H., 1335
Harstad, O. M., 1326
Hart, Wm. H.. 1088
Hartv, J. F., 1088
Hartfield. C. H., 1486
Hassan, W. W., 1324
Hastings, Hector M., 1049
Hastings, S. M., 1051
Hatch, A. M., 1328
Hatch. T. L., 1543
Hatfield, J. D., 1327
Hauk, D. C, 1510
Haven, A. E., 1524
Hawley, C. W., 752
Headline, Murrey, 1335
Heatwole, J. P., 1542
Hegens, O. N., 1337
Hegland, Wm., 1173
Henderson, O. M., 1321
Herold, Carl G., 1047
Hickman, A. C, 723
Higby, Delos, 733
Hildebrandt, Wm., 1334
Hill, A. L., 1331
Hill, F. B., 1532
Hill, H. B., 1330
Hille, Jens I., 1501
Hillstad, C. N., 1086
Hirdler, C. B'., 1337
Hirdler, A., 1338
Hjelmen, Andrew, 1089
Hobenschielil, John, 1240
Holden, W. H., 1327
Hollistt-r, L. M., 1332
Hondl, A. J., 1145
Hood, B. F., 730
Hoover, Edward, 1337
Hoover, M. H., 1336
Hosfield, C. D., 1089
Hostad, Thomas Y.. 1045
Howe, Harrv C, 1048
Howe, Thomas J., 1047
Hovland, G. J., 1087
Hulett, Luke, 96
Hunt, W. A., 1329
Hunter, James, 1530
Huntington, George, 487
Hutchinson, Hobert W., 1046
Hutchinson, John, 1325
Hutchinson, R. R., 1322
Huxley, F. R., 1334
Hynds Family, 1217
Ingersoll, A. G., 728
Ingersoll, A. D., 728
Irvine, A. B., 1511
Jahrciss, Richard H., 1053
Jansa, John, 114G
Jansen, U. C, 1182
Jenkins, F. E., 1,340
.Jensen, Peter, 1218
Jenson, 0. P., 1090
Jensen, Wm., 1204
Jerele, J. E., 1146
.Terele, L. F., 1146
Jergensen, Nels, 1240
Jerele, W. J., 1090
Jewett, Charles, 157
.Tewett, Stephen, 1510
Joesting, Fred H., 1052
Johnson, A. E., 1093
Johnson, C. H., 1338
Jolinson, David B., 731
Johnson, E. W., 1339
Johnson, G. E., 1093
Johnson, G. J., 1091
.Johnson, Howard E., 727
Johnson, H. H., 725
Johnson, Orlando, 1544
.Johnson, niilip, 1510
Johnson, P. J.. 1091
Johnson, Smith, 1092
Jones, 0. M., 1201
.Jones, J. M., 1340
Kaiser, Wm., 1511
Kaisersatt, T. M., 1342
Is:alina, J. F., 1348
Kalow, W. J., 1350
INDEX
1557
Kane, Hugh, 1348
Kaut, Wm., 1342
Karp, A. W., 1345
Kasper, Auton, 1186
Kaspar, J. A., 1221
Kauffman, F. K.. 1503
Kecfe, Michael H., 1054
Keesev, Wilbur K., 474
Keesey, W. K., 1347
Kelly, A. B., 1344
Kelley, D. F., 1528
Kelly, E. F., 1348
Kellv, Wm. H., 1222
Kelm, F., 1353
Kenney, E. H., 723
Kenney, Johu, 1355
Kenney, S. 11., 1351
Kent, J. A., 1119
Kenyon, Thomas, 1056
Kenyon, Wm. E., 1055
Kiel, Charles, 1350
Kilty, W. H., 1195
Kinyon, C. J., 1230
Kinyon, Geo. K., 1188
Kinyon, W. K., 1228
King, John, 1354
King, W. H., 1194
Kingsley, W. S., 1346
Kinney, S. Grant, 1054
Kinyon, W. K., 722
Kirk, G. W., 1349
Klemer, F. h., 1343
Knauss, John, 1353
Kolling, F. A., 1513
Kratt, John, 1355
Krasemann, R. V., 1341
Kruckeberg, llenrv, 1241
Kruckeberg, H. a", 1195
Kruckeberg, John, 1171
Kubat, S. A., 1117
Kuekcr, Wm., 1346
Kuntz, P. J., 11S7
Kvasnicka, J. F., 1147
Lageson, John, 1149
Lamberty, N., 1364
Lane, J. W., 1166
Lane, Arthur W., 730
Langcslag, \'. B., 1357
Langeslag, T., 1366
Larsen, Ilans, 1095
Larson, Lars, 1147
Laughlin, K. ]\, 1120
Law, John, 1363
Lea, J. J., iL'll
Leach, M., 1366
Leach, H. F„ 1359
Leaoh, A. R., 1358
Leach, II. E., 729
Leach, E. M., 1537
Leahey, S. .)., 1367
Leary, W. J.. 732
Leary, Timothy, 1498
Leavens, E. N., 1545
Le Crone, J. W., 1356
Lee Bros., 1094
Lee, G. O., 1501
Lee, Nels, 1118
Lenz, Jr., F. J., 1358
Lewis, Emma A., 1056
Lewis, John, 1056
Lewis, Edward, 1503
Lewis, J. U., 1513
Lincoln, Anna T., 495
Lindcnborg, G. ('., 1361
Lindenlierg, W. H., 1361
Linnell, Caroline E., 493
Liuse, August, 1148
Linse, Edward, 1149
Lips, Henry, 1179
Lips, J. J., 1514
Little, C. E., 1503
Littleton, S. T., 728
Lieb, R. J., 1363
Liebrcnz, Ferdinand, 1149
Lockerby, Burt, 1360
Lockwood, L., 1365
Lockwood, W. N., 1514
Lonergan, Wm., 1173
Lord, lion. Samuel, 719
Luers, H. F., 1133
Lyman, C. W., 1362
Lynch, W. F., 1359
Lysue, J. J., 1095
McCabe, James, 1503
McCarthy, T. J., 1369
McCarthy, J. F., 1368
McCradv. M. T., 1169
McElwain, F. A., 1515
McFall, E. E., 1218
McKellip, F. W., 1370
McKinstrv, A. W.. 1531
McLean, D. A., 1382
McMahon, J. P., 1371
Madscn, J., 1369
Mallinger, Peter, 1057
Malliugor. Adolph, 1058
Malone, John, 1204
Malone. James E., 1059
Manahiin, C. P., 1372
Mark, llarrv, 1497
Marks, C. W., 1380
Martin, H. B., 1384
Mather, J. II., 1.182
Mattoson, H. M., 100
Mee, J. R., 1368
Moo, Wm., 1516
Mcohl, W. M., 1.381
Mfillier, J., 1377
Melbv, Bencdik. 1165
Mera't, Frank, 1379
Merrill, G. A.. 11.38
Motcnlf, Wilmot V., 49ll
M.-vor, W. I.. T.. 1375 '
Meyer, W. C, 1374
Michai'l. Paul, 1377
Miller. A. F.., 1376
Miller. G. A., 1503
Miller, 0. R., 14H6
Miller, J. J.. 1375
Miller, J., 1372
Miller, S. R.. 1376
Misgen, chnrlcH B., 1058
Moe, E. J., 1096
Mohn, J. G., 1540
Mohn, Anton, 1.540
1558
INDEX
Mohn, G. W., lo41
Monson, Louis, 1150
Molen, George, 1383
Monson, Theodore, 1150
Montgomery, W. H., 1135
Morehouse," G. G., 1114
Morehouse, Eli M., 1113
Morford, S. D., 1169
Morford, G. W., 1234
Moriarty, G. W., 1235
Mork, H. P., 1096
Morley, J. R., 1242
Morrison, J. J., 1217
Morton, Edwin, 1178
Mosher, L. J.. 1139
Mott, R. A., 1525
Mueller, H. A., 1379
Mueller, Jacques, 1378
Munro, D. F.. 1385
Murphy, T. ,T., 1498
Murphy, G. W., 1373
Murray, David L., 1097
Xavlor, E. H., 1215
Navlor, R. H., 1098
Xaylor, Eov H., 1118
Nelson, Axel, 1243
Xelson, G. W., 1387
Xelson, Henry, 1124
Nelson, L. G., 1211
Nelson, R. P., 1098
Nelson, H. C, 1097
Nelson, Martin, 1119
Nesse, George A., lOGO
Newcombe, T. F., 1388
Nordeen, P. J., 723
Nutting, E. G., 1386
Nutting, Frank, 1386
Nutting, .1. C, 1385
Nutting, W. M., 1387
Nutting, Gen. Levi. 98
O'Brien, C. J., 732
Oehs, Albert, 1499
Odegard, Lewis, 1099
Offerman, Nicholas, 1389
0 'Grady, Jr., T. 0., 1396
Ohnstad, N. H., 1099
Oleson, August, 1396
Olsen, Haagen, 1394
Olin, A. M., 1391
Olin, C. 0., 1390
Olson, Thomas, 1393
Osmundson, M. S., 1397
Osmundson, J. G., 1393
Orcutt, F. J., 1395
Orcutt, W. F., 1395
Orr, J. H., 1389
Orr, D. H., 1392
Page, Harlan W., 494
Palon, F. C, 1410
F'archer, M. J., 1135
Parrott, George, 1060
Parson, N., 1411
Partridge, N. 0., 1157
Paulsen, H. P., 1151
Paulson, Nels, 1408
Paulson, Peter, 1408
Pauzer, H. F., 1152
Payne, William W., 485
Pearson, Arthur IL, 490
Pease, George, 1406
Peasley, Harry, 1412
Peavev, Lynno, 1405
Perkins, O. F., 99
Persons, C. 0., 1504
Peterka, James, 1409
Petersen, Nis, 1222
Peterson, Soren, 1104
Peterson, Thomas. 1103
Peter.son, Peter, 1103
Peterson, August, 1124
Peterson, Louis, 1101
Peterson, Rasmus, 1125
Peterson, J. C, 1243
Peterson, Christian, 1410
Peterson, C. N., 1397
Peterson, John, 1399
P'eterson, Christian. 1061
Peterson, N. P., 1140
Peterson, A. A., 1174
Petteys, J. H., 1411
Phillips, G. M., 1537
Physicians, 1547
Pichner, John, 1210
Pichner, Jr., John, 110]
Pierce, C. H., 1546
Pierce, Henry, 1405
Pierce, F. M., 1407
Pirkl, Joseph, 1102
Pivo, John N., 1062
Plante, J, A., 1406
Fribvl, J. J., 1101
Pribyl, Peter, 1244
Pringle, A. F., 1407
Printzing, .J. A., 1409
Pryor, Henry, 1399
Puetz, J. J.,' 1196
Pump, Peter, 1100 ,
Pye, W. W., 1404
Pye, S. M., 1403
Pve, C. W., 1401
Pye, C. G., 1398
Quinn, T. XL, 1408
Quist, Alfred, 1424
Raehac, J. J., 1419
Randall, M. S., 1424
Rask, S. A., 1134
Ratzlafl', W. H., 1500
Ray, N. S., 1105
Ray, Sam, 1104
Reed, C. A., 1422
Reed, H. H., 1422
Reid, W. McC, 1416
Eeich.stetter, P. A., 1176
Reigard, (Charles L, 733
Renchiu, .1. S., 1152
Remick, Henry, 1425
Reynolds, R. H., 1205
Revier, Frank, 1414
Ribstein, F. E., 1172
Rice, Henry M., 95
Rice, Eugene, 7'31
Richardson, .L W., 1415
Richter, B. R., 1413
INDEX
155'J
Ricliter, E. W., 728
Rions, J. P., 1164
Rions, T. J., 1104
Rockwood, IT. C, 1177
Rockwood, P. J., 1177
Roe, Herman, 1532
Rogers, A. C, 1420
Rollins, Ethan, 1418
Rosskopf, F. R., 1105
Roth, H. H., 1417
Rowbcrg, A. A., 1541
Rowland, Joseph W., 1062
Riien, H. 0., 1220
Ruge. P. F., 1418
Kiimpf, W. II., 1517
Runge, T. A., 1104
Saemrow, Wm., 1495
Sahler, C. P.. 1229
Sallraon, William H., 496
Sander, Henrv R., 1063
Sanford, C. W., 1427
Saufferer, Benjamin, 1426
Sawyer, D. P., 1235
Sawver, A. W., 733
Sawyer, W. F., 727
Sawyer, J. A., 727
Schafer, Barnard, 1207
Schochet, P. A., 1497
Schoen, J. X., 1136
Schilling, W. F., 1545
Schmidt, A. 0., 1153
Schmidt, Carl, 1445
Schmidt, Herman, 1068
Schuldt, .7. H. C, 1142
Schultz, J. W., 1543
Schwake, Edwin, 1444
Scott, Walter, 1433
Scrivcr, H. A.. 1489
Searles, J. B., 726
Scarles, D.. 1161
Selleck, W. A., 730
Selleck. O. D., 1154
Settc, C. F., 1122
Servatius, Charles J., 1067
Serv, John, 1441
Sev'erson, S. S., 1539
Shaft, W. S., 1427
Shields, Charles, 1535
Shields, James, 183
Shields, M. M., 1535
Shields, P. H., 1443
Shields, Thomas, 1536
Shipman, G. H., 1432
Shubert, Joseph. 1155
Simc, n. P., 1518
Simes, E. E., 1109
Simon, Joseph, 1172
Skalickv, Joseph, 1107
Skerik, 'Frank, 1108
Skinner, D. F. A., 1430
Skinner, M. W., 1435
Skluzacek, F. A.. 1519
Skluzacek, J. F.. 1446
Skluzacek, Thomas, 1442
Slaid, Thomas L., 1051
Slcvin, J. J., 1425
Sloan, F. C. 1206
Smersh, F. M., 1065
Smith, Adam, 1437
Smith, a. U, 1523
Smith, John, 1069
Smith, P. A., 1523
Smith, Warren, 1429
Smith, Wm. L., 1244
Snyder, J. W., 1431
Solberg, A., 1108
Sommers, .T. C, 1503
Sorenson, Peter, 11.53
Soufal, Joseph, 1219
Soufal, riiilip, 1219
Spear, Kv.-rett, 1431
Sperry, Albert L., 729
Sperry, Lyman B., 490
Sperry, W. A., 734
Spurr, M. M., 1209
Srsen, A. L., 1106
St. George, J. M., 1484
Stagcberg, An<lrew, 1065
Stangler, Emil, 1107
Statelar, Sylvester, 1439
Stauffer, a". J., 1439
Stearns, Clayton H., 1064
Stearns, G. B., 1109
Stcnbakken, O. II., 1441
Stewart, C. N., 1434
Stockwell, Harvev, 1215
Stoos, J. W., 1444
Storv, A. B., 1445
Stout, Harry W.. 1065
Stratton, Frederick E., 494
Street, John, 1485
Strong, James W., 482
Swanson, E. F.. 1496
Swartwood, H. A., 1438
Swisher, 8. N., 1519
Tanner, G. C., 1520
Tate. J. N., 1453
Tavlor, Arthur, 1448
TaVlor, E. A., 1482
Tavlor, H. W., 1451
Tavlor. L. S.. 1213
Tavlor. R. H., 732
Taylor, L. S., 1213
Temple, J. P., 1456
Tetrnult, J. H., 1496
Timm. August, 1447
Theopold, H. C.. 1486
Thiele, Gust, 1110
Thimscn, N. P., 1208
Thimsen. P. P., 1207
Thomas. A. r., 1220
Thompson. John, 1457
Thompson, Thomas, 1222
Thompson. W. A., 1454
Thompson, William. 768
Thorn, Theodore. 1454
Thorn, James, 723
Thorpe, G. C., 1449
Torgenson, C. R., 1185
Tower, G. W., 1450
Townsend. B. J., 14.12
Travis. Nicholas, 1451
Trends, J. W., 1449
Tripp, C. H.. 1458
Tuthill, E. 8., 1219
Tuttlc, H. W., 1447
1560
INDEX
Tuttle, Lvman, 1447
Twiford, "E. M., 1180
Uber, Adolph, 1137
Uggen, A. F., 1459
Valesh, J. A., 1461
Van Hosen, F. B., 726
Vaux, H. E., 1459
Vaux, E. J., 1463
Vesledal, J. S., 1462
Vesledal, 0. S., 1461
Vikla, A. H., 1534
Vikla, J. F., 1533
Vikia, M. G., 1533
Vikla, M. E., 1532
Vikla, AV. J., 1535
Viucr, John H., 1069
Vinton, C. W., 1140
Virtue, John, 1155
Virtue, Leonard, 1162
Vogelsberg, A. J., 1460
Volker, J. A., 1111
Von Eschen, L. F., 1462
Wachlin, Wm., 1466
Waklen, J. M., 1469
Wanous, Samuel, 1136
Wanous, Wni., 1121
Wardwell, W. B., 1185
Ware, A. K., 1478
Watts, Lambert, 1479
Warvin, John, 1190
Wavrin, William, 1071
Webb, F. C, 1190
Webster, E. E., 1174
Weinberger, G. L., 1465
Weld, L. E., 1545
Wells. James, 130
Wemple, E. B., 1477
West, S. M., 1468
Weston, G. S.. 1476
Weyer, Adam, 1521
Wever. U. C, 1522
Wheaton, C. A., 1526
Wheelock, E. F., 1464
Wheelock, L. L.,' 1129
Whipple, Eight Kev. Henrv B., 2G0
Whitman, JI. D., 1137
Whitney, C. M., 1464
Whiting, E. K., 1541
Whitney, H. E., 1530
Whittier, C. F., 1471
Whittier, H. A., 1470
Wickham, J. B.. 1472
Wiekham, W. JL, 1467
Wilker, Albert, 1155
Wilker, C. H., 1158
Wilker, W. F., 1162
Wilker, J. C, 1111
Wilkowske, F. H., 1475
Willdns, E. C, 1471
Williamson, O. E., 1070
Williams, W. E., 1189
Wilson, F. C, 1192
Wilson, H. G., 1191
Winans, X. 0., 1474
Winkley, A. A., 1473
Winship, H. X.. 1192
Woker, Wm., 1156
WoleskY, J. F., 1167
Wolf, E. J., 1476
Wolf, H. W., 1466
Wolff, E. C, 1176
Wolff, Herman, 1178
Wood. H. G., 1111
Woodard, Eufus T., 1071
Yearly, S. M., 724
Young, A. J., 1245
Young. J. F., 1232
Zabel, Wm., 1481
Zimmerman, Wm., 1480
Zwiener, A. J., 1193
Zwiencr, Frank, 1112
ILLUSTRATIONS
Barron House, 345
Barron, Horace E., 345
Batzle, Elizabeth, 1226
B'atzle, Christopher, 1226
Bigclow, E. E., 1245
Brown, L. C, 1034
Cashman, T. E., 1231
Clefton, G. J., 1036
Clifford, John, 1492
Coggswell, Amos, 721
Couper, J. C, 1529
Crocker, S. L., 1278
Dobbin, James, 1288
Dorrance, Geo., 1295
Faribault, Alexander (Frontispiece)
Faribault, Jean Baptiste, 1520
Frink, F. W., 329
Glotzbacb, F. L., 1318
Hammel, L. F., 1052
Hollister, L. M., 1332
Howe, T. J., 1047
Hulett, Luke, 1520
Jansen, Mr. and Mrs. U. C, 1182
Jewett, Stephen, 1510
Kelly, Wm. H., 1222
Leacb, E. M., 380
Morehouse, Eli M. (Frontispiece Vol.
11)
Nutting, Levi, 1520
Orcntt, E. B., 1395
Rogers, A. C, 1420
Sahler, Mr. and Mrs. C. P., 1229
Servatius, C. J., 1067
Schul.lt, Mr. aud Mrs. J. ir. C, 1142
Schuldt, Anton and Katharena, 1143
Scriver, H. A., 1489
Shields, James, 183
Skinner, M. \V., 1435
Sperry, W. A., 734
Tanner, G. C, 1520
Thimsen, P. P., and Family. 1207
Thompson, John, 1457
Viner, J. H., 1069
Walker, Mr. and MrR. ( . 11., 1158
Whcaton, C. A., 1526
Wheclock, L. L., 724
Whipple, Kight Reverend H. B., D.D.,
260
Whitman, M. D., 1137
Whitney, U. E., 1.530
Williamson, O. E., 1070
Woodard, R. T., 1071
Rice County Court House, 370
Faribault City Hall and Library, 368
01.1 Alexander Faribault House, 319
Crump Hall, 321
Faribault High School, 626
St. James School, Main Building, 315
Last Log House in Faribault, 295
Seabury Divinity School (1858), 295
Shattuek School! Main Buildings, 310
St. Lucas Hospital, Faribault, 374
Seabury Divinity School, 291
St. Mary 's Hall,' 317
Minnesota School for the Blind, 352
Steele County Court House, 752
Minnesota School for Feeble-minded,
358
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